Decalactone production by Yarrowia lipolytica under increased O2 transfer rates

Abstract

Yarrowia lipolytica converts methyl ricinoleate to γ-decalactone, a high-value fruity aroma compound. The highest amount of 3-hydroxy-γ-decalactone produced by the yeast (263 mg lˉ¹) occurred by increasing the kLa up to 120 hˉ¹ at atmospheric pressure; above it, its concentration decreased, suggesting a predominance of the activity of 3- ydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase. Cultures were grown under high-pressure, i.e., under increased O2 solubility, but, although growth was accelerated, γ-decalactone production decreased. However, by applying 0.5 MPa during growth and biotransformation gave increased oncentrations of dec-2-en-4-olide and dec-3-en-4-olide (70 mg lˉ¹).