Utilization of an auxotrophic strain of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to improve gamma-decalactone production yields.

gamma-Decalactone is an aroma compound with a pleasant peachy odour. Most industrial processes use the bioconversion of ricinoleic acid by yeasts to produce gamma-decalactone. Peroxisomal beta-oxidation activity is responsible for the bioconversion. Some yeasts, Yarrowia lipolytica in particular, grow during the bioconversion, yielding a low bioconversion rate. Auxotrophy for uracil of a genetically engineered Y. lipolytica strain was used to prevent growth in the bioconversion medium. beta-Oxidation activities and gamma-decalactone production of the auxotrophic strain were measured and compared with a wild-type strain in media supplemented or not. Induction of beta-oxidation was observed in the non-supplemented medium, although to a lesser extent than in supplemented medium. Aroma productivity of the auxotrophic strain in the supplemented medium was similar to that observed for the wild-type strain in both media. However, in the non-supplemented medium the productivity of the auxotrophic strain was 10-20-fold higher.