Impact of surfactants on the biotransformation of methyl ricinoleate into γ-decalactone by Yarrowia lipolytica

Surfactants play a key role in the biotechnological degradation of hydrophobic substrates, however this role is often misunderstood. During the biotransformation of methyl ricinoleate into the aroma compound γ-decalactone by the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, a direct contact occurs between the surface of the cells and the small droplets of substrate. The impact of a series of surfactants on this process was investigated. Both ionic surfactants tested were toxic towards the yeast. This effect may be linked to a decrease in the cell membrane integrity. The interfacial area of the emulsion varied according to the non-ionic surfactant used, and this factor was correlated with the productivity of the biotransformation. By evaluating the effect of surfactants on the capacity of the cells to adhere to decane (MATH test), it was shown that the adhesion of methyl ricinoleate on yeast surface is not a rate-limiting point for the process. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.