Biotechnological Potential of Yarrowia lipolytica Grown under Thiamine Limitation

Svetlana V. Kamzolova¹*, Maria N. Chiglintseva^1,2, Alsu I. Yusupova¹, Natalia G. Vinokurova¹, Valentina Ya. Lysanskaya¹ and Igor G. Morgunov<sup>1

1</sup>G. K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, pr-t Nauki 5, Pushchino, RU-142290 Moscow Region, Russia
²Pushchino Branch of Moscow State University, Microdistrict 'V' 25, Pushchino, RU-142290 Moscow Region, Russia

Article history:
Received June 15, 2011
Accepted November 17, 2011

Key words:
microbial production, succinic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, Yarrowia lipolytica, γ-aminobutyric acid, diethyl succinate

Summary:
During the cultivation of a thiamine-auxotrophic yeast strain Yarrowia lipolytica VKM Y-2412 on ethanol, the growth limitation by thiamine leads to the production of α-ketoglutaric acid. The α-ketoglutaric acid synthesis has been studied in dependence on pH, oxygen supply and ethanol, zinc and iron concentrations. Under optimal conditions, Y. lipolytica produced 88.7 g/L of α-ketoglutaric acid. The culture broth containing α-ketoglutaric acid was subjected to chemical treatment with hydrogen peroxide, which led to the formation of succinic acid in significant quantities (71.7 g/L). Further direct esterification of succinic acid with excess absolute ethanol yielded diethyl succinate. Biomass of Y. lipolytica, a superproducer of α-ketoglutaric acid, was characterized by a high content of protein and essential amino acids, free amino acids, and unusually large amount of γ-aminobutyric acid. The unique amino acid composition of the producer makes it possible to use this biomass as a component of parenteral nutrition mixtures and as a basis for neuroleptics.

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