Identification and enzymatic profile of yeasts isolated from artisinal cheese in Southern Brazil

Yeasts may contribute positively to the characteristic taste and flavour development during cheese ripening or cause deterioration of the product. In this study we report the presence of yeasts in 59 samples of artisanal cheeses (43 samples of colonial cheese, 5 of ricotta, 9 of provolone, and 2 of Caccio Cavallo) marketed at stands in the coastal area of Rio Grande do Sul, collected between November 2004 and June 2005. Yeast counts were between 10  4 and 107 UFC/g. One hundred and ten strains were isolated from 30 representative cheese samples. Of these, 97 isolates had ascomycetic affinity, and only 13 were basidiomycetes. The isolates belong to the genera Candida, Debaryomyces, Dekkera, Dipodascus, Galactomyces, Kluyveromyces, Kodamaea, Pichia, Rhodosporidium, Saccharomyces, Schizoblastosporion, Sporidiobolus, Torulaspora, Trichosporon, Yarrowia, and Zygosaccharomyces. The predominant species found were Yarrowia lipolytica, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Candida zeylanoides. More than 56% of the strains were lipolytic, while almost 13% were caseinolytic, and approximately 31% were gelatinolytic. The presence of potentially pathogenic and/or deteriorating yeasts emphasizes the need for a better hygienic control of cheese manufacturing and storage. The ability these microorganisms have to produce proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes enhance the potential risk of cheese deterioration during storage

Phylloplane yeasts as a source of industrially interesting enzymes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the phylloplane of tropical plants as a source of yeasts capable of producing industrially relevant enzymes. A total of 446 yeast and yeast-like strains were isolated from the phylloplanes of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Malvaceae), Coussapoa microcarpa (Urticaceae), and species of Ficus (Moraceae) and Bromeliaceae, which were collected in southern Brazil and tested for the production of extracellular enzymes. Esterase activity was predominant (202 strains), while 71 isolates had amylase activity, 170 were caseinolytic, and 72 degraded gelatin. Only three strains were capable of producing all enzymes. The phylloplane appears to be a good substrate to look for and isolate yeasts with enzyme production potential. There were differences in yeast enzyme profiles among the plants analyzed: gelatinase was more common among the isolates from H. rosa-sinensis (36.6%), while esterase was predominant among the isolates from C. microcarpa and the species of Ficus (71.3%). This study suggests the phylloplane as a new potential source of yeasts with industrially interesting properties.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o filoplano de plantas de habitats tropicais como fonte de leveduras capazes de produzir enzimas de relevância industrial. Um total de 446 cepas de leveduras e fungos semelhantes a leveduras foram isoladas do filoplano de Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, bromélias e figueiras, coletadas no Sul do Brasil, e testadas para a produção de enzimas extracelulares. A atividade de esterase foi predominante (202 cepas), enquanto 71 isolados tiveram atividade amilolítica, 170 foram caseinolíticos e 72 degradaram gelatina. Apenas três cepas foram capazes de produzir todas as enzimas. O filoplano parece ser um bom substrato para o isolamento de leveduras com potencial de produção de enzimas. Existiram diferenças nos perfis enzimáticos das leveduras entre as plantas analisadas: gelatinase foi mais comum entre os isolados de H. rosa-sinensis (36,6%), enquanto esterase foi predominante entre os isolados de figueiras (71,3%). Esse estudo chama a atenção para o filoplano como uma nova fonte potencial de leveduras com propriedades de interesse industrial

Leveduras do filoplano como fonte de enzimas de interesse industrial

The objective of this study was to evaluate the phylloplane of tropical plants as a source of yeasts capable of producing industrially relevant enzymes. A total of 446 yeast and yeast-like strains were isolated from the phylloplanes of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Malvaceae), Coussapoa microcarpa (Urticaceae), and species of Ficus (Moraceae) and Bromeliaceae, which were collected in southern Brazil and tested for the production of extracellular enzymes. Esterase activity was predominant (202 strains), while 71 isolates had amylase activity, 170 were caseinolytic, and 72 degraded gelatin. Only three strains were capable of producing all enzymes. The phylloplane appears to be a good substrate to look for and isolate yeasts with enzyme production potential. There were differences in yeast enzyme profiles among the plants analyzed: gelatinase was more common among the isolates from H. rosa-sinensis (36.6%), while esterase was predominant among the isolates from C. microcarpa and the species of Ficus (71.3%). This study suggests the phylloplane as a new potential source of yeasts with industrially interesting properties.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o filoplano de plantas de habitats tropicais como fonte de leveduras capazes de produzir enzimas de relevância industrial. Um total de 446 cepas de leveduras e fungos semelhantes a leveduras foram isoladas do filoplano de Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, bromélias e figueiras, coletadas no Sul do Brasil, e testadas para a produção de enzimas extracelulares. A atividade de esterase foi predominante (202 cepas), enquanto 71 isolados tiveram atividade amilolítica, 170 foram caseinolíticos e 72 degradaram gelatina. Apenas três cepas foram capazes de produzir todas as enzimas. O filoplano parece ser um bom substrato para o isolamento de leveduras com potencial de produção de enzimas. Existiram diferenças nos perfis enzimáticos das leveduras entre as plantas analisadas: gelatinase foi mais comum entre os isolados de H. rosa-sinensis (36,6%), enquanto esterase foi predominante entre os isolados de figueiras (71,3%). Esse estudo chama a atenção para o filoplano como uma nova fonte potencial de leveduras com propriedades de interesse industrial

Prevalence, antifungal susceptibility and virulence determinants of oral yeast species isolated from immunodeficient patients in Northeastern Brazil

Background and Objectives: Oral candidiasis has a common occurrence in immunocompromised patients. However, other emergent infections have become increasingly common. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, virulence determinants and the antifungal susceptibility of yeast colonizing the mucosa of immunocompromised patients in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: Samples from sixty HIV-positive patients seen at the Specialized Service / Hospital Dia - Hospital Universitário Prof. Alberto Antunes from the Federal University of Alagoas were collected from subgingival sites and seeded on CHROMagar for presumptive confirmation of Candida spp. followed by PCR and sequencing. In addition, we tested virulence determinants, phospholipase and protease and evaluated in vitro the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of antifungals amphotericin B and fluconazole. This project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Center for Higher Studies in Maceió. Results: Approximately 63% of the patients were colonized by yeasts, with C. albicans as the predominant species, while non-Candida albicans species accounted for 49% of the isolates, with C. dubliniensis and C. parapsilosis being the commonest, but C. intermedia, Bullera penniseticola and Naganishia liquefaciens were also found. The virulence determinants protease and/or phospholipase were also produced by Candida spp. and some uncommon opportunistic isolates such as Kodamaea ohmeri, N. liquefaciens and Saitozyma podzolica. Furthermore, most of Candida spp. strains and some uncommon opportunistic species showed high values of minimal inhibitory concentration. Conclusion: Results obtained indicate that C. albicans continues to be the predominant species in oral cavity of immunodeficient patients and along with other unusual species may present high resistance to the antifungals tested

The oleaginous yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii BI281A as a new potential biodiesel feedstock : selection and lipid production optimization

A high throughput screening (HTS) methodology for evaluation of cellular lipid content based on Nile red fluorescence reads using black background 96-wells test plates and a plate reader equipment allowed the rapid intracellular lipid estimation of strains from a Brazilian phylloplane yeast collection. A new oleaginous yeast,Meyerozyma guilliermondii BI281A, was selected, for which the gravimetric determination of total lipids relative to dry weight was 52.38%for glucose or 34.97%for pure glycerol. The lipid production was optimized obtaining 108 mg/L of neutral lipids using pure glycerol as carbon source, and the strain proved capable of accumulating oil using raw glycerol from a biodiesel refinery. The lipid profile showed monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) varying between 56 or 74% in pure or raw glycerol, respectively. M. guilliermondii BI281A bears potential as a new biodiesel feedstock

Marine biotechnology in Brazil : recent developments and its potential for innovation

Marine biotechnology is an emerging field in Brazil and includes the exploration of marine microbial products, aquaculture, omics, isolation of biologically active compounds, identification of biosynthetic gene clusters from symbiotic microorganisms, investigation of invertebrate diseases caused by potentially pathogenic marine microbes, and development of antifouling compounds. Furthermore, the field also encompasses description of new biological niches, current threats, preservation strategies as well as its biotechnological potential. Finally, it is important to depict some of the major approaches and tools being employed to such end. To address the challenges of marine biotechnology, the Brazilian government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Communication, has established the National Research Network in Marine Biotechnology (BiotecMar) (www.biotecmar.sage.coppe.ufrj.br). Its main objective is to harness marine biodiversity and develop the marine bioeconomy through innovative research

Genetic characterization and assessment of the diversity of yeasts associated with bromeliads in Itapuã park, Viamão/RS

Durante o período de abril de 2004 a fevereiro de 2007, foram coletadas 73 amostras de folhas de bromélias do Parque de Itapuã, Viamão, RS, com o objetivo de descrever as espécies de leveduras presentes, elucidar a ecologia destes microrganismos nesse habitat e avaliar o perfil enzimático das leveduras isoladas. Fragmentos das folhas foram submetidos a lavagens sucessivas com 0,5% Tween 20. Diluições decimais seriadas da última lavagem, amostras de água dos tanques de bromélias e de flores foram inoculadas em meio YM (levedura-malte) modificado e incubadas a 25°C por 5-7 dias. Representantes dos diferentes morfotipos foram selecionados, purificados e mantidos a 4ºC até a caracterização molecular. Dos 178 isolados obtidos, 148 foram identificados por meio do seqüenciamento da região D1/D2 do rDNA e/ou ITS, sendo 6% de afinidade ascomicética e 94% de afinidade basidiomicética. Do total identificado, cerca de 61% são espécies ainda não descritas de leveduras. Os gêneros Cryptococcus e Rhodotorula foram predominantes, seguidos por Farysizyma gen. nov. e Sporobolomyces. Dentre as leveduras já descritas, as espécies Rhodotorula marina (n=12), e Cryptococcus flavescens (n=16) foram as mais freqüentes. A espécie de afinidade basidiomicética denominada Farysizyma itapuensis foi descrita no presente trabalho e demonstrou ser freqüente (n=18). Além dessa espécie, foi descrita uma nova espécie de levedura basidiomicética pigmentada: Cryptococcus bromeliarum sp. nov.. Entre os ascomicetos, duas espécies novas foram identificadas e descritas, Candida aechmeae sp. nov. e Candida vrieseae sp. nov.. Alguns isolados designados como Cryptococccus sp. nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 e 11 e Rhodotorula sp. nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, entre outros menos frequentes, também pertencem a novas espécies e estão em processo de descrição. A diversidade e a riqueza de leveduras, calculadas pelo índice de Shannon-Weaver, foram maiores na Praia da Fora (H=3,471 e S=41) que na Praia da Pedreira (H=3,007 e S=32). Cento e quinze isolados tiveram sua capacidade para produzir enzimas amilase, celulase, proteinase e pectinase testadas, 107 foram testadas para hidrólise de azeite e 114 para tween 80. Desses, cerca de 13% foram positivos para amilase, 35,5% para proteinase, 17% para celulase, aproximadamente 3% para hidrólise de azeite e 72% para tween 80. Nenhum isolado apresentou resultado positivo para pectinase. Os resultados obtidos revelaram o grande potencial do filoplano de bromélias como substrato para o estudo e identificação de novas espécies de leveduras, assim como um bom substrato para o isolamento de leveduras produtoras de enzimas de interesse industrial.From April 2004 until February 2007, 73 samples of leaves of bromeliads were collected in Itapuã Park, Viamão, RS, with the objective of describing the yeast species present, elucidating the ecology of these microorganisms in this habitat and evaluating the enzymatic profile of yeasts isolates. Leaf pieces were submitted to successive washings with 0.5%Tween 20. Decimal serial dilutions from the last washing, samples of tank water, and flowers were inoculated in modified YM medium, and incubated at 25°C for 5-7 days. Representatives of different morphotypes were selected, purified and stored at 4°C until molecular characterization. Of the 178 isolates obtained, 148 were identified by sequencing the D1/D2 region of rDNA and / or ITS, being 6% of ascomycetous affinity and 94% of basidiomycetous affinity. Of the total identified, about 61% are undescribed yeast species. The genus Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula were predominant, followed by Farysizyma gen. nov. and Sporobolomyces. Among the yeasts already described, Rhodotorula marina (n = 12) and Cryptococcus flavescens (n = 16) were the most frequent. The species of basidiomycetous affinity named Farysizyma itapuensis was described in this work and proved to be frequent (n = 18). Besides this species, a new species of basidiomicetous pigmented yeast was also described: Cryptococcus bromeliarum sp. nov.. Among the ascomycetes, two new species were identified and described, Candida aechmeae sp. nov. and Candida vrieseae sp. nov.. Some isolates designated as Cryptococccus sp. nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and Rhodotorula sp. nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, among other less frequent, also belong to new species and are in the process of description. The diversity and richness of yeasts, calculated by the Shannon-Weaver index, were higher in Fora Beach (H = 3.471 and S = 41) than Pedreira Beach (H = 3.007 and S = 32). One hundred and fifteen isolates had their ability to produce amylase, proteinase, cellulase and pectinase tested, 107 isolates were tested for olive oil consumption and 114 for tween 80. Of these, 13% were positive for amylase, 35.5% for proteinase, 17% for cellulase, 3% for olive oil and 72% for Tween 80. No isolate was positive for pectinase. The results revealed the great potential of phylloplane bromeliads as a substrate for the study and identification of new species of yeasts, as well as a good substrate for the isolation of yeasts producing enzymes of industrial interest

Biodiversidade e potencial biotecnológico de leveduras e fungos leveduriformes associados ao filoplano de bromélias do Parque de Itapuã-Viamão/RS

As bromélias abrigam uma grande diversidade de organismos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar a biodiversidade de leveduras e fungos leveduriformes presentes no filoplano de bromélias e avaliar seu potencial biotecnológico. Foram coletadas 50 amostras de folhas de bromélias no Parque Estadual de Itapuã/RS (Praia da Pedreira e Praia de Fora). Fragmentos das folhas foram submetidos a lavagens sucessivas com 0,5%Tween 20. Diluições decimais seriadas da última lavagem, amostras de água dos tanques de bromélias e de flores foram inoculadas em meio YM modificado e incubadas a 25°C por 5-7 dias. Representantes dos diferentes morfotipos foram purificados e identificados pela metodologia convencional. A análise da biodiversidade foi realizada através do índice de Shannon-Weaver. Dos 191 isolados obtidos, 182 foram identificados, sendo 11% leveduras de afinidade ascomicética, 67,6% de afinidade basidiomicética, 19,8% de fungos leveduriformes e 1,6% de algas. Doze isolados de leveduras tiveram as regiões ITS e D1/D2 do 26SrDNA sequenciadas e pertencem a uma espécie ainda não descrita do gênero Rhodotorula. A diversidade e a riqueza de leveduras foram maiores na Praia da Pedreira (H=3,225 e S=34) que na Praia de Fora (H=2,820 e S=26). Cento e noventa e um isolados tiveram sua capacidade para produzir enzimas testada. Desses, 40,2% foram positivos para amilase, 49,2% para caseinase, 14,8% para gelatinase, 58,0% para celobiase, 36,0% para lactase e 61,3% para esterase. O filoplano das bromélias apresentou uma grande biodiversidade de leveduras e fungos leveduriformes,.demonstrando ser um bom substrato para o isolamento de leveduras produtoras de enzimas de interesse industrial

Genetic characterization and assessment of the diversity of yeasts associated with bromeliads in Itapuã park, Viamão/RS

Durante o período de abril de 2004 a fevereiro de 2007, foram coletadas 73 amostras de folhas de bromélias do Parque de Itapuã, Viamão, RS, com o objetivo de descrever as espécies de leveduras presentes, elucidar a ecologia destes microrganismos nesse habitat e avaliar o perfil enzimático das leveduras isoladas. Fragmentos das folhas foram submetidos a lavagens sucessivas com 0,5% Tween 20. Diluições decimais seriadas da última lavagem, amostras de água dos tanques de bromélias e de flores foram inoculadas em meio YM (levedura-malte) modificado e incubadas a 25°C por 5-7 dias. Representantes dos diferentes morfotipos foram selecionados, purificados e mantidos a 4ºC até a caracterização molecular. Dos 178 isolados obtidos, 148 foram identificados por meio do seqüenciamento da região D1/D2 do rDNA e/ou ITS, sendo 6% de afinidade ascomicética e 94% de afinidade basidiomicética. Do total identificado, cerca de 61% são espécies ainda não descritas de leveduras. Os gêneros Cryptococcus e Rhodotorula foram predominantes, seguidos por Farysizyma gen. nov. e Sporobolomyces. Dentre as leveduras já descritas, as espécies Rhodotorula marina (n=12), e Cryptococcus flavescens (n=16) foram as mais freqüentes. A espécie de afinidade basidiomicética denominada Farysizyma itapuensis foi descrita no presente trabalho e demonstrou ser freqüente (n=18). Além dessa espécie, foi descrita uma nova espécie de levedura basidiomicética pigmentada: Cryptococcus bromeliarum sp. nov.. Entre os ascomicetos, duas espécies novas foram identificadas e descritas, Candida aechmeae sp. nov. e Candida vrieseae sp. nov.. Alguns isolados designados como Cryptococccus sp. nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 e 11 e Rhodotorula sp. nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, entre outros menos frequentes, também pertencem a novas espécies e estão em processo de descrição. A diversidade e a riqueza de leveduras, calculadas pelo índice de Shannon-Weaver, foram maiores na Praia da Fora (H=3,471 e S=41) que na Praia da Pedreira (H=3,007 e S=32). Cento e quinze isolados tiveram sua capacidade para produzir enzimas amilase, celulase, proteinase e pectinase testadas, 107 foram testadas para hidrólise de azeite e 114 para tween 80. Desses, cerca de 13% foram positivos para amilase, 35,5% para proteinase, 17% para celulase, aproximadamente 3% para hidrólise de azeite e 72% para tween 80. Nenhum isolado apresentou resultado positivo para pectinase. Os resultados obtidos revelaram o grande potencial do filoplano de bromélias como substrato para o estudo e identificação de novas espécies de leveduras, assim como um bom substrato para o isolamento de leveduras produtoras de enzimas de interesse industrial.From April 2004 until February 2007, 73 samples of leaves of bromeliads were collected in Itapuã Park, Viamão, RS, with the objective of describing the yeast species present, elucidating the ecology of these microorganisms in this habitat and evaluating the enzymatic profile of yeasts isolates. Leaf pieces were submitted to successive washings with 0.5%Tween 20. Decimal serial dilutions from the last washing, samples of tank water, and flowers were inoculated in modified YM medium, and incubated at 25°C for 5-7 days. Representatives of different morphotypes were selected, purified and stored at 4°C until molecular characterization. Of the 178 isolates obtained, 148 were identified by sequencing the D1/D2 region of rDNA and / or ITS, being 6% of ascomycetous affinity and 94% of basidiomycetous affinity. Of the total identified, about 61% are undescribed yeast species. The genus Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula were predominant, followed by Farysizyma gen. nov. and Sporobolomyces. Among the yeasts already described, Rhodotorula marina (n = 12) and Cryptococcus flavescens (n = 16) were the most frequent. The species of basidiomycetous affinity named Farysizyma itapuensis was described in this work and proved to be frequent (n = 18). Besides this species, a new species of basidiomicetous pigmented yeast was also described: Cryptococcus bromeliarum sp. nov.. Among the ascomycetes, two new species were identified and described, Candida aechmeae sp. nov. and Candida vrieseae sp. nov.. Some isolates designated as Cryptococccus sp. nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and Rhodotorula sp. nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, among other less frequent, also belong to new species and are in the process of description. The diversity and richness of yeasts, calculated by the Shannon-Weaver index, were higher in Fora Beach (H = 3.471 and S = 41) than Pedreira Beach (H = 3.007 and S = 32). One hundred and fifteen isolates had their ability to produce amylase, proteinase, cellulase and pectinase tested, 107 isolates were tested for olive oil consumption and 114 for tween 80. Of these, 13% were positive for amylase, 35.5% for proteinase, 17% for cellulase, 3% for olive oil and 72% for Tween 80. No isolate was positive for pectinase. The results revealed the great potential of phylloplane bromeliads as a substrate for the study and identification of new species of yeasts, as well as a good substrate for the isolation of yeasts producing enzymes of industrial interest