Improving flavor metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by mixed culture with Wickerhamomyces anomalus for Chinese Baijiu making

• Published in: Journal of bioscience and bioengineering Vol. 126; no. 2; pp. 189 - 195
• Main Authors: Zha, Musu, Sun, Baoguo, Wu, Yiping, Yin, Sheng, Wang, Chengtao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Elsevier B.V 01.08.2018
• Subjects: 2-Phenylethanol; Baijiu; Ethyl acetate; fermentation; flavor; l-Phenylalanine; metabolites; mixed culture; phenylalanine; phenylethyl alcohol; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; volatile compounds; Wickerhamomyces anomalus; yeasts; Ethyl acetate; Wickerhamomyces anomalus; Baijiu; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; l-Phenylalanine; 2-Phenylethanol
• ISSN: 1389-1723; 1347-4421; 1347-4421
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2018.02.010

Yeasts are the most important microorganisms in the fermentation of Chinese Baijiu and the interaction of these yeasts could impact the quality of Baijiu. In this study, we initially characterized the Baijiu yeasts and evaluated their fermentation potential. Wickerhamomyces anomalus GZ3 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae G20 were found to generate high yields of ethyl acetate (2.76 g/L) and 2-phenylethanol, respectively. Results also indicated that the use of W. anomalus along with S. cerevisiae increased volatile compounds production, the maximum ethyl acetate production was observed in S. cerevisiae and W. anomalus at 106:106 ratio and have increased by 33 % compared with single culture of W. anomalus. Besides, there was a significant increase of 2-phenylethanol (3.29 g/L) production in single culture of S. cerevisiae with the addition of l-phenylalanine. However, the conversion of l-phenylalanine in mixed culture had significant impact on the yeasts interaction and end flavor of Baijiu. Thus, the present study provided new insights into yeasts interactions in Baijiu fermentation and the effect of some primary metabolites on the end flavor and Baijiu quality. •Two functional yeasts named GZ3 and G20 from Chinese Baijiu Making were screened.•High ethyl acetate production (2.76 g/L) was obtained by Wickerhamomyces anomalus GZ3.•Saccharomyces cerevisiae G20 showed great conversion efficiency of l-phenylalanine.•GZ3 and G20 were synergistic enhancing the amount of ethyl acetate.•G20 was a high alcohol (2-phenylethanol and ethanol) pressure-resistant yeast.