Lipid nutrition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in winemaking

Biosynthesis of cell membrane lipids is a crucial metabolic pathway for the growth and viability of eucaryotic microorganisms. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, unsaturated fatty acids and ergosterol synthesis needs molecular oxygen. Stuck and sluggish fermentations are related to this aspect of metabolism and constitute a major problem in the wine industry. Anaerobiosis, when lipids are not available in the growth medium, highly stresses cells. They release lipid biosynthesis metabolites and soon cease to multiply. This paper describes an investigation of the nutritional role of exogenous lipids from inactivated yeast cells (IYCs). Fermentations were carried out in a nitrogen-rich synthetic medium similar to grape juice with glucose and fructose as carbon sources, without lipid sources, and in anaerobiosis. The effect of the addition of IYC was assessed. Cell growth, cell lipid composition, glucose and fructose consumption, and acetic acid production were measured during fermentation. Addition of IYC boosted cell growth and sugar consumption, whereas acetic acid production decreased. Biomass yield was influenced by ergosterol availability and increased when IYCs were added. Fatty acid composition of yeast cells was changed by IYC addition.