D-Limonene Inhibits Pichia kluyveri Y-11519 in Sichuan Pickles by Disrupting Metabolism

Chaoyi Zeng1,2,3, Yue Sun1,3, Haoran Lin1,3

  • 1College of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China.

PubMed

Insights

D-limonene inhibits Pichia kluyveri, a spoilage yeast in Sichuan pickles, by disrupting key metabolic pathways. This natural preservative affects cell wall synthesis, energy production, and oxidative balance, offering potential for food preservation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Food Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Pichia kluyveri is a common spoilage yeast in Sichuan pickles (SCPs).
  • This yeast accelerates spoilage bacteria growth, leading to off-odors and decay.
  • D-limonene is a natural preservative that inhibits P. kluyveri, but its mechanism is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism of D-limonene's inhibition on Pichia kluyveri.
  • To investigate the impact of D-limonene on P. kluyveri's core metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the effects of D-limonene on P. kluyveri growth.
  • Analyzed gene transcription related to essential metabolic pathways.
  • Assessed impacts on cell wall/membrane synthesis, energy production, and oxidative balance.

Main Results:

  • D-limonene significantly inhibited P. kluyveri growth.
  • Disrupted gene transcription for cell wall/membrane synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and TCA cycle.
  • Compromised cell integrity, ATP synthesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance.

Conclusions:

  • D-limonene disrupts critical metabolic processes in P. kluyveri.
  • Provides a molecular understanding of D-limonene's preservative action.
  • Highlights D-limonene's potential application in the Sichuan pickle industry for spoilage control.