Short-Chain Fatty Acid Utilization in Cyberlindnera jadinii for Single-Cell Protein and Odd-Chain Fatty Acid...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbial Fermentation
• Sustainable Protein Production

Background:

• Growing global demand for sustainable protein sources.
• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are abundant, waste-derived compounds suitable for bioprocessing.
• Non-conventional yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii as a potential platform for SCP production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utilization of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate) as substrates for single-cell protein (SCP) production by Cyberlindnera jadinii.
• To optimize the bioprocess for enhanced SCP and fatty acid production.
• To evaluate the composition of the produced biomass.

Main Methods:

• Cultivation of Cyberlindnera jadinii in stirred tank bioreactors using SCFAs as carbon and energy sources.
• Development of a fed-batch pH-stat bioprocess to mitigate substrate inhibition.
• Analysis of biomass composition, including crude protein, crude lipids, and fatty acid profiles.

Main Results:

• Cyberlindnera jadinii efficiently utilized acetate, propionate, and butyrate without significant inhibition.
• Fed-batch bioprocessing achieved a highest titer of 31.3 g/L, rate of 0.67 g/L/h, and yield of 0.36 g/g using propionate.
• The resulting biomass contained 41.3% crude protein and 17.3% crude lipids (81% unsaturated), with 37% odd-chain fatty acids when using propionate.

Conclusions:

• SCFAs are viable substrates for producing single-cell protein and valuable fatty acids using Cyberlindnera jadinii.
• The developed bioprocess offers a sustainable route for resource valorization within a circular bioeconomy.
• Cyberlindnera jadinii demonstrates potential for producing not only protein but also specific fatty acid profiles, including odd-chain fatty acids.