Short-Chain Fatty Acid Utilization in <i>Cyberlindnera jadinii</i> for Single-Cell Protein and Odd-Chain Fatty Acid Production

In view of the growing global need for sustainable protein sources, this study explores the utilization of short-chain fatty acids into single-cell protein using the non-conventional yeast <i>Cyberlindnera jadinii</i>. Short-chain fatty acids can be sustainably produced via anaerobic dig...

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Main Authors: Christian Hermansen, Rowanne Siao, Gi Gi Chua, Mikko Ru Xuan Lee, Aaron Thong, Melanie Weingarten, Nic Lindley, Eric Charles Peterson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Microorganisms
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1558
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Summary:In view of the growing global need for sustainable protein sources, this study explores the utilization of short-chain fatty acids into single-cell protein using the non-conventional yeast <i>Cyberlindnera jadinii</i>. Short-chain fatty acids can be sustainably produced via anaerobic digestion of organic waste, presenting a promising fermentation substrate for a circular bioeconomy. <i>Cyberlindnera jadinii</i> is demonstrated to be capable of growing on acetate, propionate and butyrate as both a carbon and energy source without strong inhibition. Bioprocess development was conducted in stirred tank bioreactors, where a fed-batch pH-stat bioprocess led to improved efficiency without substrate inhibition. The highest titer of 31.3 ± 1.0 g/L, rate of 0.67 ± 0.02 g/L/h and yield of 0.36 ± 0.01 g/g was achieved with propionate. The resulting biomass contained 41.3% crude protein, and 17.3% crude lipids with 81% unsaturated fatty acids. In contrast to acetate and butyrate, propionate as a substrate led to accumulation of 37% odd-chain fatty acids with titer, rate and yield of 1.74 ± 0.06 g/L, 0.037 ± 0.001 g/L/h and 0.020 ± 0.001 g/g. These findings confirm that short-chain fatty acids are viable fermentation substrates not only for single-cell protein, but also unsaturated and odd-chain fatty acid production with <i>Cyberlindnera jadinii</i>.
ISSN:2076-2607