Cyberlindnera jadinii (Candida utilis)

Overview

• Scientific name: Cyberlindnera jadinii

• Former names: Candida utilis, Torula yeast

• Type: Unicellular yeast (a type of fungus)

• Characteristics:

  • Non-pathogenic and generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

  • Can grow on a variety of substrates, including industrial waste streams like wood hydrolysates, molasses, and lignocellulosic biomass.

  • Capable of metabolizing pentoses (like xylose), which many other yeasts cannot.

  • High protein content; used as a single-cell protein source.

Biotechnological Uses

1. Single-Cell Protein (SCP) Production

   • C. jadinii is rich in proteins, vitamins, and nucleotides.

   • Used in animal feed (especially for poultry and aquaculture) and sometimes as a dietary supplement in humans.

   • Advantage: It can grow on inexpensive, renewable substrates like agricultural by-products.

2. Enzyme Production

   • Produces enzymes such as invertase, xylanase, and proteases.

   • These enzymes are valuable in food processing, biofuel production, and other industrial applications.

3. Vitamins and Nutraceuticals

   • Capable of synthesizing B-vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin).

   • Can be used to fortify foods or as part of dietary supplements.

4. Bioconversion and Bioremediation

   • Can metabolize waste products from the paper, sugar, and bioethanol industries.

   • Converts low-value substrates into high-value biomass or metabolites, making industrial processes more sustainable.

5. Heterologous Protein Expression

   • Serves as a host for producing recombinant proteins.

   • Its non-pathogenic nature and GRAS status make it safer than some other yeast systems like Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Pichia pastoris for certain applications.

Key Advantages in Biotechnology

• GRAS organism → easier regulatory approval for food and feed uses.

• Can grow on a wide variety of carbon sources, including industrial by-products.

• High protein and vitamin content → nutritionally valuable biomass.

• Flexible metabolism allows production of enzymes, bioactive compounds, and recombinant proteins.