Immobilization of Yarrowia lipolytica for Aroma Production from Castor Oil

The main aim of this study was to compare different materials for Y. lipolytica immobilization that could be used in the production of gamma-decalactone (a peach-like aroma) in order to prevent the toxic effect both of the substrate and the aroma upon the cells. Therefore, cells adsorption onto pieces of methyl polymethacrylate and of DupUMA (R) was studied and further used in the biotransformation of castor oil into gamma-decalactone. The highest aroma concentration was obtained with immobilized cells in DupUMA (R), where reconsumption of the aroma by the cells was prevented, contrarily to what happens with free cells. This is a very promising result for gamma-decalactone production, with potential to be used at an industrial level since the use of immobilized cells system will facilitate the conversion of a batch process into a continuous mode keeping high cell density and allowing easier recovery of metabolic products.