Survival of the postharvest biocontrol yeast Candida sake CPA-1 after dehydration by spray-drying

Spray drying was evaluated as a dehydrating method to preserve the postharvest biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA-1. The effect of drying temperature, carrier, growth and rehydrating medium on the survival of the yeast was studied. Outlet temperature had more influence on the death of the cells than inlet temperature, and survival decreased with increasing temperature. Spray drying at an inlet temperature of 150 degrees C was optimum in terms of viability, powder recovery and moisture content of the product. Use of 10% (v/v) skimmed milk as a carrier gave the highest survival and percentage of powder recovery ( 34 - 47%). Rich rehydration media were found to be better than water or phosphate buffer, with slight differences on survival. Spray-dried cells were less effective than fresh ones in controlling Penicillium expansum rot on apples. Spray drying of C. sake was not a good dehydration method as it gave low cell survival, poor recovery of product, and low efficacy.