Optimization of Yarrowia lipolytica's β-oxidation pathway for γ-decalactone production

The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica growing on methyl ricinoleate produces various lactones, gamma-decalactone, the worthy aroma compound, 3-hydroxy-gamma-decalactone without sensorial properties and two decenolides of various interest. Unfortunately, these three latter lactones are produced at high levels by this yeast, decreasing yields and complicating the extraction of gamma-decalactone. In this study, the production of gamma-decalactone was increased through a genetic engineering of the strain and the accumulation of the three other lactones was lowered. Theses results show that it is possible to improve the mastering of the complex beta-oxidation pathway (the metabolic pathway involved in these bioconversions) by playing on genetic factors. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.