Proline Enhances Torulopsis glabrata Growth during Hyperosmotic Stress

This study investigated that the importing of compatible solute proline could enhance the growth of the yeast Torulopsis glabrata under hyperosmotic stress. Osmolarity progressively increased from 860 to 2,603 mOsmol/kg by accumulation of sodium pyruvate in the culture broth, leading to a significant decrease in cell growth. When 1.0 g/L of proline as a compatible solute was added to the culture medium, it was imported and enhanced cell growth by 59.0% at 2,603 mOsmol/kg. By addition of proline during pyruvate production, the concentration, productivity, and yield of pyruvate increased 22.1, 38.4, and 14.3%, respectively. These results suggested that T glabrata can import proline as an osmo-protectant against high osmotic stress, thus enhance pyruvate productivity. The improvement of yeast growth and viability under hyperosmotic stress by the addition of proline provided an alternative approach to enhance the organic acids production by yeast.