Oil-in-water emulsions characterization by laser granulometry and impact on γ-decalactone production in Yarrowia lipolytica

Biotechnol Lett. 2011 Aug;33(8):1601-6. doi: 10.1007/s10529-011-0593-9. Epub 2011 Mar 24.

Abstract

Oil-in-water emulsions composed of methyl ricinoleate (MR) or castor oil (CO) as the organic phase, stabilized by Tween 80, are in the basis of the biotechnological production of γ-decalactone. Yarrowia lipolytica was used due to its ability to grow on hydrophobic substrates and to carry out the biotransformation. The characterization of oil droplets size distribution by laser granulometry was performed under different oil concentrations. The impact of the presence of cells on droplets size was also analyzed as well as the relevance of washing inoculum cells. Furthermore, the granulometric characterization of the emulsions was related with γ-decalactone production and it was observed that, in the presence of non-washed cells, the smaller droplets disappeared, using both oils, which increased γ-decalactone concentration. This suggests that the access of cells to the substrate occurs by their adhesion around larger oil droplets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Castor Oil / chemistry*
  • Cell Size
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical
  • Emulsions / chemistry*
  • Lactones / chemistry
  • Lactones / metabolism*
  • Lasers
  • Particle Size
  • Perfume / chemistry
  • Perfume / metabolism
  • Polysorbates / chemistry
  • Ricinoleic Acids / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry
  • Yarrowia / metabolism*

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Lactones
  • Perfume
  • Polysorbates
  • Ricinoleic Acids
  • Water
  • decan-4-olide
  • Castor Oil
  • methyl ricinoleate