Yeast Community Associated with Wild Flower and Characterization of Biosurfactant-Producing Yeast

Identification of yeast species that have potential applications in biotechnology is greatly interesting. In this study, we investigated the yeast biota associated with wild tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium Thunb.). The first step in the identification of the yeast biota is the establishment of an effective isolation method. To this end, we compared the efficacy of different yeast media for the isolation of yeasts associated with wild tiger lily, and the media included antibiotics and fungistatic agents for the suppression of fungi. We isolated yeast species from flowers, leaves, and stems of the wild tiger lily because these niches have not yet been used for determining the yeast biodiversity. We were able to isolate 97, 94, and 82 yeast strains from the flowers, stems, and leaves, respectively. Yeast isolates were identified by phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer region sequencing. Yeasts produce biosurfactants (BSs), which are important amphiphilic compounds that are used in the agricultural industry as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries because of their low toxicity, biodegradability, and both commercial and academic interests. Using these isolated yeast strains, we developed rapid and simple screening methods for BS-producing yeast (BSPY) to design processes for the characterization of high-value yeast BSs and production of eco-friendly BSs. We screened many BSPYs from wild, and developed fermentation processes for BS production. Analysis of the chemical structure of these compounds by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance revealed several potential novel BSs, including glycolipids.