Maltotriose fermentation by beer yeast induction of the maltotriose transporter by selected yeast strains and the maltose maltotriose medium during propagation

MUSTAPHA NEDJMA (1), Lucie Hazelwood (2), Huu Vang Nguyen (3)
(1) nedjman@aol.com; (2) NIZO Food Research BV, Netherlands; (3) INRA, AgroParisTech, Thiverval-Grignon, France

Maltose (60–70%), maltotriose (14–20%), and glucose (10–15%) are the most abundant fermentable sugars in wort. In case of incomplete fermentation, maltotriose can cause a range of detrimental qualitative problems in beer and ethanol loss. Furthermore, yeast which comes pre-grown on glucose biomass cannot fully adapt itself to wort composition during beer fermentation. The development and production of selected beer yeast for a fast and complete metabolization of these three main fermentable sugars in wort has been considered. The performance of fermentation was followed through the optimization of the culture medium, reproducing accurately the wort composition by monitoring yeast growth, ethanol synthesis, original gravity and attenuation, and sugar consumption during the fermentative process. Beer flavor was evaluated through the content of fusel alcohols, volatile esters, and aroma compounds. The expression of AGT1 (MAL11) – MTT1 (MAL31-like) is a limiting step in the fermentation of maltotriose in the beer yeast actually used. The selected strains expressing a maltotriose transporter show a significant difference in kinetic fermentation and metabolization of sugars. The MTT1 transporter has a high affinity toward maltotriose. The presence of MTT1 in the selected strains and its induction by the composition of the medium during propagation leads to a higher efficiency in maltotriose consumption. The medium constitution for the biomass production of the selected yeast strains CBS 1513 (ex Saccharomyces carlsbergensis) and CBS 1503 (ex S. monacensis) “traditional medium” showed better gene expression in the maltose medium. The results obtained confirmed that the same strain produced on maltose medium gave more capacity to metabolize maltose and maltotriose.

Mustapha Nedjma was the director of the Research and Development Department within AEB Group and was in charge of biotechnologies since 1997 in the facility based in Ile de France (near Paris). He received two postdoctoral positions specializing in microbiology, enzymology, and fermentation. He has published several papers, reviews, and patents for the beverage industry, especially in the beer, wine, and juice fields. His current research activities include beer fermentation and production of enzymes under solid-state fermentation.

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