Controlled fermentations showed that carbon and nitrogen formulation can tune B-vitamin profiles in Yarrowia lipolytica biomass. Glucose with yeast extract produced the highest biomass and intracellular B1, B3, and B6, whereas mixed sugars maximized intracellular folate.
Key findings
- Yeast extract consistently supported higher intracellular vitamin levels than defined nitrogen sources. Glucose favored B1, B3, and B6, while mixed sugars favored B9. B12 detection under all conditions does not demonstrate biosynthesis; trace B12 in yeast extract and known yeast metabolism support uptake instead.
Why this matters globally
Using commercial lignocellulosic sugar streams links nutrient fortification with circular bioeconomy principles and may enable tailored ingredients for plant-based drinks, cereals, and fortified foods. Stability, bioavailability, safety, and regulatory compliance still require validation.
Thai researcher contribution
Chulalongkorn University and a biomass-technology company in Udon Thani connected fermentation science with industrial feedstocks, demonstrating Thai contributions to biomass valorization and sustainable food ingredients.
Limitations to consider
The work remains at controlled-fermentation scale. Scale-up, cost, performance in real foods, sensory effects, shelf life, and human bioavailability were not established. Vitamin content in biomass is not equivalent to absorbed dose, and reliance on yeast extract may affect cost and source attribution.