Improved γ-decalactone production from castor oil by fed-batch cultivation of Yarrowia lipolytica

γ-Decalactone is an industrially important flavor compound with a peachy aroma which has been approved by FDA as a food additive. The aim of this study was to compare batch and fed-batch cultivation for production of γ-decalactone using Yarrowia lipolytica and castor oil as substrate. Microbial production of γ-decalactone from castor oil using the obligate aerobic yeast Y. lipolytica was investigated in a 3 l bioreactor. Batch and fed-batch fermentations were compared for the production of γ-decalactone. Also the effect of enhancing oxygen transfer rate by using higher agitation rates or pure oxygen for aeration was investigated. The highest γ-decalactone concentration (220 mg/l) was obtained in the fed-batch fermentation using pure oxygen which was 3-fold more compared to the batch cultivation. Using pure oxygen instead of atmospheric air in the fed-batch fermentation also resulted in 60% increase in γ-decalactone production.