Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast: A Treasure Trove of Enzymes for Biocatalytic Applications—A Review

Abstract

Yarrowia lipolytica is a robust yeast species that has gained significant attention as a biofactory for various biotechnological applications and undoubtedly can be referred to as a hidden treasure trove due to boasting a diverse array of enzymes with wide-ranging applications in multiple industries, including biofuel production, food processing, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. As the biotechnology field continues to expand, Y. lipolytica is poised to play a pivotal role in developing eco-friendly and economically viable bioprocesses. Its versatility and potential for large-scale production make it a promising candidate for sustainably addressing various societal and industrial needs. The current review article aimed to highlight the diverse enzymatic capabilities of Y. lipolytica and provide a detailed analysis of its relevance in biocatalysis, including the use of whole-cell catalysts and isolated enzymes. The review focused on wild-type yeast strains and their species-dependant properties and selected relevant examples of Y. lipolytica used as a host organism for overexpressing some enzymes. Furthermore, the application of Y. lipolytica’s potential in enantiomers resolution, lipids processing, and biodiesel synthesis, as well as the synthesis of polymers or esterification of different substrates for upgrading biologically active compounds, was discussed.