Interactions between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and malolactic bacteria: Preliminary characterization of a yeast proteinaceous compound(s) active against Oenococcus oeni

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the occurrence and extent of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Oenococcus oeni interactions. Methods and Results: Interactions between S. cerevisiae and O. oeni were investigated by double-layer and well-plate assays showing the occurrence of specific interactions for each yeast-malolactic bacteria (MLB) coupling. Heat and protease treatments of synthetic grape juice fermented by the S. cerevisiae strain F63 indicated that the inhibitory activity exerted by this yeast on O. oeni is due to a proteinaceous factor(s) which exerts either bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect depending on concentration and affects malolactic fermentation in natural grape juice and wine. Conclusions: A proteinaceous factor(s) produced by a S. cerevisiae wine strain able to inhibit O. oeni growth and malic acid fermentation was characterized. Significance and Impact of the Study: The individuation, characterization and exploitation of yeast proteinaceous factor(s) exerting inhibitory activity on MLB may offer new opportunities for the management of malolactic fermentation. © 2005 The Society for Applied Microbiology.