Efficient Production of 4’-Hydroxydihydrochalcones Using Non-Conventional Yeast Strains

The quest for novel therapeutic agents has rekindled interest in natural products, particularly those derived from biotransformation processes. Dihydrochalcones, a class of plant secondary metabolites, exhibit a range of pharmacological properties. Chalcone and dihydrochalcone compounds with the characteristic 4'-hydroxy substitution are present in 'dragon's blood' resin, known for its traditional medicinal uses and complex composition, making the isolation of these compounds challenging. This study investigates the efficient production of 4'-hydroxydihydrochalcones using non-conventional yeast strains. We evaluated the biotransformation efficiency of various 4'-hydroxychalcone substrates utilizing yeast strains such as <i>Yarrowia lipolytica</i> KCh 71, <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> KCh 464, <i>Rhodotorula rubra</i> KCh 4 and KCh 82, and <i>Rhodotorula glutinis</i> KCh 242. Our findings revealed that <i>Yarrowia lipolytica</i> KCh 71, <i>Rhodotorula rubra</i> KCh 4 and KCh 82, and <i>Rhodotorula glutinis</i> KCh 242 exhibited the highest conversion efficiencies, exceeding 98% within one hour for most substrates. The position of methoxy substituents in the chalcone ring significantly influenced hydrogenation efficiency. Moreover, we observed isomerization of <i>trans</i>-4'-hydroxy-2-methoxychalcone to its <i>cis</i> isomer, catalyzed by light exposure. This study underscores the potential of using yeast strains for the sustainable and efficient production of dihydrochalcones, providing a foundation for developing new therapeutic agents and nutraceuticals.