The Effect of Agitation and the Use of Perfluorodecalin on Lipase Production by Yarrowia lipolytica in a Bioreactor

Lipase production by the strictly aerobic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is closely related to the content of dissolved oxygen in the culture medium. Some strategies to improve oxygen transfer to microorganisms have already been used, such as the use of perfluorocarbons (PFCs). The present work investigates the influence of agitation speed and the use of perfluorodecalin (PFC) on the profile of the produced lipases. Lipase production increased 2.5-fold with a higher agitation speed (550 to 650 rpm) without PFCs in the medium. The presence of an oxygen carrier led to a significant 91% increase in lipase production at lower shaking speeds compared to the assay without PFC; however, an increase in lipase production was not detected with PFC at 650 rpm. The protein profiles exhibited typical bands for two lipases produced (near 40 and 60 kDa), and these bands became more intense when PFC was added during production, as a result of the large enhancement in lipolytic activity. Additionally, the protein profiles obtained from extracts at 650 rpm were clearer and more selective regardless of the presence of PFC, suggesting an enhancement in specific activity associated with increased shaking. These findings highlight the significant impact of oxygen availability on lipase production, offering valuable insights for industrial applications.