Comparative Volatile Metabolites and Aroma Profiles of Geotrichum candidum GC1 Cultivated in Three Media

Background/Objectives: Corn steep liquor Powder (CSLP) has previously been reported to promote fruity aroma production by Geotrichum candidum; however, the broader volatile profiles associated with CSLP-based cultivation relative to reference media remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, we compared the volatile metabolite and aroma-related profiles of G. candidum GC1 cultivated in a CSLP-based YMJ medium and two reference media, PDB and GAS. Methods: Using E-nose and HS-SPME-GC-MS, we compared the volatile profiles of G. candidum GC1 cultured in YMJ medium versus PDB and GAS media. Results: A total of 1414 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) belonging to 15 chemical classes were annotated. The YMJ group produced the highest VOC abundance, with significant enrichment of ketones, terpenoids, alcohols, pyrazines and phenols. Key compounds, such as 4-Nonenal (E) and 3(2H)-Furanone dihydro-2-methyl-, contributed fruity, sweet-bread-buttery-nutty notes, respectively, forming the complex floral-fruity-roasted aroma profile of G. candidum GC1 in YMJ medium. Volatile metabolomic analysis showed distinct medium-associated metabolic patterns, with the YMJ medium displaying a more diverse aroma-related volatile profile than the reference media under the conditions tested. Conclusions: The CSLP-based YMJ medium supported a distinct and relatively complex volatile profile in G. candidum GC1. These results support the potential use of CSLP-containing media in flavor-oriented fermentation design.