Characterization and formation mechanisms of viable, but putatively non-culturable brewer's yeast induced by isomerized hop extract

In this study, the formation and resuscitation of a viable, but putatively non-culturable (VPNC) brewer's yeast under various concentrations of isomerized hop extracts were investigated. The isomerized hop extract (300 mg/L) treatment for 2 h completely induced yeast cells into the VPNC state. The VPNC cells incubated on YPD agars containing catalase (2500 U/plate) recovered their culturability within three days. Notably, the VPNC yeast had significantly lower fermentation efficiency during wort fermentation than the normal yeast, yielding lower ethanol contents. Beer produced by the VPNC yeast contained significantly fewer aromatic alcohols and esters. However, no significant differences were observed in the fermentation performance and the formation of flavor volatiles between the normal and resuscitated yeast. Our transcriptomic analysis further showed that the genes involved in the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, DNA replication, and cell division were downregulated in VPNC cells. Conversely, the TCA cycle, ABC transporter, organic acid metabolism, and oxidoreductase activities were increased. Moreover, we confirmed that Yap1 gene deletion suppressed the entry of yeast cells into the VPNC state. Overall, the increased survival ability, inhibited cell division, and reduced metabolic activity in the yeast might lead to the induction of an isomerized hop extract-induced VPNC state.

Automated summary

This study explored the formation and resuscitation of a viable but putatively non-culturable (VPNC) brewer's yeast under various concentrations of isomerized hop extracts. The VPNC state induced by isomerized hop extract treatment resulted in lower fermentation efficiency and altered beer aroma composition. Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of genes related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism in VPNC cells, while TCA cycle and oxidoreductase activities were increased. Deletion of the Yap1 gene suppressed entry of yeast cells into the VPNC state.