Enhancing freeze-thaw tolerance in baker's yeast: strategies and perspectives

Abstract

Frozen dough technology is important in modern bakery operations, facilitating the transportation of dough at low temperatures to downstream sales points. However, the freeze-thaw process imposes significant stress on baker's yeast, resulting in diminished viability and fermentation capacity. Understanding the mechanisms underlying freeze-thaw stress is essential for mitigating its adverse effects on yeast performance. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms underlying freeze-thaw stress, focusing specifically on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the primary yeast used in baking, and presents a wide range of biotechnological approaches to enhance freeze-thaw resistance in S. cerevisiae. Strategies include manipulating intracellular metabolites, altering membrane composition, managing antioxidant defenses, mediating aquaporin expression, and employing adaptive evolutionary and breeding techniques. Addressing challenges and strategies associated with freeze-thaw stress, this review provides valuable insights for future research endeavors, aiming to enhance the freeze-thaw tolerance of baker's yeast and contribute to the advancement of bakery science.

Keywords: Breeding; Cross-protection; Freeze–thaw stress; Genetic manipulation; Intracellular metabolites; Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Fig. 1

Trehalose metabolism in S. cerevisiae. Protein abbreviations: Hxk2 hexokinase II, Hxk1 hexokinase I, Glk1 glucokinase, Pgm1/Pgm2 phosphoglucose mutase isoforms, Ugp1 uridylylglucose pyrophosphorylase, Ath1 acid trehalase or extracellular trehalase, Agt1 α-methylglucose transporter, Nth1/Nth2 neutral trehalase isoforms, Tps1 trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, Tps2 trehalose-6-P phosphatase

Fig. 2

Metabolic pathways of proline and arginine in S. cerevisiae. Protein abbreviations: Pro1 g-glutamyl kinase (GK), Pro2 g-glutamyl phosphate reductase, Pro3 P5C reductase, Arg2 N-acetyl glutamate synthase, Put1 proline oxidase, Put2 P5C dehydrogenase, Arg2 N-acetyl-glutamate synthase, Arg6 N-acetyl glutamate kinase, Arg5 N-acetyl glutamyl-5-phospate reductase, Arg8 N-acetyl ornithine aminotransferase, Arg7 N-acetyl ornithine acetyltransferase, Arg3 ornithine carbamoyltransferase, Arg1 arginosuccinate synthetase, Arg4 arginosuccinate lyase, Car1 arginase

Fig. 3

Glycerol metabolism in S. cerevisiae. Protein abbreviations: Gpd1/Gpd2 cytosolic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenases, Gpp1/Gpp2 glycerol-3-phosphate phosphatases, Gut1 glycerol kinase, Gut2 glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, Gcy1 glycerol dehydrogenase, Dak1/Dak2 dihydroxyacetone kinase, Hxt/Stl1/Fps1 membrane transporters