Abstract

GONZALEZ-HERNANDEZ, J.C.; PEREZ, E.; DAMIAN, R.M.  and  CHAVEZ-PARGA, M.C.. Isolation, molecular and fermentative characterization of a yeast used in ethanol production during mezcal elaboration. Rev. Mex. Ing. Quím [online]. 2012, vol.11, n.3, pp.389-400. ISSN 1665-2738.

Numerous ecological itudies have been conducted over the years to understand the dynamics, quantification, and composition of the microflora responsible for spontaneous fermentation. Among them, yeasts are microorganisms that exert key processes and are responsible for alcoholic fermentation. In the present study, we isolated and characterized molecularly two yeasts by RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms) in which we compared the restriction patterns of different genomic regions corresponding to the ribosomal DNA. Experimental design (ED) was based on the Response Surface Methodology (MSR) used to design a suitable culture medium for the produ ction of Mezcal usmg as substrate an Agave cupreata extract juice and a LEVM yeast strain. We found by RFLP iwo Saccharomeces cerevisiae yeasts etrains (LEVM y LEVZ). in ED tor the LEVM the variables selected cuch as the pH, initial substrate concentration, and temperature were operating levels as close as possible to the original process, these preliminary results show the importance of using molecular techniques for the characterization of yeast strains used in the beverage indus try and the use of ED allowed establish the fermentation process conditions.

Keywords : yeast; RFLP; fermentation; experimental design.