CUP Undergraduate Research
Title
Impact of Varying Saccharide Compounds as Nutrient Sources on Yeast Morphology and Cellulose Production in Kombucha Culture
Date of Award
Spring 4-1-2019
Document Type
Restricted Access Thesis
College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
Math & Science
Degree Name
Biology, BA
First Advisor
Mihail Iordanov, Ph.D.
Abstract
The process of fermentation is an ancient science, but one that not been immune to contemporary innovation and development. Genetic analyses of yeast strains have been able to show and predict enzyme activity across a wide variety of temperatures, pH levels, and nutrient concentrations. However, most studies on the acidophilic yeast found in kombucha use either sucrose or the immediate byproducts of it’s metabolism: glucose and fructose as nutrient sources. This study looks at the impact of six different saccharide compounds on the morphology of yeast, and 15 different saccharide compounds as they impact the development of a cellulose pellicle in a kombucha culture. Agar plating was utilized to assess macroscopic patterns, and microscope slides were developed to look at yeast morphology. Results showed significant differences in yeast morphology and metabolic activity. Pellicles grown in various sugars also exhibited unique differences, some of which were able to be correlated with yeast activity. Some possible mechanisms for the observed differences are offered, though more research with a wider variety of analytical tools is required to identify precise relationships between the yeast and the nutrient compounds.