Development and use of a quantum dot probe to track multiple yeast strains in mixed culture.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains vary in their ability to develop and enhance sensory attributes of alcoholic beverages and are often found growing in mixed strain fermentations; however, quantifying individual strains is challenging due to quantification inaccuracies, low marker longevity, and compromised kinetics. We developed a fluorescent probe, consisting of glutathione molecules conjugated to a quantum dot (QD). Two S. cerevisiae strains were incubated with different coloured probes (QD attached to glutathione molecules, QD-GSH), fermented at multiple ratios, and quantified using confocal microscopy. The QD method was compared with a culture method using microsatellite DNA analysis (MS method). Probes were taken up by an ADP1 encoded transporter, transferred from mother cell to daughter cell, detectable in strains throughout fermentation, and were non-toxic. This resulted in a new quantification method that was more accurate and efficient than the MS method.
Biology Department, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
Frida S
FS
Gustafsson
Biology Department, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
Matthew D
MD
Whiteside
1] Biology Department, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada [2] School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.
Vladimir
V
Jiranek
Biology Department, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
Daniel M
DM
Durall
D005285:Fermentation; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015003:Yeasts / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism