In this work we explored the potential of several strains of Kazachstania unispora to be used as non-conventional yeasts in sourdough fermentation. Properties such as carbohydrate source utilization, tolerance to different environmental factors and the performance in fermentation were evaluated. The K. unispora strains are characterized by rather restricted substrate utilization: only glucose and fructose supported the growth of the strains. However, the growth in presence of fructose was higher compared to a Saccharomyces cerevisiae commercial strain. Moreover, the inability to ferment maltose can be considered a positive characteristic in sourdoughs, where the yeasts can form a nutritional mutualism with maltose-positive Lactic Acid Bacteria. Tolerance assays showed that K. unispora strains are adapted to a sourdough environment: they were able to grow in conditions of high osmolarity, high acidity and in presence of organic acids, ethanol and salt. Finally, the performance in fermentation was comparable with the S. cerevisiae commercial strain. Moreover, the growth was more efficient, which is an advantage in obtaining the biomass in an industrial scale. Our data show that K. unispora strains have positive properties that should be explored further in bakery sector.

Graphic abstract