Quantification of glycosidase activities in selected yeasts and lactic acid bacteria

Using a model system, the activities of α-L-arabinofuranosidase, β-glucosidase, and α-L-rhamonopyranosidase were determined in 32 strains of yeasts belonging to the genera Aureobasidium, Candida, Cryptococcus, Hanseniaspora, Hansenula, Kloeckera, Metschnikowia, Pichia, Saccharomyces, Torulaspora and Brettanomyces (10 strains); and seven strains of the bacterium Leuconostoc oenos. Only one Saccharomyces strain exhibited β-glucosidase activity, but several non-Saccharomyces yeast species showed activity of this enzyme. Aureobasidium pullulans hydrolyzed α-L-arabinofuranoside, β-glucoside, and α-L-rhamnopyranoside. Eight Brettanomyces strains had β-glucosidase activity. Location of enzyme activity was determined for those species with enzymatic activity. The majority of β-glucosidase activity was located in the whole cell fraction, with smaller amounts found in permeabilized cells and released into the growth medium. Aureobasidium pullulans hydrolyzed glycosides found in grapes.