Nur Kusmiyati, Ulfah Utami, Anindita Mahesa Fitri, Anggeria Oktavisa Denta, Toshifumi Sakaguchi
Baker’s yeast naturally occurs in plant materials with high glucose content, including sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). This study aimed to isolate and identify yeast from sugarcane juice and evaluate its safety and potential application as baker’s yeast. The methodological workflow included isolation, purification, macroscopic and microscopic characterization, and molecular identification. Safety assessments consisted of hemolysis testing and the evaluation of phospholipase and protease enzyme activities. The technological potential of the isolates was examined through carbohydrate fermentation, tolerance to 50% glucose, flocculation capacity, and hydrogen sulfide production. Two isolates, designated SO1 and SO2, were successfully obtained. Molecular characterization revealed that SO1 shared 99.20% similarity with Hanseniaspora opuntiae, while SO2 showed 99.98% similarity with Candida akabanensis. Both isolates exhibited non-pathogenic characteristics, indicated by a hemolysis index (Hi) of 1 and phospholipase activity represented by a precipitation zone (Pz) of 1. Protease activity assay showed Pz values of 1 for H. opuntiae and 0.58 for C. akabanensis. Potency testing demonstrated that both species performed well in bread dough development, confirming promising leavening capabilities. Overall, H. opuntiae and C. akabanensis isolated from sugarcane juice are food-grade yeasts and are safe for use in bread production. Copyright © 2025 Published by ITB Institut for Research and Community Service.
Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agroindustrial and Biosystems Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Departement of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, East Java, Malang, 65144, Indonesia; Departement of Health, Politeknik Negeri Madura, Madura, East Java, Sampang, 69281, Indonesia; Department of Life Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Japan
