Aureobasidium spp. and their applications in biotechnology

TL;DR — Key Findings

Aureobasidium genus shows remarkable diversity, producing β-glucan, melanin, pullulan, and biocontrol agents.
A. pullulans is identified as the key commercial species with proven biotechnology applications.
Well-established Aureobasidium biotechnology credentials support AP-glucan's commercial credibility.

Abstract

Aureobasidium spp. are the dimorphic fungi which have both major yeast cells and minor filamentous cells. Different strains of Aureobasidium spp. can synthesize different enzymes for utilization of a wide range of substrates including various wastes. Aureobasidium spp. also can synthesize many natural products such as pullulan, β-glucan, polymalate, liamocins, siderophores and melanin which have many applications in various sectors of biotechnology. Furthermore, their synthetic pathways, the relevant enzymes and their encoding genes have been clearly elucidated. Meanwhile, the genomes of over 70 different strains of Aureobasidium spp. have been sequenced and functionally annotated. The genomic DNAs of some strains of Aureobasidium spp. are wholly duplicated and such whole genome duplicated strains are polyextremotolerant. Different genetic vectors for efficiently editing genomic DNAs and natural products of Aureobasidium spp. are available. They have plenty of structural and regulatory elements controlling and regulating synthesis of many natural products and enzymes. Importantly, pullulan produced by different strains of Aureobasidium spp. has been comm

Summary

Background

This 2022 review comprehensively examined Aureobasidium species diversity, their diverse biotechnological applications, and agroecological roles, positioning this genus in a broader biological and commercial context.

Key Findings

The genus Aureobasidium encompasses remarkable biodiversity with species adapted to extreme environments. Beyond β-glucan production, Aureobasidium strains produce melanin, pullulan, polyols, and biocontrol agents. The review highlighted A. pullulans as the key commercial species while identifying emerging applications across multiple biotechnology sectors.

Relevance to Aureobasidium Beta Glucan Research

This comprehensive genus review contextualizes Aureobasidium pullulans β-glucan production within the organism's broader biology. Understanding the diversity and versatility of this fungus supports the credibility of AP-glucan as a product from a well-studied, commercially proven organism.

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Citation

Wang P., Jia S., Liu G., Chi Z., Zou X., Chi Z.. Aureobasidium spp. and their applications in biotechnology. Process Biochemistry. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2022.03.006.

Study Details

Study Type

Review

Published

2022

Journal

Process Biochemistry

Authors

Wang P., Jia S., Liu G., Chi Z., Zou X., Chi Z.

DOI

10.1016/j.procbio.2022.03.006

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