Development of a Novel Yeast Strain Which Ferments Soy Sauce by Protoplast Fusion

In order to develop a novel yeast which produces the charateristic aroma of soy sauce, a protoplast fusion between Zygosaccharomyces rouxii WFS4 and Torulopsis versatilis IAM 4993 was carried out. Auxotrophic mutants as selective markers were obtained from Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Torulopsis versatilis by treatment of N-methyl-N -nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. The conditions of the protoplast formation and the regeneration for fusion were examined. The protoplast fusion using polyethylene glycol 4000 led to the fusion frequency of $4~5{\times}10^{-7}\;cells/ml$. Among fusants, a fusant ST723-F31 presented the best results in terms of the aromaticity of fragrance, the growth pattern, the resistance against salt and the degree of growth according to pH. It makes easy to control the production and the balance of aroma components so that it gives a good flavor, shortens the fermentation period and, simplifies the preparation process when using a bioreactor into which fusant is immobilized.