Isolation and Identification of yeasts from foods
Ravimannan N and Sevvel P
University of Jaffna, Srilanka
: J Plant Physiol Pathol
Abstract
Several food samples from traditional fermented products (Idli, Dosai), Manihot, dairy products like curd and milk, beverages like toddy and wine were taken and tested for the presence of various yeasts. Idli and Dosai were observed for fermentation in the laboratory, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Milk, toddy and wine were bought in the sales outlets in Thirunelvely, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Different types of yeasts were isolated and grown in peptone yeast extract agar and pure cultures were obtained and maintained in slants for identification. The yeasts were identified based on the morphological and biochemical characteristics. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was identified in the samples of traditional fermented products like Idli and Dosai. It was also identified in Manihot, curd and wine. Schizosaccharomyces pombe was identified in the sample of toddy. The yeast Candida pelliculosa was found to be present in milk. Further studies should be carried out at molecular level to identify different strains of particular yeast.
Recent Publications
1. Mathuranthini S., Ravimannan N. and Sevvel P. (2012). Study of Saccharomyces cerevisiae IQ motifs of Iqg1p and its interaction with Mlc1p. JUICE. University of Jaffna, 191.
2. Nirmala Ravimannan. (2016). Investigating alternative yeast storage methods, International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences, 3 (11): 109-111.
3. Nirmala Ravimannan & Sevvel Pathmanathan. (2016). Soy Flour as Alternative Culture Media for Yeasts. Global Journal of Science Frontier Research: C Biological Science, 16 ( 3), 75-78.
Biography
Ravimannan N completed special degree in Botany in the University of Jaffna in 1988 and was successful in obtaining an MPhil degree in Food Science and Technology in the Post graduate Institute of Agriculture, Peradeniya, SriLanka in 1997. Attached to the Department of Botany, University of Jaffna as a senior lecturer. Have done several researches in the storage of yeasts in laboratories, alternative culture media for yeasts and isoaltion of yeasts from traditional fermented foods. Have presented papers in international conferences held in Thailand, Malaysia and India. Went to Australia as a visiting academic and underwent a short term training program under ADB fund.
E-mail: nravi@jfn.ac.lk
