Reduction of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and 1,2-Dicarbonyl Compounds by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Model Systems and Beer

Maillard reaction intermediates in Chinese Baijiu and their effects on Maillard reaction related flavor compounds during aging

This study investigated the Maillard reaction in Baijiu and the effects of extended aging in the presence of Maillard reaction intermediates (MRIs) on aromatic compounds, particularly focusing on heterocyclic changes. MRIs with different aroma types in Baijiu aged 1-18 years and force-aged for 6 weeks were determined. Results revealed that MRIs in soy sauce aroma-type Baijiu were significantly more abundant than those in other types of Baijiu. Changes in MRIs were observed and compared in aging and forced-aging Baijiu. Additionally, the distribution and variation of heterocycles in Baijiu were examined, which revealed an increase in N-heterocycle levels but a decrease in S- and O-heterocycle levels to a certain extent. The results of this study demonstrate that the Maillard reaction during the aging of Baijiu influences heterocycle concentrations, thereby improving flavor of aged Baijiu. Research into heterocycles and the Maillard reaction may help elucidate the aromatic evolution of Baijiu with aging and provide guidance for Baijiu storage.

Utilization of Free and Dipeptide-Bound Formyline and Pyrraline by Saccharomyces Yeasts

The utilization of the glycated amino acids formyline and pyrraline as well as their peptide-bound derivatives by 14 Saccharomyces yeasts, including 6 beer yeasts (bottom and top fermenting), one wine yeast, 6 strains isolated from natural habitats and one laboratory reference yeast strain (wild type) was investigated. All yeasts were able to metabolize glycated amino acids via the Ehrlich pathway to the corresponding Ehrlich metabolites. While formyline and small amounts of pyrraline entered the yeast cells via passive diffusion, the amounts of dipeptide-bound MRPs, especially the dipeptides glycated at the C-terminus, decreased much faster, indicating an uptake into the yeast cells. Furthermore, the glycation-mediated hydrophobization in general leads to an faster degradation rate compared to the native lysine dipeptides. While the utilization of free formyline is yeast-specific, the amounts of (glycated) dipeptides decreased faster in the presence of brewer's yeasts, which also showed a higher formation rate of Ehrlich metabolites compared to naturally isolated strains. Due to rapid uptake of alanyl dipeptides, it can be assumed that the Ehrlich enzyme system of naturally isolated yeasts is overloaded and the intracellularly released MRP is primarily excreted from the cell. This indicates adaptation of technologically used yeasts to (glycated) dipeptides as a nitrogen source.

Metabolization of Free Oxidized Aromatic Amino Acids by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The aromatic amino acids tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine are targets for oxidation during food processing. We investigated whether S. cerevisiae can use nonproteinogenic aromatic amino acids as substrates for degradation via the Ehrlich pathway. The metabolic fate of seven amino acids (p-, o-, m-tyrosine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), 3-nitrotyrosine, 3-chlorotyrosine, and dityrosine) in the presence of S. cerevisiae was assessed. All investigated amino acids except dityrosine were metabolized by yeast. The amino acids 3-nitrotyrosine and o-tyrosine were removed from the medium as fast as p-tyrosine, and m-tyrosine, 3-chlorotyrosine, and DOPA more slowly. In summary, 11 metabolites were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). DOPA, 3-nitrotyrosine, and p-tyrosine were metabolized predominantly to the Ehrlich alcohols, whereas o-tyrosine and m-tyrosine were metabolized predominantly to α-hydroxy acids. Our results indicate that nonproteinogenic aromatic amino acids can be taken up and transaminated by S. cerevisiae quite effectively but that decarboxylation and reduction to Ehrlich alcohols as the final metabolites is hampered by hydroxyl groups in the o- or m-positions of the phenyl ring. The data on amino acid metabolism were substantiated by the analysis of five commercial beer samples, which revealed the presence of hydroxytyrosol (ca. 0.01-0.1 mg/L) in beer for the first time.

Selected Maillard Reaction Products and Their Yeast Metabolites in Commercial Wines

During beer and wine production, Maillard reaction products (MRPs) are formed, which have a particular influence on the taste and aroma of the fermented beverages. Compared to beer, less is known about individual Maillard compounds and especially corresponding yeast metabolites in wine. In this study, 36 selected wines (Amarone, Ripasso, red, and white wines) were analyzed by HPLC-UV and GC-MS concerning the amounts of 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), 3-deoxygalactosone (3-DGal), methylglyoxal (MGO), glyoxal (GO), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and furfural (FF). 3-DG was found to be the dominant compound with values from 3.3 to 35.1 mg/L. The contents of 3-DGal, MGO, GO, HMF, and FF were in a single digit range. In addition to MRPs, the yeast metabolites originating from 3-DG, namely, 3-deoxyfructose and 3-deoxy-2-ketogluconic acid, 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan and 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid, both formed from HMF, and the FF metabolites furfuryl alcohol and furan-2-carboxylic acid were detected and quantitated in wines for the first time. The amounts were between 0.1 and 53.5 mg/L with especially high contents of the oxidation products. Differences between red and white wines indicate that enological parameters like grape variety, production method, and aging may have an influence on the MRP contents in wines.

Simultaneously Enhanced Formation of Pyrazines and Furans during Thermal Degradation of the Glycyl-l-glutamine Amadori Compound by Selected Exogenous Amino Acids and Appropriate Elevated Temperatures

The Amadori compound of glucose and glycyl-l-glutamine (Gly-Gln-ARP) was prepared and characterized by UPLC-MS/MS and NMR. Gly-Gln-ARP could be thermally degraded into Gly-Gln and other secondary reaction products like glycyl-l-glutamic acid and its ARP via deamidation. The thermal processing temperature exerted a tremendous influence on the flavor formation of ARP. Furans were mainly formed at 100 °C, while an elevated temperature of 120 °C facilitated the massive accumulation of α-dicarbonyl compounds through the retro-aldolization of deoxyglucosone, and then increased the formation of pyrazines. The extra-added amino acids further promoted the formation of pyrazines at 120 °C, especially Glu, Lys, and His, further increasing the total concentration of pyrazines to 457 ± 6.26, 563 ± 65.5, and 411 ± 59.2 μg/L, respectively, exceeding the pure heated control at 140 °C (296 ± 6.67 μg/L). The total concentration of furans was enhanced to (20.7 × 10³) ± 8.17 μg/L by extra-added Gln. Different increasing effects were observed on the type and flavor intensity of formed pyrazines and furans from different extra-added amino acids.

α-Dicarbonyl compounds in food products: Comprehensively understanding their occurrence, analysis, and control

α-Dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) are readily produced during the heating and storage of foods, mainly through the Maillard reaction, caramelization, lipid-peroxidation, and enzymatic reaction. They contribute to both the organoleptic properties (i.e., aroma, taste, and color) and deterioration of foods and are potential indicators of food quality. α-DCs are also important precursors to hazardous substances, such as acrylamide, furan, advanced lipoxidation end products, and advanced glycation end products, which are genotoxic, neurotoxic, and linked to several diseases. Recent studies have indicated that dietary α-DCs can elevate plasma α-DC levels and lead to "dicarbonyl stress." To accurately assess their health risks, quantifying α-DCs in food products is crucial. Considering their low volatility, inability to absorb ultraviolet light, and high reactivity, the analysis of α-DCs in complex food systems is a challenge. In this review, we comprehensively cover the development of scientific approaches, from extraction, enrichment, and derivatization, to sophisticated detection techniques, which are necessary for quantifying α-DCs in different foods. Exposure to α-DCs is inevitable because they exist in most foods. Recently, novel strategies for reducing α-DC levels in foods have become a hot research topic. These strategies include the use of new processing technologies, formula modification, and supplementation with α-DC scavengers (e.g., phenolic compounds). For each strategy, it is important to consider the potential mechanisms underlying the formation and removal of process contaminants. Future studies are needed to develop techniques to control α-DC formation during food processing, and standardized approaches are needed to quantify and compare α-DCs in different foods.

Metabolization of the glycation compounds 3-deoxyglucosone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by Saccharomyces yeasts

The Maillard reaction products (MRPs) 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which are formed during the thermal processing and storage of food, come into contact with technologically used yeasts during the fermentation of beer and wine. In order for the yeast cells to work efficiently, handling of the stress-inducing carbonyl compounds is essential. In the present study, the utilization of 3-DG and HMF by 13 Saccharomyces yeast strains (7 brewer’s yeast strains, 1 wine yeast strain, 6 yeast strains isolated from natural habitats) was investigated. All yeast strains studied were able to metabolize 3-DG and HMF. 3-DG is mainly reduced to 3-deoxyfructose (3-DF) and HMF is completely converted to 2,5-bishydroxymethylfuran (BHMF) and 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (FFCA). The ratio of conversion of HMF to BHMF and FFCA was found to be yeast strain-specific and no differences in the HMF stress tolerance of the yeast strains and species were observed. After incubation with 3-DG, varying amounts of intra- and extracellular 3-DF were found, pointing to a faster transport of 3-DG into the cells in the case of brewer’s yeast strains. Furthermore, the brewer’s yeast strains showed a significantly higher 3-DG stress resistance than the investigated yeast strains isolated from natural habitats. Thus, it can be shown for the first time that Saccharomyces yeast strains differ in their interaction of 3-DG induced carbonyl stress.

Graphical abstract