We are pleased to share the latest iBB, IST article, "IST-Yeasts CC: A Newly Established Culture Collection of Yeasts of Biotechnological Potential, Isolated from Algae-Associated Environments", published in the Special Issue "Bioengineering Approaches to Microalgae-Based Systems" of the journal Bioengineering.

This work introduces the IST-Yeasts Culture Collection (IST-Yeasts CC) — a new biological resource assembled and preserved over the past few years by Isabel Sá-Correia's research group, with the key involvement of Madalena Matos and Mónica Fernandes, at the Biological Sciences Research Group, iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico (Universidade de Lisboa). The collection is dedicated to non-conventional "blue" yeasts isolated from (micro)algae-associated environments in Portugal.

It currently holds 115 yeast strains, mostly from the phylum Basidiomycota (92%), with a strong representation of the genus Rhodotorula, alongside species from Cystobasidium, Vishniacozyma, Moesziomyces, Sporobolomyces, Naganishia, and Ascomycota members such as Meyerozyma, Yamadazyma, and Cyberlindnera.

Initial functional screening revealed that these strains can produce carotenoids, lipids, riboflavin, biosurfactants, bioemulsifiers, and auxins, as well as growing on a wide range of carbon sources. These characteristics highlight their biotechnological potential within the circular bioeconomy and sustainable bioprocesses, positioning them as promising sources of bioactive natural products.

By providing access to a diverse collection of marine-associated yeasts, the IST-Yeasts CC supports the development of innovative solutions in marine biotechnology and marine drug discovery, including the design of more resilient and high-performance algal cultivation systems through targeted co-cultivation strategies.

This work was developed within the scope of the Pacto da Bioeconomia Azul, funded by Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the European Union — NextGenerationEU. See more.