Bioprospecting Yeast Malassezia Furfur: A Source of Azelaic Acid
Author(s): Dhanabalan Rangasamy* and Stephy Rose Sebastian
Abstract
Fungi plays vital role in household, pharmaceutical and industrial processes. Among fungi several species of yeast are gaining importance in several industrial applications such as baking and alcoholic beverages. The yeasts are considered as a part in global food material by participating in different production processes. A unicellular, residential, opportunistic and lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur has gained importance for its diverse range of metabolites including lactones, pityriarubins, melanin and flurochromes. In addition, the yeast develops ability to produce azelaic acid, a category of dicarboxylic acid in on the human skin. The C9 category Azelaic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-keratinizing and recently antiparasitic activity. The human skin favours a suitable growth ground for the M. fufur to produce azelaic acid in vivo utilizing sebum lipids. The parameters suitable for optimal growth of M. furfur reflect in the azelaic acid production when suitable lipid sources are available. The present review describes actual secondary metabolites produced by the M. furfur and its role in various industrial sectors including cosmetics. Besides, the review gives a scope for the production of Azelaic acid by M. furfur in vivo, which will be a novel approach in the present scenario for the researchers.
