IST-Yeasts CC: A Newly Established Culture Collection of Yeasts of Biotechnological Potential, Isolated from Algae Associated-Environments

This article presents the IST-Yeasts Culture Collection (IST-Yeasts CC), which is a newly established repository dedicated to non-conventional blue yeasts isolated from (micro)algae-associated environments in Portugal. This collection currently comprises 115 yeast strains, the majority of which belong to the phylum Basidiomycota (92%), the genus Rhodotorula (69%), including R. mucilaginosa, R. diobovata, R. sphaerocarpa, and R. taiwanensis species. Other Basidiomycota species in the collection are: Cystobasidium minutum, C. slooffiae, Vishniacozyma carnescens, Moesziomyces aphidis, Sporobolomyces roseus, S. salmonicolor, and Naganishia diffluens. The collection also includes species from the Ascomycota phylum, such as Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Yamadazyma atlantica, and Cyberlindnera vartiovaarae. An initial functional screening performed, with one representative isolate per species, revealed the ability of these strains to produce carotenoids, lipids, riboflavin, biosurfactants, bioemulsifiers and auxins, as well as their capacity to grow on a broad range of carbon sources. These traits underscore 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 panel 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. Further information on the collection can be found at IST-Yeasts CC website.