Melatonin in yeast and fermented beverages: analytical tools for detection, physiological role and biosynthesis

Abstract

The recently established relation between the metabolism of aromatic amino acids of yeast and the production of different bioactive molecules during fermentation opens up new and interesting research topics. Among these molecules, melatonin has drawn researchers’ attention in the last decade given its potential benefits for human health. This review summarizes melatonin production in fermented beverages, and conventional and current methods for detecting melatonin in yeast-derived samples. In addition, the role of melatonin in yeast is discussed and the biosynthetic pathway of melatonin is presented in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Naturally occurring melatonin: Sources and possible ways of its biosynthesis

“…A similar observation has been made by Muñiz‐Calvo et al. (2020), pointing out the importance of extraction approach for proper sample preparation and precise acquisition of the results. As the extraction approach considerably impact the accuracy and reliability of MEL and MI determination in tested materials, including fermented material (matrix effect), the use of sufficient extraction technique such as solid liquid‐phase extraction and solid‐phase extraction (SPE) is strongly recommended prior to chromatographic analysis.…”

“…The authors concluded that during the lag phase period, MEL was bound to six proteins with molecular weights from 55 to 35 kDa; hence, proper separation technologies are those that can ensure sufficient MEL extraction from various proteins during the lag phase. A similar observation has been made by Muñiz-Calvo et al (2020), pointing out the importance of extraction approach for proper sample preparation and precise acquisition of the results. As the extraction approach considerably impact the accuracy and reliability of MEL and MI determination in tested materials, including fermented material (matrix effect), the use of sufficient extraction technique such as solid liquid-phase extraction and solid-phase extraction (SPE) is strongly recommended prior to chromatographic analysis.…”

“…To structurally identify MIs, NMR system or X‐ray diffraction technique must be employed on the isolated MIs (Tan et al., 2014). However, the UHPLC‐HRMS/MS is another reliable approach for the accurate measurement of MEL and MIs, which has been proved to be efficient in the identification and quantification of both targeted and nontargeted compounds, including indolic compounds (Muñiz‐Calvo, Bisquert, & Guillamón, 2020). Very recently, in an attempt to identify and quantify MEL and MIs in both liquid and solid matrices, two independent research groups from Latvia and Spain have developed and validated ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–hybrid quadrupole–orbitrap mass spectrometry–based methods with a LOQ 10 and 12 pg g −1 , respectively (Fernández‐Cruz, Álvarez‐Fernández, Valero, Troncoso, & García‐Parrilla, 2016; Reinholds et al., 2016).…”

Melatonin from Microorganisms, Algae, and Plants as Possible Alternatives to Synthetic Melatonin

“…In microorganisms, there are few studies on the melatonin biosynthesis pathway [ 82 ]. Saccharomyces and bacteria ( Geobacillus , Bacillus , and Pseudomonas ) produced both serotonin and melatonin at different concentrations [ 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 ]. Moreover, the production of melatonin was evidenced by other authors in the cultures of the yeasts Pichia kluyveri , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , and S. uvarum and bacteria ( Agrobacterium , Pseudomonas , Variovorax , Bacillus , and Oenococcus ) [ 85 , 90 , 91 ] and previously in the photosynthetic bacteria Rhodospirillum rubrum [ 92 ] and Erythrobacter longus [ 93 ] and Escherichia coli [ 94 ].…”