Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Characterization of Brettanomyces bruxellensis biofilm, a resistance strategy to persist in wine-related environments

Characterization of Brettanomyces bruxellensis biofilm, a resistance strategy to persist in wine-related environments

Abstract

AIM: Biofilm is a resistance mechanism deployed by microorganisms to adapt to stresses, leading to their persistence in the environment. In the case of Brettanomyces bruxellensis, a wine spoilage yeast, knowledge about its capacity to form biofilm remains limited although this potential strategy could explain its recurring presence in cellars. In this study, we propose to investigate the capacity of strains of B. bruxellensis to form biofilm according to different conditions and to characterize its structure.

METHODS: Sixty-five isolates of B. bruxellensis were sampled from a cellar and discriminated into genetic groups by microsatellite analysis. The capacity of selected strains to adhere and form biofilm has been investigated in different conditions of media and supports, related to wine environment. The structure of the biofilm and its components were explored using several microscopic techniques as confocal laser scanning microscopy, electronic microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS: Twelve strains among the 65 isolates were selected and have showed the capacity to form biofilm on polystyrene surface. Microscopic observations of the biofilm revealed microcolonies, filamentous cells and extracellular polymeric substances despite a small thickness. Then, the study of the impact of wine on B. bruxellensis biofilm revealed biofilm cell released and growth of these released biofilm cells, probable contamination source of the wine. Finally, for both planktonic and biofilm lifestyles in wine, a new chlamydospore-like element was observed for B. bruxellensis, described as a resistance form in other fungi.

CONCLUSIONS: This study validates the capacity of B. bruxellensis to form biofilm and highlights structural element of this mode of life. Moreover, an additional resistance strategy was suggested through the description of the chlamydospore-like elements. New insights into the persistence of B. bruxellensis during the winemaking process and in wineries have emerged.

DOI:

Publication date: September 3, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Manon Lebleux, Hany ABDO, Louise BASMACIYAN, Julie LAURENT, Chloé ROULLIER-GALL, Hervé ALEXANDRE, Michèle GUILLOUX-BENATIER, Stéphanie WEIDMANN, Sandrine ROUSSEAUX

Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, AgroSup Dijon, PAM UMR A 02.102, VAlMiS Laboratory-IUVV, Dijon, France

Contact the author

Keywords

Brettanomyces bruxellensis, biofilm, wine spoilage

Citation

Related articles…

High and extreme high temperature effects on shiraz berry composition 

Climate change is leading to a rise in average temperature and in the frequency and severity of heatwaves, and is already significantly disturbing grapevine phenology and berry composition. With the evolution of the weather of Australian grape growing regions that are already warm and hot, flavonoids, for which biosynthesis depends on bunch microclimate, are expected to be impacted. These compounds include anthocyanins and tannins which contribute substantially to grape and wine quality. The goals of this project were to determine if berry tannin accumulation is sensitive to high temperature and to enhance knowledge on upper temperature limits for viable wine production, in turn informing critical timing for mitigation strategies.

Read More

How a microscopic yeast makes a big difference – how geographic limitations of yeast populations can determine the regional aroma of wine

Aim: Microbial biogeography contributes to regional distinctiveness of agricultural products and is important to determine for quality and marketing of wine products. We evaluated the microbial influence on wine characteristics by considering the microbial diversity of soil, plant, grapes, must and wine in grapegrowing regions across Victoria, Australia. 

Read More

Managing nitrogen balance in cover-cropped vineyard

In this audio recording of the IVES science meeting 2022, Thibaut Verdenal (Agroscope, Pully, Switzerland) speaks about managing nitrogen balance in cover-cropped vineyard. This presentation is based on an original article accessible for free on OENO One.

Read More

Impact of grapevine leafroll virus infections on vine physiology and the berry transcriptome

Grapevine leafroll associated virus (GLRaV) infections deteriorate vine physiological performance and cause high losses of yield and fruit quality

Read More

Under trellis cover crop induces grapevine tolerance to bunch rot

Botrytis bunch rot occurrence is one of the most important limitations for the wine industry in humid environments. A positive correlation between grapevine growth and susceptibility to fungal pathogens has been found. In theory the effect of grapevine vegetative growth on bunch rot expression results from direct effects (cluster architecture, nitrogen status among others) and indirect ones (via microclimate). However, a reduction in bunch rot incidence can be achieved in some circumstances without major vine growth reduction. The present study was aimed to test the general hypothesis that bunch rot susceptibility is affected by vine vigor, but other factors associated with grapevine vegetative expression could be even more relevant.

Read More