Yarrowia is a fungal genus in the family Dipodascaceae. For a while the genus was monotypic, containing the single species Yarrowia lipolytica, a yeast that can use unusual carbon sources, such as hydrocarbons.[2] This has made it of interest for use in industrial microbiology, especially for the production of specialty lipids.[3]Molecular phylogenetics analysis has revealed several other species that have since been added to the genus.[4][5][6]
In January 2019, Yarrowia lipolytica yeast biomass was defined by the European Food Safety Authority as a safe novel food – dried and heat‐killed – with the underlying qualifications that it is widespread in nature, present in the typical environment, may be used as food for people over age 3 (3 grams per day for children under age 10, and 6 grams per day for teens and adults), and may be manufactured as a dietary supplement.[7]
^Papanikolaou S, Aggelis G (2010). "Yarrowia lipolytica: A model microorganism used for the production of tailor-made lipids". European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology. 112 (6): 639–654. doi:10.1002/ejlt.200900197.
^Nagy E, Dlauchy D, Medeiros AO, Péter G, Rosa CA (April 2014). "Yarrowia porcina sp. nov. and Yarrowia bubula f.a. sp. nov., two yeast species from meat and river sediment". Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. 105 (4): 697–707. doi:10.1007/s10482-014-0125-4. PMID24500004. S2CID14196562.