Identification Of An Extra Band In TLC Test Of Yeast Extract

By George Bu PhD, Justin McGrath, Hoon Park, and Elizabeth Dodson PhD

During thin-layer chromatography (TLC) testing of yeast extract (YE), an extra band was discovered. This band was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF MS), and identified as tyramine and phenylethylamine. These compounds are believed to be formed from tyrosine and phenylalanine through the catalytic action of aromatic amino acid decarboxylases (AADC). This discovery could enhance understanding of the YE fermentation process and help determine if these molecules are naturally occurring in the product. The study also highlighted the importance of controlling microorganisms during YE production.