MALDI-TOF MS Supplementary database for species identification employing the yeast diversity encountered on southern Brazil grapes.

The study of grape microflora is of interest when autochthonous yeasts, which are related to typical wine characteristics, are intended to be used in winemaking. The election of matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as the first method for yeast identification was based on its accuracy and rapidity compared to alternative laboratory protocols for identification. The aims of this study are to consolidate the MALDI-TOF MS Supplementary database for environmental yeasts already constructed, to expand it through the addition of standard spectra of not included yeast species, and to discuss the grape microflora encountered in Southern Brazil. A total of 358 strains, isolated from grape berries, were submitted to protein profiling employing Biotyper and Supplementary database. Molecular biology techniques were used as alternatives to identify 6.4% of strains not promptly designated by protein profiling. These strains corresponded to the species Candida californica, Zygoascus meyerae, Candida akabanensis, Candida azyma, and Hanseniaspora vineae. The MALDI-TOF MS spectra of the identified species were added to Supplementary database. The presented results strengthen the need for further expansion of the mass spectra database to broaden its microbiological application.