Abstract

Most of our current knowledge of yeast is based on the workhorse Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, can this yeast represent the natural vast array of yeast-live forms? This review provides recent literature on significant advances in the study of non-Saccharomyces yeast, also known as non-conventional Yeast (NCY). We provide recent literature on bioprospecting methodologies and population genomics studies that have expanded our understanding of NCY diversity, highlight critical species with industrial applications, and offer insights into how their genetic diversity translates into phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to extreme environments. We assess the limitations that currently delay the widespread use of NCYs in biotechnology, including the need for ambitious bioprospecting efforts and robust genetic tools for scaling up NCY-based processes for industry. NCYs could offer novel sustainable solutions in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and bioenergy sectors, opening up a new frontier of commercial opportunities.