Fish oil, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, is a valuable addition to human diet. Its composition makes it
difficult to handle as it is prone to oxidation and its strong smell is repelling to many. Encapsulation in
yeast cells is a possible solution to these issues. The aim of this study was to determine the best pretreatment
approach, optimize the process of microencapsulation and verify the stability of the oil encapsulated
in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Pretreatment by autolysis, chemically facilitated autolysis and
enzymatic cell wall digestion was tested. Autolysis at 55 C supported by addition of 1.5% ethyl acetate
was an effective pretreatment method. Process parameter values (temperature, stirring rate and emulsifier
addition) were optimized, improving efficiency to ca. 90%. The encapsulated oil was shown to be stable
when stored for 30 days at relative humidity below 70%. Additional coating with hydroxypropyl
methyl cellulose allowed to improve storage stability.