Agriculture Biotechnology & Microbiology
Yeasts for Bioremediation
Description
Yeasts may be viewed as unicellular fungi in contrast to the molds, which aremulticellular. However, this is not a precise definition, since many of them arecommonly regarded as yeasts actually produce mycelia to varying degrees. Theycan be differentiated from bacteria by their cell size and oval, elongate, elliptical, orspherical cell shapes. Yeasts have long been associated with human beings. Theimportance of yeasts in the food and beverage industries was realized in 1860 whenthe role of these organisms in food manufacture became evident. Yeasts are beingused in the various fields of biotechnology because of their useful physiologicalproperties and considered as most widely used model organisms for genetics andcell biology. The potential biotechnological applications of yeasts include productionof SCP, hydrophilic intermediates of the alkane oxidative pathway, enzymes likeP450s, NADPH–P450 reductase, cytochrome b5, FAOD, SOD, catalase, etc.,heterologous proteins, muconic acid from catechol, D-amino acids, etc.This publication presents the potential applications of yeasts in the field ofbioremediation. The current trend towards remediation of various pollutants fromenvironment has created an enormous need for the development of appropriatecost effective technology using various microorganisms. Over the past fewdecades, many microorganisms mainly bacteria and fungi have been reported fortheir abilities to remediate a variety of pollutants. One of the most ubiquitousbiomass types available for bioremediation is yeast. Compared to bacteria andfilamentous fungi, yeasts exhibit attractive features. They are inexpensive, readilyavailable source of biomass. Though not as fast as bacteria, yeast can grow fasterthan filamentous fungi, and like them, they have the ability to resist unfavourableenvironments. Yeasts can adopt and grow under various extreme conditions viz. pH,temperature and nutrient availability as well as high pollutant concentrations.Recent research data elucidating the role of yeasts on remediation of heavymetals, synthetic dyes, petroleum hydrocarbon, pesticide, caffeine and antibioticsincluded in this book will definitely enrich the knowledge of researchers who areinterested for innovative research in these fields. Therefore, it is expected thatyeasts will no longer be treated as neglected organisms in the field ofbioremediation.
Table of Contents
Foreword-I, Foreword-II, About the Author, Preface, Introduction, Yeast – A Novel Microorganism, Microbial Bioremediation, Remediation of Heavy Metals Using Yeasts, Role of Yeasts for Remediation of Synthetic Dyes, Remediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon by Yeasts, Application of Yeasts for Pesticide Removal, Remediation of Caffeine Using Yeasts, Degradation and Removal of Antibiotics by Yeasts, Conclusions, Bibliography, Index