TITLE:
Sensor with Intact or Modified Yeast Cells as Rapid Device for Toxicological Test of Chemicals
AUTHORS:
Roberto Dragone, Chiara Frazzoli, Gerardo Grasso, Gloria Rossi
KEYWORDS:
Screening Methods; Spheroplast; Whole Cell; Tanalith; Mercury
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment,
Vol.3 No.2B,
May
2,
2014
ABSTRACT: Aerobic catabolism of S.
cerevisiae (cell respiration) is a rapid, cost-effective, and reproducible
toxicological endpoint of the whole cells biosensor. To increase the signal
intensity, a protocol for the immobilization and modification of the yeast
cells is described. In particular, the enzymatic treatment of the immobilized
yeast cells allows removing the cell wall and obtaining structurally modified
cells namely spheroplasts. Both immobilization and exposure of sensitive cells
like spheroplasts confirmed to improve the method’s sensitivity vs. the
chemicals. The present paper reports the test of different chemicals (including
Mercury and wood preservative like Tanalith) present in consumer products,
performed both by sensor with intact and modified whole cells.