Yeast in microbial consortia mediating the biodegradation of organic ecopollutants

Abstract

Among microbial destructors of organic ecopollutants, yeast occupies a special place due to its ability to form consortia with various microorganisms. The study analyzes the most common partners of yeast cells in natural microbial consortia, and also identifies ecopollutants, whose degradation in contaminated environments under the influence of polymicrobial biosystems has been most thoroughly studied. Such ecopollutants include petroleum hydrocarbons, mycotoxins, fungicides, dyes, and synthetic polymers. A significant role of various yeast enzyme systems has been noted in their biodegradation. The natural chemical composition of yeast cell walls, as well as their ability to synthesize and intracellularly accumulate certain proteins and peptides, provide yeast cells with a powerful sorption potential in relation to various heavy metals that distinguish them from other microorganisms. The sorption characteristics of yeast are important not only for removing environmental pollutants from different media, but also for reducing their negative effects on other microorganisms in consortia with yeast. It is discussed that the maximum degree and rates of biodegradation of ecopollutants present in aquatic environments are achieved by consortia containing high concentrations of yeast cells. Special attention is paid to the formation of the quorum response in yeast and its role in regulating the properties displayed by cells in consortia. It has been noted that the intensity of biofilm development as a manifestation of quorum in consortia can be regulated by controlling the concentration of specific quorum molecules. The possibilities and prospects of constructing
artificial consortia involving yeast are discussed. The information presented provides an understanding of the role of yeast consortia in the biodegradation processes of organic  ecopollutants which are highly in demand in the contemporary world.