Recently, the attempts of using of nanotechnologies in biotechnology for obtaining of
bioactive principles from microorganisms have been started. According to special literature, it is
known that nanoparticles have both actions as toxic and stimulating on microorganisms that
manifests in dependence on composition, size and concentration, their application can
significantly alter the physiological processes and biosynthetic status.
Currently a great scientific and practical interest present the basic cell wall yeasts
polysaccharides, specifically β-glucans that have an extensive application in various fields.
Due to their antiviral and antibacterial, immunomodulatory and antitumoral activity β-
glucans of yeasts have a special biomedical significance.
In this context, the aim of the research was to assess the influence of TiO2 nanoparticles
on productivity and β-glucans biosynthesis at Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNMN-Y-20 yeast
strain, the β-glucans active producer, deposited in the National Collection of Nonpathogenic
Microorganisms.
For the research YPD medium and TiO2 nanoparticles with sizes of 30 nm in
concentrations of 0,5; 1,0; 5,0; 10,0 and 15 mg/l in the aqueous emulsion form were used. As a
control was examined variant without nanoparticles. The yeast biomass was collected after 120
hours of cultivation.
Thus, obtained results have demonstrated that the content of yeast biomass has
demonstrated a relative stability for the yeast grown in the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles. The
insignificant decrease in biomass content with 3-6% compared to the control was observed at
the nanoparticles, irrespective of the used concentration.
Assessing of the β-glucans content in the experimental samples was determined that
TiO2 nanoparticles in the concentrations of 0,5; 1 and 5 mg/l do not influence significantly the
content of polysaccharides in yeasts biomass, content of β-glucans oscillating at the control.
The positive effect was registered at the utilization of TiO2 nanoparticle in
concentrations 10 and 15 mg/l, β-glucans content was increased by 7 and 20% respectively
compared to the control.
Thus, we concluded that TiO2 nanoparticles with dimensions of 30 nm at concentration
of 10 and 15 mg/l can be used to stimulate the biosynthesis of β-glucans at Saccharomyces
cerevisiae CNMN-Y-20 strain.