[Biomineralization of copper in Candida fukuyamaensis RCL-3]

Abstract

Candida fukuyamaensis RCL-3 yeast has the ability to decrease copper concentration in a culture medium. High copper concentrations change the cell color from white/cream to brown. The effect of color change ceases with the addition of KCN or when cells are grown in a culture medium without sulfate ions. These results could be associated with CuS bioaccumulation in the cell surface. This report revealed that mineralization would be a mechanism used by this yeast for copper bioremediation.

Keywords: Biomineralización; Biomineralization; Cu(II) remediation; CuS; Levaduras; Remediación de Cu(II); Yeast.