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Selective separation of microorganisms by lectins: Yeast and concanavalin A as a model system
Author(s) -
Stratford Malcolm,
Bond Chris J.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260400711
Subject(s) - concanavalin a , lectin , yeast , divalent , schizosaccharomyces pombe , microorganism , saccharomyces cerevisiae , chemistry , intracellular , biochemistry , biophysics , chromatography , biology , bacteria , in vitro , organic chemistry , genetics
Specific aggregation and separation of microorganisms was investigated using yeasts and concanavalin A as a model system. Cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were specifically aggregated and so separated from those of Schizosaccharomyces pombe . Optimum aggregation with over 99% of cells aggregated was achieved by adjustment to pH value and applied agitation. Dimeric lectin structure caused a far higher degree of aggregation than did tetrameric. Degree of aggregation was also strongly influenced by the ratio of lectin/cell concentrations, optimum aggregation occurring in the middle range of ratios. A high ratio of lectin to cells inhibited aggregation, occupation of most of the available receptors preventing intercellular bonding by divalent lectins. Detachment and reuse of concanavalin A was demonstrated using switching from moderate to low pH value. Potential uses for species‐specific‐separation of microorganisms are discussed. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.