Scientists have discovered that a species of yeast called Saccharomyces exiguus can use kerosene as a source of carbon and energy. Kerosene, a fuel derived from petroleum, is known to cause environmental pollution due to the presence of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. However, this research suggests that using S. exiguus could help mitigate the negative impact of kerosene on the environment.

In the study, S. exiguus was isolated from oil wells and grown in 5% kerosene with 1.2% ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) and 50 ppm yeast extract. The researchers analyzed the growth of the yeast in kerosene by measuring its dry weight, as well as additional tests and analyses such as protein quantification and gas chromatography. The results showed that S. exiguus could use the hydrocarbons in kerosene as the sole source of its carbon and energy.

The potential applications of this discovery are promising. S. exiguus could synthesize unicellular protein, which has many uses in the food industry. Additionally, the yeast could help recover environments impacted by kerosene. By degrading the hydrocarbons in kerosene, S. exiguus could help reduce negative environmental impacts introduced by the presence of this fuel.

Overall, this study highlights the potential of microbial biotechnology to address environmental challenges. By harnessing the abilities of naturally occurring microorganisms, such as S. exiguus, we may develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems caused by human activity.

Link to the article: https://journals.modernsciences.org/index.php/msj/article/view/22

Summary of: Saccharomyces exiguus Uses Kerosene as a Source of Carbon and Energy, by Norma Patricia Romo-Enriquez et al.

References

• Romo-Enriquez, N. P., Ignacio De La Cruz, J. L., Villegas-Moreno, J., & Sanchez-Yanez, J. M. (2023). Saccharomyces exiguus Uses Kerosene as a Source of Carbon and Energy. Modern Sciences Journal, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.57184/msj.v12i1.22