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Updated: May 31, 2026

Quantitative Metabolomics of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Published on: January 5, 2021
Microbially induced separation of quartz from calcite using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
S Usha Padukone1, K A Natarajan
1Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
Microbial processes using Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and their byproducts enable selective separation of quartz and calcite minerals. This study explores the surface chemistry changes and mechanisms behind microbially induced flotation and flocculation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Mineral Processing
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Selective separation of minerals like quartz and calcite is crucial in mining and materials science.
- Traditional methods can be energy-intensive and environmentally impactful.
- Microbial applications offer a potentially sustainable alternative for mineral processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for selective mineral separation.
- To understand the surface chemistry interactions between yeast cells, metabolites, and mineral surfaces.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of microbially induced flotation and flocculation.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to calcite and quartz.
- Adsorption studies to quantify microbial-mineral interactions.
- Electrokinetic investigations to analyze surface charge properties.
- Microbially induced flotation and flocculation experiments.
Main Results:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and their metabolites effectively achieved selective separation of quartz and calcite.
- Adaptation enhanced the yeast's interaction with the target minerals.
- Surface chemistry analysis revealed significant changes due to microbial-mineral interactions.
- Mechanisms for microbially induced flotation and flocculation were identified.
Conclusions:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a viable agent for selective mineral separation via bio-flotation and bio-flocculation.
- Understanding surface chemistry is key to optimizing microbial mineral processing.
- This approach offers a promising eco-friendly alternative for separating valuable minerals.
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