Solubilization and activity of yeast cells in water-in-oil microemulsion

Baker yeast cells are solubilized in organic solvents by the use of surfactants and small amounts of water. Data are reported for three different systems, Tween/Isopropylpalmitat, Asolectin/IPP, Asolectin/Hexadecane. The viability (life-capability) can remain as high as 80% for 10 Days, the asolectin systems being more efficient. The viability is significantly higher for yeast cells derived from cultures which had been previously solubilized in the microemulsion system. The implications of the finding for microbiology in organic solvents, and some general mechanistic aspects, are briefly discussed.