Biosorption of Heavy Metals by Candida albicans Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Disruptions in the vaginal microbiome and immune responses contribute to its development. Effective treatment involves both antifungal therapy and strategies to restore microbiome balance, preventing recurrent infections and addressing emerging antifungal resistance.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This research study investigated the resistance and biosorption capacity of the yeast Candida albicans against various heavy metals, particularly focusing on chromium (Cr(VI)) removal from aqueous solutions. The study examined how C. albicans grown in different conditions can tolerate high concentrations of heavy metals and efficiently remove them through biosorption mechanisms. It explored the effects of parameters such as pH, temperature, biomass concentration, and carbon sources on chromium removal, comparing living and dead biomass efficiency. The study also assessed the yeast’s capacity to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil and water samples, mimicking real environmental conditions.
Who was studied?
The study focused on a strain of Candida albicans isolated from the Bancote River in Mexico. Clinicians tested this strain for growth tolerance against multiple heavy metals, including chromium, lead, silver, zinc, cobalt, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, copper, and fluoride. They evaluated the yeast’s biosorption capacity using both live and dried biomass under laboratory-controlled conditions and applied it to contaminated industrial samples. They confirmed the strain’s morphology and identification using microscopic techniques, including germ tube and chlamydospore formation tests.
Most important findings
The Candida albicans strain demonstrated remarkable resistance to heavy metals, growing in concentrations up to 2000 ppm for chromium, zinc, lead, and copper; 1500 ppm for arsenic; 500 ppm for silver; and lower concentrations for cobalt, mercury, and cadmium. Biosorption efficiency varied across metals, with the highest removal rates for chromium, lead, silver, and cadmium. The study revealed that biosorption and reduction of Cr(VI) involve complex interactions influenced by pH and temperature, with acidic conditions favoring Cr(VI) protonation and enhanced attraction to yeast cell surfaces, and elevated temperatures accelerating redox reactions. Carbon source also impacted removal efficiency; fermentable sugars like sucrose and glucose enhanced chromium reduction more than non-fermentable sources. Importantly, C. albicans biomass was capable of removing chromium and other heavy metals from real industrial waste soil and water samples with removal rates exceeding 60%, highlighting its practical bioremediation potential.
Greatest implications of this study
This study demonstrates that Candida albicans possesses strong potential as a bioremediation agent for heavy metal-contaminated environments, particularly chromium-polluted water and soils. The yeast’s ability to tolerate and efficiently biosorb multiple heavy metals under varying environmental conditions supports its application in eco-friendly and cost-effective remediation technologies. Understanding the optimal conditions for biosorption and the role of biomass state (live vs. dead) provides practical insights for designing bioreactors or treatment systems. The study also emphasizes the importance of carbon sources in enhancing biosorption efficiency, suggesting potential for tailoring growth media to maximize remediation outcomes. Clinically and environmentally, harnessing C. albicans for heavy metal removal offers a sustainable approach to mitigate the health risks associated with heavy metal pollution, which can cause severe toxicity and bioaccumulation through food chains.