Generation of Yeast Protoplasts by Lytic Actions of Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles

Preparation of protoplasts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris was achieved by using iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The protoplasts were characterized by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, revealing cell wall breakage. In addition, the as-prepared protoplasts allowed regeneration, DNA extraction, and transformation. These results support the conviction that Fe3O4 MNPs exhibit an intrinsic yeast lytic activity. The demonstration of protoplast generation can be useful in providing a feasible platform for genetic manipulation of yeasts and opens doors for yeast-based biotechnological applications. Moreover, it is anticipated that, with appropriate modifications, this approach can be extended to a range of microbiomes of industrial importance.