Investigation of biochemical effects of nano-zinc oxide (ZnO NP) in yeast culture medium

Zinc-oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) is one of the metal oxide materials widely used in many fields due to its superior properties. Although studies have been conducted on the toxic effects of these NPs in biological systems, few studies have been conducted to investigate their effects on biochemical parameters. For this purpose, in the presented study; It is aimed to determine the effects of ZnO NP on some biochemical parameters and defense system in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) culture medium. First of all, YEDP medium was prepared for the growth and proliferation of S. cerevisiae yeast cell to be used in the experiment. An experimental group was formed to contain 100 mg/L and 250 mg/L concentrations of ZnO in the medium. After the necessary sterilization procedures were done, inoculation was made from the stock culture of S. cerevisiae cells to each group of culture samples that were cooled to laboratory conditions. After the inoculation process, the cultures were incubated and the cell densities were measured under laboratory conditions and centrifuged and the cells were collected. The collected cell pellets were homogenized and centrifuged with a mixture of Tris HCl-base and EDTA, then GSH (Elman reagent), total protein (Lowry) and TBARS measurements (with HPLC device) were measured with the supernatant part, and n-hexane/isopropanol with the remaining pellet part. The analysis (gas chromatography) of fatty acids and sterols (ergosterol, campestrol, stigmasteol, betasitosterol) was performed. As a result; It has been observed that ZnO NP has different effects on the biochemical and defense system of S. cerevisiae, and it has been determined that very high ZnO NP doses create stress in the organism. It is thought that the results revealed on the antioxidant defense system will be a source for similar studies on other living models and will contribute to the literature knowledge by supporting future studies using in vivo systems.