Application of Yeast Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes for Recovery of Intracellular Products and Control of Yeast Infections

摘要

A motile actinomycete, Oerskovia xanthineolytica, produces inducible extracellular enzymes which rapidly degrade the walls of various yeasts. Action on viable cells lyses them or forms spheroplasts depending on osmotic conditions. In the absence of osmotic support, the yeast cell wall-degrading enzyme (YCWDE) kills cells and releases cell contents. This suggested two applications of the enzyme: (1) release of intracellular products (e.g., protein), or delicate structures (e.g., mitochondria) destroyed by mechanical disruption; and (2) possible control of systemic candidiasis by injection of enzyme either alone or with antibiotics.