Anhydrobiosis in yeast: effect of selenium on the resistance of yeast cells in the dehydration-rehydration process^*

Recent biotechnological research has contributed significantly to the continuous expansion and understanding of the mechanisms of eukaryotic cell functioning in yeast. Nevertheless, the influence of selenium on the resistance of yeast cells and the processes of anhydrobiosis requires extending the existing knowledge. Anhydrobiosis is a mechanism enabling microorganisms like yeast to survive extreme desiccation conditions by temporarily suspending metabolism. Introducing selenium as a factor influencing anhydrobiosis directs attention to cellular interactions and the adjustment of metabolic and defence processes in yeasts under extreme conditions. The Rhodotorula glutinis CCY 20-2-26 yeast exhibited the highest survival rate after 48 h of cultivation and slow rehydration, with selenium concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5 mg Se L^-1 showing no significant difference from the control, while concentrations of 10-20 mg L^-1 resulted in a statistically significant decrease in cell survival to around 60% from the control’s 70%. Similarly, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 7090 yeast, after undergoing slow rehydration and 48 h of cultivation, demonstrated the highest and stabilized survival rate at 60%, with no significant differences observed in survival compared to the control across tested selenium concentrations. This knowledge not only advances our understanding of microbial adaptation but also has potential applications in biotechnology for long-term storage and production of highly active yeasts.