Immobilization of a yeast strain isolated from a petrochemical wastewater and effect of phenol on attached cells

Background Cell immobilization is a strategy to enhance the efficiency of biorremediation processes [1]. Polyurethane foams have gained relevance for their resistance to microbial attack and cost effectiveness. Although the phenotypic diversity and lower generation time of bacteria make this group the most studied, yeasts are also able to adhere and grow on inert surfaces. While free yeast cells have been studied for use in bioremediation, only in the past two decades have studies of immobilized yeast cells been reported [2]. Among the organic environmental pollutants, phenol stands out for its recalcitrance and toxicity. Therefore, the aims of this work were: (i) to evaluate the potential for immobilization of a yeast strain from a petrochemical wastewater in Brazil, (ii) to test flexible polyurethane foam as immobilizing agent for this strain and (iii) to compare the effect of phenol on immobilized and free cells.