Candida rugosa is a yeast species belonging to the genus Candida. It is a dimorphic fungus, meaning it can exist in two different forms: yeast and filamentous. This species is commonly found in various natural environments, including soil, water, and plants.
Candida rugosa has gained attention due to its significant industrial and biotechnological applications. It is known for its ability to produce and secrete extracellular lipases, enzymes that break down fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol. These lipases have attracted interest in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.
The yeast form of Candida rugosa typically appears as oval to spherical cells that reproduce through budding. Under certain conditions, such as nutrient limitation or exposure to certain chemicals, it can transition into a filamentous form with elongated cells that resemble hyphae.
Candida rugosa has been extensively studied for its lipolytic activity and its potential in bioremediation. Lipases derived from this yeast species are highly versatile and can catalyze a wide range of reactions, making them valuable in the food industry for applications such as flavor enhancement, lipid modification, and the production of specialty fats and oils (De Maria et al., 2006). An example of its use in immobilised form is known using calcium alginate gel.
In addition to its industrial significance, C. rugosa is also recognized as an opportunistic pathogen in humans. It can cause infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those undergoing invasive medical procedures. C. rugosa infections are most commonly associated with the skin, nails, and mucosal surfaces.
Overall, Candida rugosa is a versatile yeast species with significant industrial potential due to its lipolytic enzymes. However, its pathogenic nature underscores the importance of appropriate handling and containment measures when working with this organism in laboratory or industrial settings.
References
De Maria, P. D., Sánchez-Montero, J. M., Sinisterra, J. V., & Alcántara, A. R. (2006). Understanding Candida rugosa lipases: an overview. Biotechnology Advances, 24(2), pp. 180-196 (Article).
Soares, C. M., De Castro, H. F., De Moraes, F. F., & Zanin, G. M. (1999). Characterization and utilization of Candida rugosa lipase immobilized on controlled pore silica. In Twentieth Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals: Presented as Volumes 77–79 of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology Proceedings of the Twentieth Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals Held May 3–7, 1998, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Humana Press. pp. 745-757
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