Bio sorption & bioaccumulation of heavy metals by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in food systems: mechanisms, influencing factors, & applications: a narrative review

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in food can cause serious health problems, & in extreme cases; death. Therefore, various methods have been used to counter this problem. Methods like adsorption, ion exchange, & electrochemical technology have been studied a lot. These methods are good because they are efficient, cost-effective, & eco-friendly, but they also have some downsides. This has driven interest in microbial bio sorbents, particularly probiotic organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as cost-effective food decontamination agents. Therefore, several studies that ranged from 2010 to 2022 were consulted from Google Scholar, Academia, Pubmed etc., using search terms like heavy metal decontamination in foods & water, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bio sorption. One of such microorganism is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is commonly known as yeast. It is widely used in the food & beverage industry; during fermentation processes. It has gained attention for its ability to act as a probiotic & to help detoxify heavy metals & other harmful substances in foods & water. 70% - 80% removal efficiency for Lead & Cadmium was achieved in milk in reviewed studies. This review examines the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a heavy metal decontamination agent in food, focusing on its mechanisms & effectiveness.