The Investigation of the Effect of Iron, Zinc and Biotin on the Metabolism of Saccharomyces boulardii Cells

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed to introduce their effects to their host. The focus of this study is concentrated upon Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast species, which has many medical uses because Saccharomyces boulardii is thought to display antitoxin, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects and increased immune response. It is mainly used as a medicine against diarrhea and marketed under the name of Reflor®. Thus the study focuses on factors that would help to increase the potency of the drug Reflor® by boosting the metabolism of S. boulardii. The aim of this investigation is examining the effects of iron, zinc and biotin on the metabolic rate of S. boulardii colonies by collecting the carbondioxide gas evolved, through the metabolic pathway of ethanol fermantation of S.boulardii cells, in a U-tube system. As all other factors that could potentially effect S. boulardii metabolism and growth are controlled, the effect of different substances; iron, zinc and biotin are effectively investigated by measuring the difference between heights of water colons changed due to anaerobic respiration of S. boulardii in equal time intervals. The mean value for difference of heights of water colons for controlled, iron, zinc, biotin and iron+zinc+biotin groups are respectively; 0.90, 1.18, 1.16, 0.98, 1.40 cm. According to the obtained data, calculated mean values and statistical analysis; in this investigation the the hypothesis is supported by evidence. S. boulardii reacted differently in the presence of different minerals and vitamins and showed the highest metabolic rate and growth in the presence of iron and zinc ions. Biotin, on its own, is observed to be the least effective additive, however the combination of all three substances boosted the metabolism of S. boulardii significantly. Overall, the results of this study advocated the hypothesis that iron and zinc is much needed for the good growth and increased potency of S. boulardii, while biotin has also supported the good growth of yeast