Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most analysed eukaryotic organisms because of their high potential of use in industry and daily basis, moreover, it is simple organism to investigate. Natural barriers of the yeast cells which is the cell wall and plasma membrane often limits transport and access of molecules or substrates to as well as from the cell. In this study the absorption of the tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) ion by the yeast cells was studied to investigate resealing process of the yeast cell depending on experimental conditions.
In this research pulsed electric field (PEF) regime was adapted to investigate electrical permeabilization of the yeast cell without causing any damage to the cells, i.e. most of the cells can recover to their non-permeabilized state. These studies were performed by applying two different methods. One method was based on the research of the TPP+ ion absorption kinetics with the use of potentiometric ion selective electrode, which provides data about the yeast cell wall permeabilization. The other method was based on fluorescent dye assessment that demonstrated the permeabilized state of the cell membrane. Results were analysed by applying the mathematical model. Experiments have displayed firm connection between the yeast cell plasma membrane and the cell wall resealing process after PEF impact. It was determined that the main barrier for the uptake of TPP+ is the cell wall. Preliminary data regarding yeast cell barrier functions in different pH buffers, strengths of PEF and durations of electric impulses will be provided.