A novel preparation for siderophore‐assisted copper and zinc enrichment in yeast

Copper and zinc are essential trace elements for several biological activities and play an important role in living organisms. In this study, the role of siderophores obtained from 16 microorganisms isolated from an iron‐rich environment was evaluated in the transport of zinc and copper in yeast. In addition, siderophores showing relevant transport activity were used in the preparation of metal‐enriched yeast. Siderophores TZT‐SH5I and TZT‐ZTH2X significantly improved tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during growth under high concentrations of zinc/copper. Strains producing siderophores TZT‐SH5I and TZT‐ZTH2X were identified as Aspergillus sp and Penicillium sp, respectively. The orthogonal method was used to determine optimized conditions for siderophore‐assisted copper and zinc enrichment of S. cerevisiae. The final intracellular content of organic Cu and Zn in S. cerevisiae grown in a siderophore‐containing medium was 60.76 and 44.22 mg/g. This study provides a convenient and feasible new strategy for the preparation of supplements rich in organic trace elements. Novelty impact statement Bioaccumulation of essential trace elements (TEs) by microorganisms is one of the most important ways to TEs from inorganic into organic forms which can be more efficiently absorbed by humans. In the current study, a novel method for preparing copper and zinc‐enriched yeast using siderophores from high iron environment microorganisms has been optimized and established. Significantly higher intracellular content of organic Cu and Zn in Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in a siderophore‐containing medium was obtained, which would provide a new idea and platform for the preparation of organic trace elements.