Zeta-potential of n-alkane emulsion droplets and its role in substrate transport into yeast cells

Zeta-potential of n-alkane droplets, formed by fatty acids, were studied in model systems of culture liquid of yeasts (Candida maltosa) capable of utilizing n-alkanes. The value of zeta-potential was found to depend on the droplet size. The negative zeta-potential of submicron droplets was so high that it prevented the droplets from being coagulated with cells possessing a high negative zeta-potential. The dominant role of submicron n-alkane droplets in the kinetics of yeast growth could be accounted for by the existence of a mechanism regulating contact interactions of individual cells with the droplets followed by uptake of the substrate.