Besides the usual autoclaving etc. We have had several incidences of yeast contamination (suspected S. cerevisiae) after a few days of fermentation, even though all media is properly sterilized etc. We have considered reducing the pH but that has obvious negative effects on the filamentous fungi as well, and there isn't much possibility for changing the media. Is there such a thing as a yeast-specific antibiotic, or a specific chemical, or a lysozyme which will not affect the other fungal cells?
You could try adding fluconazole. It is not active against many filamentous fungi.
There are several yeasts specific antibiotics which are usually used to treat fungal infections of humans caused by yeast species. Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine which is used to treat yeast infections. However, these might affect the other fungi as well although they may not work on many filamentous fungi. However, the following paper discusses antibiotic resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Most of the antibiotics used are effective against bacteria, not fungi. Please go through their results and I think you will find an antibiotic which can be used against yeast. I have attached the link to the paper for you.
Article Genome-Wide Screening of Saccharomyces cerevisiae To Identif...
could you inform us species name of your filamentous fungi? because different taxa might have different antifungal range therefore we can suggest you which method is suitable to eliminate yeast without killing/harming your filamentous fungi
Have you thought whether your glycerol stocks are contaminated? If that is the case, you can start growing your fungi from glycerol stock with streaking and then pick up a single colony to regrow. Repeat 3-4 times, until you get no contamination on the plate (even if the plate seems clean, you can always check under the microscope to be sure, as the contamination might not be so obvious). Then, you can make new glycerol stocks. Good luck!
I would suggest to review your aseptic techniques throughout the fermentation process and preparations rather than adding any reagent and its pretty much achievable. Run blanks to find out the possible causes of contamination. Good luck
I suggest you follow the method hyphal tip purification to prevent yeast contamination.
good luck
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