Enzymatic RNA reduction in disintegrated cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Degradation of UNA by endogenous RNase in cell suspensions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was found to be achieved by mechanical disintegration followed by incubation in the presence of NaCl. The incubation parameters pH, temperature, time, and concentration of NaCl were investigated. Protein concentrates with a low content of RNA were obtained by precipitation of the incubated suspensions and separation of the degradation products. On a pilot plant scale the incubation was performed at 50°C and pH 5.6 in the presence of 3% NaCl for 20 min. Kilogram quantities of protein concentrates containing 1.4% RNA and 8.2% nitrogen were obtained. The RNA reduction and the nitrogen yield was 85 and 60%, respectively. The yield of amino acids was about 75%. The process described can probably be applied for large‐scale production.