Fusarium Solani Strain Research Articles

Synthesis, anti-microbial activity, cytotoxicity of some novel substituted (5-(3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzofuran-2-yl)(phenyl)methanone analogs

BackgroundThere is a dire need for the discovery and development of new antimicrobial agents after several experiments for a better resistance of microorganisms towards antimicrobial agents become a serious health problem for a few years in the past. As benzimidazole possess various types of biological activities, it has been synthesized, in the present study, a new series of (5-(3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzofuran-2-yl)(phenyl)methanone analogs by using the condensation and screened for its in vitro antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity.ResultsThe synthesized (5-(3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxybenzyl) benzofuran-2-yl)(phenyl)methanone analogs were confirmed by IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, MS spectra and HRMS spectral data. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial potential against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Staph aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter aerogenes) bacterial and fungal (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani) strains by disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in which it has been recorded in microgram per milliliter in comparison to the reference drugs, ciprofloxacin (antibacterial) and nystatin (antifungal). Further, the cytotoxicity (IC50 value) has also been assessed on human cervical (HeLa), Supt1 cancer cell lines by using MTT assay.ConclusionsThe following screened compounds (4d), (4f), (4g), (4k), (4l), (4o) and (4u) were found to be the best active against all the tested bacterial and fungal strains among all the demonstrated compounds of biological study. The MIC determination was also carried out against bacteria and fungi, the compounds (4f) and (4u) are found to be exhibited excellent potent against bacteria and fungi respectively. The compounds (4f) and (4u) were shown non-toxic in nature after screened for cytotoxicity against the cancer cell lines of human cervical (HeLa) and Supt1. Additionally, structure and antibacterial activity relationship were also further supported by in silico molecular docking studies of the active compounds against DNA topoisomerase.

The fungicide effect of HKUST-1 on Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani and Penicillium chrysogenum

We evaluated the fungicide effect of HKUST-1 and related materials on Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani and Penicillium chrysogenum strains.

Genome Sequence of an Endophytic Fungus, Fusarium solani JS-169, Which Has Antifungal Activity.

ABSTRACTAn endophytic fungus, Fusarium solani strain JS-169, isolated from a mulberry twig, showed considerable antifungal activity. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain. The assembly comprises 17 scaffolds, with an N50 value of 4.93 Mb. The assembled genome was 45,813,297 bp in length, with a G+C content of 49.91%.

Comprehensive Microbial Study on Biocide Application as Vase Solution Preservatives for Cut ‘Cherry Brandy’ Rose Flower

Disturbance in water relations is the major causes of vase life reduction and senescence in cut flowers This problem is mainly due to microorganism proliferation in the vase solution which leads to vascular occlusion and reduction in solution uptake by cut flowers. Therefore a comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the biocidal effect of nano silver particles (NSP) and compare it with some previously applied biocides. Roses (cv. Cherry Brandy) were treated in a completely randomized design with: colloid of NSP, citric acid, aluminum sulfate, hydroxyquinoline citrate (HQC), calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), tap water, or sterilized distilled water as vase water or solution. Longest vase life was observed in flowers treated with nano silver particles, aluminum sulphate and citric acid, respectively. Nano silver particles, HQC and calcium hypochlorite were the most effective treatments in controlling microbial population followed by aluminum sulfate as the second effective treatment. Nano silver particles, HQC and calcium hypochlorite completely inhibited the microbial growth during the first six days of experiment. Moreover, aluminum sulfate retarded microbial growth, proliferation and growth rate more efficiently than others. Each treatment allowed proliferation of a specific microbe. In general, two yeasts, six fungi, and 26 bacterial colonies were isolated from different vase solutions. Among the isolated fungi, one isolate was Trichoderma harzianum and the five other were different strains of Fusarium solani. Identified bacterial isolates were Bacillus sp., Coccus spp., Streptomyces sp., Pectobacterium sp., Burkholderia sp., and Pseudomonas sp. Bacillus was the most wide spread microorganism in most treatments. Identified Bacillus sp. isolates were B. polymexa, B. subtilis, B. megaterium and B. circulans. Since nano silver significantly improved vase life and effectively controlled microbial proliferation in vase solution, our results suggest that nano silver application could be considered as a biocidal preservative solution for rose cut flowers.

Production, Characterization and Immobilization of a Fusarium solani Lipase by Chitosan Magnetic Nanoparticles

Lipase producing fungus was isolated and identified as a strain of Fusarium solani based on its 18s rDNA sequencet. The enzyme it produces was purified by diethyl amino ethyl sephadex (DEAE-sephadex) column chromatography. The specific activity of the pure enzyme was 1.98 U/mg protein. The kinetics study showed that Km and Vmax values were 0.63µM and 29.4µM/min/mg protein, respectively. The MW was 95.27 kDa. Effects of pH, incubation temperature and organic solvents on the lipase activity were studied. The maximum enzyme activity was obtained at pH 8.5 and incubation temperature 35°C. Hexane and butanol inhibited enzyme activity by 51% and 72.6 %, respectively, while DMSO stimulated the activity by 47.8%. The lipase was immobilized by fusion to chitosan-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles and cross-linked by glutaraldehyde. The reusability and storage period of the immobilized enzyme showed that the enzyme retained 80% of its activity after 15 reuse cycles and retained 97% of activity after 30 days of storage at 4°C. The immobilized lipase was tested for synthesis of sugars-oleate esters and the ester products were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). This investigation identified the potential for use of the obtained F. solani lipase in industrial applications that utilize organic solvents or alkaline pH values, such as detergent industry.

Fast activated charcoal prepurification of Fusarium solani β-glucosidase for an efficient oleuropein bioconversion

ABSTRACTFungal β-glucosidases were extensively studied regarding their various potential biotechnology applications. Here, we report the selection of Fusarium solani strain producing high yield of β-glucosidase activity. The effect of some factors on β-glucosidase production was studied including: Initial pH, medium composition, concentration of carbon and nitrogen sources, and particle size of raw substrates. The optimal enzyme production was obtained with 4 units of pH. The highest β-glucosidase activity was produced on 4% wheat bran (WB) as raw carbon sources, reaching 5 U/mL. A positive correlation between WB particle size and the β-glucosidase production level was settled. The last one was enhanced to 13.60 U/mL in the presence of 0.5% (w/v) of ammonium sulfate. Interestingly, the activated charcoal was used as an inexpensive reagent enabling a rapid and efficient purification prior step that improved the enzyme-specific activity. Eventually, F. solani β-glucosidase acts efficiently during the bioconversion process of oleuropein. Indeed, 82.5% of oleuropein was deglycosylated after 1 hr at 40°C. Altogether, our data showed that the β-glucosidase of F. solani has a potential application to convert oleuropein to ameliorate food quality.

Antifungal Activity and Presence of Lipopeptides Genes in Bacillus subtilis Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Pluchea sericea

Cotton production in the Mexicali valley is adversely affected by wilt and root rot disease associated with Fusarium species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the antifungal activity and presence of lipopeptides genes in Bacillus subtilis strain Bs-Cach isolated from the rhizosphere of the cachanilla (Pluchea sericea). The dual culture technique was conducted to test antifungal effect of the Bs-Cach on the growth of Fusarium solani strains (ICA-3 and ICA-4, respectively), and the presence of iturin (ItuA), surfactin (SrfC), and fengycin (FenD) (lipopeptides genes), was evaluated by PCR analysis. The results obtained revealed that Bs-Cach inhibited the growth of F. solani ICA-3 and ICA-4, with a range of percentage inhibition from 50 and 52 after 120 h, respectively. On the other hand, our result of the PCR amplification of the lipopeptide genes from DNA of Bs-Cach showed solely the presence of iturin but not surfactin and fengycin genes. The analysis of sequence ituA present in Bs-Cach showed 84 % identity with iturin A synthetase of different B. subtilis strains. This study showed that B. subtilis Bs-Cach strain has the ability of inhibiting F. solani strains by at least one mechanism, the lipopeptide synthesis. This result turns Bs-Cach into a potential alternative for the biological control of F. solani. Nevertheless, this study was conducted under in vitro conditions, and further studies are required to investigate whether these results hold true under field conditions.

Evaluation of Antifungal Efficacy of 0.1% and 0.25% Riboflavin with UVA: A Comparative In Vitro Study

ABSTRACTPurpose: Antifungal efficacy of photochemical cross-linking (PACK-CXL) with 0.1% and 0.25% riboflavin was evaluated with a comparative in vitro study.Methods: Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC reference strains, Candida parapsilosis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium solani, Scedosporium apiospermum, and Alternaria alternata strains isolated from keratitis cases were chosen as targeted microorganisms. Unique “black plate method” was developed in polystyrene microplates. Riboflavin suspensions in 0.1% and 0.25% were separately added into inoculated wells. Non-inoculated wells were filled by black colored dye in order to protect treated wells from reflection of UV treatment. After ultraviolet A (UVA) treatment, each well was evaluated by microbiological culture in order to count viable fungal colonies. Fungal killing rate was calculated by comparing fungal counts (CFU/mL) before and after UVA application of riboflavin-added wells.Results: Four different fungal inoculum concentrations of targeted microorganisms, including 104, 103, 102, and 101 CFU/mL, were assayed. PACK-CXL with 0.25% riboflavin was found to be highly effective on fungal cells even in 104 CFU/mL of concentration.Conclusions: PACK-CXL appears as a promising treatment option for difficult-to-treat cases of fungal keratitis and 0.25% riboflavin concentration increases fungicidal effect of the procedure dramatically.

Lipase production by a Tunisian Fusarium solani strain cultivated on olive oil wastewater-based media and a biotreatment assay

The ability of a lipolytic fungus, Fusarium solani, to grow on olive mill wastewater (OMW)-based medium and to produce a high value compound, while degrading this waste was tested. OMW with high values of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was supplemented with yeast extract to ensure the growth of this fungus. In shake flask batch cultures, OMW led to a lipase activity of about 14 U/ml. F. solani growth on OMW showed high oil and COD removal efficiencies of 100 and 24.1%, respectively. A maximum phenolic compounds removal, about 46% of the initial content, was achieved and a decrease in 68% of total sugars was registered at the second day of culture.

Isolation and characterization of two mitoviruses and a putative alphapartitivirus from Fusarium spp.

The filamentous fungus Fusarium spp. includes several important plant pathogens. We attempted to reveal presence of double-stranded (ds) RNAs in the genus. Thirty-seven Fusarium spp. at the MAFF collection were analyzed. In the strains of Fusarium coeruleum, Fusarium globosum and Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi, single dsRNA bands were detected. The strains of F. coeruleum and F. solani f. sp. pisi cause potato dry rot and mulberry twig blight, respectively. Sequence analyses revealed that dsRNAs in F. coeruleum and F. globosum consisted of 2423 and 2414 bp, respectively. Using the fungal mitochondrial translation table, the positive strands of these cDNAs were found to contain single open reading frames with the potential to encode a protein of putative 757 and 717 amino acids (molecular mass 88.5 and 84.0 kDa, respectively), similar to RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of members of the genus Mitovirus. These dsRNAs in F. coeruleum and F. globosum were assigned to the genus Mitovirus (family Narnaviridae), and these two mitoviruses were designated as Fusarium coeruleum mitovirus 1 and Fusarium globosum mitovirus 1. On the other hand, a positive strand of cDNA (1950 bp) from dsRNA in F. solani f. sp. pisi contained an ORF potentially encoding a putative RdRp of 608 amino acids (72.0 kDa). The putative RdRp was shown to be related to those of members of the genus of Alphapartitivirus (family Partitiviridae). We coined the name Fusarium solani partitivirus 2 for dsRNA in F. solani f. sp. pisi.

Impact of water potential on growth and germination of Fusarium solani soilborne pathogen of peanut.

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of osmotic and matric stress on germination and growth of two Fusarium solani strains, the etiological agent responsible of peanut brown root rot. Both strains had similar osmotic and matric potential ranges that allowed growth, being the latter one narrower. F. solani showed the ability to grow down to -14 MPa at 25 °C in non-ionic modified osmotic medium, while under matric stress this was limited to -8.4 MPa at 25 °C. However, both strains were seen to respond differently to decreasing osmotic and matric potentials, during early stages of germination. One strain (RC 338) showed to be more sensitive to matric than osmotic (non ionic) and the other one (RC 386) showed to be more sensitive to osmotic than matric imposed water stress. After 24 h of incubation, both isolates behaved similarly. The minimum water potential for germination was -8.4 MPa on glycerol amended media and -5.6 MPa for NaCl and PEG amended media, respectively. The knowledge of the water potential range which allow mycelia growth and spore germination of F. solani provides an inside to the likely behaviour of this devastating soilborne plant pathogen in nature and has important practical implications.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Induction in Human Cancer Cells by Culture Extract of an Endophytic Fusarium solani Strain Isolated from Datura metel L

Objectives: Endophytic strains of many plants-particularly medicinal plants-produce a plethora of secondary metabolites, many of which are of immense pharmaceutical importance e.g. anticancer properties. Datura metel L., an important medicinal plant in use as a topical application to remove tumors apart from its other medicinal uses, has not been extensively explored for the potential of its endophytes for their pharmacological significance. The present study was thus initiated to investigate the anticancer effects of the organic extract of an endophytic fungus isolated from this plant. Methods: We report the anticancer effects of an endophytic Fusarium solani fungal strain isolated from Datura metel L. as evaluated by its culture extract on five human cancer cell lines (HepG2, HeLa, MCF-7, OVCAR-3 and PC-3). The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of three week grown fungal culture was tested for its cytotoxic activity on different cancer cell lines by MTT ([3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The apoptosis-inducing activity and its effect on mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry using JC-1 dye. Nuclear DNA condensation was assessed by fluorescence microscopy using Hoechst 33342 stain. DNA fragmentation was visualized by gel electrophoresis. Results: The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fungal culture extract showed cytotoxic activity against all the tested human cancer cell lines, in particular against cervical cancer cells HeLa. Further, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation and nuclear chromatin condensation strongly support the ability of organic extract to induce the cancer cell apoptosis though the mitochondrial pathway. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the Fusarium solani organic extract harbor potential anticancer lead compound(s) which inhibited the proliferation of various cancer cells by inducing cell apoptosis.

Resistance and Growth of Fusarium species in Contact Lens Disinfectant Solutions

To compare the biocidal efficacy of contact lens care solutions against clinical isolates and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 36031 reference strain of Fusarium species and to determine the ability of the organism to survive and grow in such systems. The ISO 14729 reference method to assess biocidal efficacy was applied to the purified conidial form of 10 strains of Fusarium species. Six multipurpose disinfectant solutions (MPDSs), a one-step hydrogen peroxide (Per-1) system, a hydrogen peroxide-sodium chlorite (Per-2) system, and a one-step povidone iodine (PI) system were compared. Challenge organism viability was determined at various intervals, including the manufacturers' recommended disinfection time for the products (4 to 6 hours) and thereafter to 21 days. All MPDSs achieved a 3- to 4-log10 reduction in viability of ATCC 36031 within the recommended disinfection time of 6 hours. For the clinical strains, MPDS-1 (PQ-1 + alexidine) and MPDS-2 (PQ-1 + PHMB) produced 3 to 5 log₁₀ kill after 6 hours. Multipurpose disinfectant solution 3 (PQ-1 + Aldox 0.0006%), MPDS-4 (PQ-1 + Aldox 0.0005% + C-9 ED3A), and MPDS-5 (PQ-1 + Aldox 0.0005%) showed reduced efficacy for the same two strains, with 0.6 to 1.7 log₁₀ kill. Multipurpose disinfectant solution 6 (PHMB) gave 1.6 log₁₀ for one strain and 3 to 4 log₁₀ for the remainder. Growth in all the MPDS was not detected up to 21 days incubation. Per-1 showed less than 1 log₁₀ kill at 6 hours for six of 10 strains, including ATCC 36031, and growth (1.2 to 2.7 log₁₀) occurred with three of 10 strains by 7 days. Per-2 gave less than or equal to 0.5 log₁₀ kill after 6- or 24-hour exposure without growth. The PI system showed 4 to 5 log₁₀ kill for all strains tested by the first time point of 4 hours. However, with the exception of ATCC 36031, growth (1.7 to 4.0 log₁₀) occurred with all strains by 7 days in PI. All MPDSs were effective against the ATCC 36031 reference strain of Fusarium solani. However, reduced efficacy was found for some MPDSs against the clinical isolates. Unlike MPDSs, peroxide- and povidone iodine-based systems have no continued antimicrobial presence once neutralized, and this can allow growth of surviving Fusarium in the solution. Accordingly, lenses should be subject to fresh disinfection if stored in such solutions for extended periods.

Inoculation of PAH-degrading strains of Fusarium solani and Arthrobacter oxydans in rhizospheric sand and soil microcosms: microbial interactions and PAH dissipation

Very little is known about the influence of bacterial-fungal ecological interactions on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) dissipation in soils. Fusarium solani MM1 and Arthrobacter oxydans MsHM11 can dissipate PAHs in vitro. We investigated their interactions and their effect on the dissipation of three PAHs-phenanthrene (PHE), pyrene (PYR) and dibenz(a,h)anthracene (DBA)-in planted microcosms, in sterile sand or non-sterile soil. In sterile sand microcosms planted with alfalfa, the two microbes survived and grew, without any significant effect of co-inoculation. Co-inoculation led to the dissipation of 46% of PHE after 21days. In soil microcosms, whether planted with alfalfa or not, both strains persisted throughout the 46days of the experiment, without any effect of co-inoculation or of alfalfa, as assessed by real-time PCR targeting taxon-level indicators, i.e. Actinobacteria 16S rDNA and the intergenic transcribed spacer specific to the genus Fusarium. The microbial community was analyzed by temporal temperature gradient electrophoresis and real-time PCR targeting bacterial and fungal rDNA and PAH-ring hydroxylating dioxygenase genes. These communities were modified by PAH pollution, which selected PAH-degrading bacteria, by the presence of alfalfa and, concerning the bacterial community, by inoculation. PHE and PYR concentrations significantly decreased (91 and 46%, respectively) whatever the treatment, but DBA concentration significantly decreased (30%) in planted and co-inoculated microcosms only.

L-Tyrosinatonickel(II) Complex: Synthesis and Structural, Spectroscopic, Magnetic, and Biological Properties of 2{[Ni(l-Tyr)2(bpy)]}·3H2O·CH3OH

The complex 2{[Ni(L-Tyr)2(bpy)]}·3H2O·CH3OH [1, where L-Tyr = L-tyrosine; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bpy)] was obtained in crystalline form and characterized by X-ray and spectroscopic (FT-IR, NIR-vis-UV, and HFEPR) and magnetic methods. The complex crystallized in the hexagonal system with a = b = 12.8116(18) Å, c = 30.035(6) Å, and space group P3221. The six-coordination sphere around the Ni(2+) ion is formed by two N and two O L-tyrosinato atoms and completed by two N atoms of the 2,2'-bpy molecule. Neighboring [Ni(L-Tyr)2(bpy)] units are joined via weak hydrogen bonds, which create a helical polymeric chain. The coordinated atoms form a strongly distorted cis-NiN2N2'O2 octahedral chromophore. The solid-state electronic spectrum of complex 1 was analyzed assuming D2h symmetry, and the observed bands were assigned to (3)B1g → (3)Ag, (3)B1g → (3)B3g, (3)B1g → (3)B2g, (3)B1g → (3)B3g, (3)B1g → (3)B1g, and (3)B1g → (3)B2g transitions for the I and II d-d bands, respectively. The crystal-field parameters found for D2h symmetry are Dq = 1066 cm(-1), Ds = 617 cm(-1), Dt = -93 cm(-1), B22 = 7000 cm(-1), and Racah B = 812 cm(-1). Magnetic studies revealed the occurrence of hydrogen-bonded metal pairs. The spin Hamiltonian parameters D = -3.262 cm(-1) and E = -0.1094 cm(-1), determined from high-field, high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, together with a weak antiferromagnetic exchange parameter J = -0.477 cm(-1), allowed us to reproduce the powder magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization of the complex. The biological activity of 1 has been tested by using the Fusarium solani, Penicillium verrucosum, and Aspergillus flavus fungi strains and Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia marcescens, and Bacillus subtilis bacterial strains.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new 1,3,4-thiadiazoles containing oxadiazole, thiadiazole and triazole nuclei

A new series of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives containing oxadiazole (3a – 3e), thiadiazole (4a – 4e), and triazole (5a – 5e) moieties have been prepared using 2-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylamino)acetic acid (2) as intermediate. The structures of newly synthesized compounds are confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopy, LC/MS mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis data. Furthermore, all the newly synthesized compounds were also tested for their in vitro antibacterial activity against selected human pathogens viz. Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Legionella monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Streptococcus pyogenes and Fusarium solani strains. The preliminary results revealed that certain compounds exhibited promising antimicrobial activities against the test microorganisms. Nine of the total of 15 compounds exhibited excellent antibacterial activity and antifungal activity.

EVALUATION OF NANO SILVER PARTICLES AND CONVENTIONAL BIOCIDES ON MICROBIAL FLORA AND PROLIFERATION WITHIN 'CHERRY BRANDY' ROSE VASE SOLUTION

Water relation interruption is the major cause of vase life reduction in cut flowers. This is largely due to microorganism proliferation in the vase solution which leads to vascular occlusion and solution uptake reduction. In order to study the biocidal effect of nano silver particles and some conventional biocides, 'Cherry Brandy' roses were treated with the following: colloid of nano silver particles, citric acid, calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), tap water, or sterilized distilled water (control). Nano silver and Ca(ClO) 2 were the most effective treatment in controlling microbial proliferation. Three fungi and four different bacterial colonies were isolated from different vase solutions. The isolated fungi were different strains of Fusarium solani while the bacterial isolates were Bacillus sp., Coccus spp. and Streptomyces sp. Results suggest nano silver application is an effective biocidal preservative solution for rose cut flowers as its effect was comparable to that of conventional biocides.

Purification and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Alkaline (Phospho)lipase from a Newly Isolated Fusarium solani Strain

An extracellular lipase from Fusarium solani strain (F. solani lipase (FSL)) was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulphate precipitation, gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme has a molecular mass of 30kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The 12 NH(2)-terminal amino acid residues showed a high degree of homology with a putative lipase from the fungus Necteria heamatoccocae. It is a serine enzyme, like all known lipases from different origins. Interestingly, FSL has not only lipase activity but also a high phospholipase activity which requires the presence of Ca(2+) and bile salts. The specific activities of FSL were about 1,610 and 2,414U/mg on olive oil emulsion and egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine as substrates, respectively, at pH8.0 and 37°C. The (phospho)lipase enzyme was stable in the pH range of 5-10 and at temperatures below 45°C.

Disseminated Amphotericin-Resistant Fusariosis in Acute Leukemia Patients: Report of Two Cases

Disseminated fusariosis has emerged as a significant, usually fatal infection in immunocompromised hosts despite antifungal treatment. We describe here two patients with acute leukemia who developed disseminated amphotericin-resistant fusariosis, and review of six studies of cases series in the literature. Two Fusarium solani strains were isolated from blood and skin cultures of one patient, and one strain from the blood culture of the second patient. Both patients died despite antifungal treatment. Strains were identified by sequencing of ITS1 and ITS4 regions. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of the three F. solani isolates showed a low degree of similarity. Screening for Fusarium spp. contaminants within our facility was negative. Using the CLSI M-38-A2 broth dilution method and E tests(®), we found that the MICs were low for voriconazole (0.12 and 0.5mg/L, respectively), unexpectedly high for amphotericin B (≥8 and ≥32μg/mL, respectively) and itraconazole (≥16mg/ml). Patients with leukemia or persistent neutropenia should be assessed for disseminated fungal infections, including biopsy and skin cultures. Antifungal susceptibility tests are important due to the possibility of the strains being amphotericin resistant. Treatments must be aggressive, with high doses of antifungals or combined therapy.

Synthesis, structure and properties of [Zn(l-Tyr)2(bpy)]2⋅ 3H2O·CH3OH complex: Theoretical, spectroscopic and microbiological studies

The mixed ligand zinc(II) ion complex of the formula [Zn(l-Tyr)2(bpy)]2·3H2O·CH3OH (1), where l-Tyr and bpy are moieties of l-tyrosine and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bpy), has been isolated in a crystalline form. Crystal structure was determined and the spectroscopic (FTIR, Raman and near IR (NIR)–visible (vis)–UV) examinations were conducted. Additionally, the theoretical data of the molecular structure were obtained using the density functional theory (DFT) methods. Crystals of complex 1 adopt hexagonal form with a=b=12.9307 (18)Å, c=30.148 (6)Å and γ=120 lattice parameters, and P3221 space group. The crystal structure is built of [Zn(l-Tyr)2(bpy)] units and disordered solvent molecules of water and methanol. Each l-tyrosine chelates the zinc(II) ion via carboxylate oxygen and amino nitrogen atoms. The donor atoms form the cis-[ZnN2N2′O2] chromophore with the distorted octahedral geometry around the Zn2+ ion. Complex 1 as well as [Zn(Im)(l-Tyr)2]2·5H2O (2) and {[Zn(l-Tyr)2(H2O)]·H2O}n (3) compounds were examined as potential inhibitors of the growth of plant and animal fungi, such as Fusarium solani, Penicillum verrucosum, Aspergillus flavus, and bacterial strains, such as Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia marcescens and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis.