Presence Of Gel Research Articles

Preparing for another Ebola Outbreak: The impact of viral inactivation methods on commonly measured biochemistry analytes in plasma and urine

IntroductionInfectious specimens containing viruses like Ebola require sample manipulation to ensure the safety of laboratory staff, which may negatively impact biochemistry test results. We evaluated the impact of viral inactivation methods on 25 biochemistry analytes in plasma, and seven biochemistry analytes in urine. MethodsFifteen lithium heparinized plasma specimens with and without gel underwent the following viral inactivation methods: 1) untreated, 2) Triton X-100 treatment, 2) heated for 60 min then Triton X-100 treatment, 3) heated for 60 min, 4) heated for 75 min, and 5) heated for 90 min. Electrolytes, protein, enzymes, glucose, as well as hepatic and renal markers were measured on the Roche Cobas e601, c502 or c702. Urinalysis analytes were measured on the Siemens CLINITEK. Acceptable recovery was based on Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare 2021 guidelines or ± 1 for urinalysis. ResultsPotassium and lactate dehydrogenase were impacted by the presence of gel. Viral inactivation with Triton X-100 had minimal impact on the biochemistry results. Heat inactivation resulted in significant negative bias in alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, total protein, amylase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. Positive bias in phosphate, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, and uric acid were observed after heat inactivation. ConclusionReliable results for commonly measured electrolytes, enzymes and proteins can be obtained after viral inactivation by Triton X-100 treatment at room temperature. However, heat inactivation has significant negative impact on routine biochemistry enzymes and alternative testing processes should be explored.

EFFECT OF HEATING ON STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS OF NITRILE BUTADIENE RUBBER IN THE PRESENCE OF CHLORINE-CONTAINING COMPOUNDS

A new class of active organic crosslinking agents for the vulcanization of NBR based on halogenmethyl-containing compounds has been found, allowing improvement significantly in the rheological and structural parameters of NBR. Gel content and Mooney viscosity in binary systems after plastification on rollers were studied. The sol fraction of cross-linked NBR (SKN-40+TCMCC) was found to be characterized by a bimodal MWD. Abnormally high value of W/ ns of sol fractions is associated with the bimodal nature of their MWD and indicates the presence of gel in the elastomer. The value of η of the sol fractions in cross-linked NBR was found to be insignificant. The sol fraction of cross-linked HCPX elastomer was shown to have lower values of the specified parameters and lower content of high-molecular-weight fractions. The branching density ρ of macromolecules of sol fraction of cross-linked NBR was 1.90-2.3·10-3, i.e. on average corresponded to one monomer unit and two hundred branching nodes per molecule

Investigating the performance of non-damaging hybrid gel to mitigate lost circulation in fractured formations: A comprehensive study using Box–Behnken design

Gels that have a low viscosity at the time of mixing and form a three-dimensional gel structure after some time delay can be applied successfully in controlling lost circulation. Cross-linked gels play an important role in sealing high permeable and fractured formations. This research aims to evaluate a novel gel that can mitigate lost circulation during drilling in fractured formations. The hybrid gel consists of a cross-linked polymer gel as the continuous phase and an oil as the internal phase. The purpose of designing hybrid gels is to reduce the possibility of formation damage caused by the presence of gel in the fractures. In addition, the use of an internal phase in the gel can increase the durability of the gel and reduce the final cost of the operation.This article consists of two parts, experimental investigation and empirical modeling using response surface methodology. A number of parameters such as initial gelation time, final gelation time, and cross-linking rate were defined to evaluate the gel behavior under different conditions. First, the effect of polymer type, internal phase viscosity, pH, temperature, salinity, and shear rate on the behavior of the hybrid gel was investigated. Furthermore, in order to increase cross-linking efficiency, the cross-linker was added onto the reactive nano-silica surface to achieve a nano-crosslinker, and then the performance evaluation was accomplished. Thereafter, the sealing pressure test was examined to measure the amount of pressure that the hybrid gels could withstand in the fractures to prevent further fluid loss. Finally, the amount of gel rupture in 15% and 28% hydrochloric (HCl) was studied over time at 25 and 60 °C so as to evaluate the formation damage of hybrid gels.Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed based on Box-Behnken design to determine a correlation for predicting the final viscosity of hybrid gel as a function of temperature, pH, and CaCl2 concentration. The predicted model was obtained by solving the quadratic regression model. The value of the correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.90) for the present mathematical model indicated good relation between experimental data and predicted values. Therefore, the proposed model is able to predict the final viscosity of hybrid gel adequately within the limits of input parameters being used.The experimental results show that hybrid gels, due to their flexible viscosity response, long-term stability, and non-damaging properties, can have proper performance and application in industry to combat lost circulation. Nano-crosslinker can effectively increase the cross-linking rate and final viscosity of the gel and also improve the gel performance at high temperatures. Based on dynamic sealing pressure experiments, the value of maximum sealing pressure for the guar-based hybrid gel is higher than that of xanthan. In addition, the nano-crosslinker enhances the maximum tolerable pressure of the gels to seal the fractures.

A REVIEW ON IN SITU GELLING SYSTEM FOR OPHTHALMIC DRUG DELIVERY

Ophthalmic drug delivery systems are both fascinating and problematic due to the normal physiological properties of the eyes, which restrict ocular product bioavailability. The development of novel ocular dosage forms for current drugs in order to enhance efficacy and bioavailability, as well as patient compliance and convenience, has become a major focus in the pharmaceutical business. Ocular In-situ gelling systems are a novel type of eye drug delivery systems that begin as a solution but rapidly convert into a thick gel when implanted or inserted into an ocular cavity where active pharmaceuticals are continually delivered. This sol-to-gel phase conversion is influenced by a range of variables, including variations in pH, the presence of ions, and temperature fluctuations. Post-transplantation gel is chosen for its viscosity and bio adhesive qualities, which prolongs the gel's presence in the ocular area and also ensures that the medicine is released slowly and continuously, in contrast to typical eye drops and ointments. This article provides an overview of situ gels, their numerous techniques of gelling, the many types of polymers utilized in situ gels, their gel-based methodologies, and the polymeric testing of situ gels. KEYWORDS: Ophthalmic, In situ gel, bioavailability, polymers, novel, sol-to-gel phase

Physicochemical and In Vitro Degradation Behaviors of Fibrous Membranes with Different Polycaprolactone and Gelatin Proportions.

Mechanical and degradation properties are crucial factors of guided tissue/bone regeneration (GTR/GBR) membranes. In this work, a series of fibrous membranes with different ratios of polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (Gel) were prepared (PCL:Gel = 1:9 (P1G9), 3:7 (P3G7), 5:5 (P5G5), 7:3 (P7G3), and 9:1 (P9G1)) by electrospinning, and their physicochemical properties and In Vitro degradation behaviors were systematically investigated. Mechanical tests showed that tensile strength was enhanced with the presence of Gel, and the tensile strength of the P9G1 membrane reached nearly three times that of the pure PCL membrane. The degradation rate of the composite membranes could be adjusted by controlling the ratio of PCL and Gel; the higher the Gel content was, the faster the degradation of the PCL/Gel membrane. The higher PCL content favored maintaining the fibrous structure of the electrospun membranes. These findings will be beneficial for designing PCL/Gel composite materials for biomedical applications.

Propagation of a second sound waves in a resonator with a deuterium gel

Investigations of the propagation of the second sound waves were made in a resonator with the presence of a deuterium-helium gel. The technique was used in experiments for measuring the parameters of standing waves in the resonator in the presence or the absence of a gel. It is shown that the propagation of the second sound waves changes drastically in the presence of the gel: the attenuation of the waves increases sharply and their speed decreases. This behavior of the second sound velocity differs from the propagation of the waves of the second sound in aerogel with conditions of braking of the normal component and can be associated with changes in the properties of superfluid liquid in a limited geometry in a soft matter.

Development of methods and the study of microbiological purity of the gel of a complex dense extract of hypericum herbs and calendula flowers

In pharmaceutical industry antimicrobial preservatives that restrict multiplication of microorganisms and decrease bioburden are usually added in composition of hydrophilic medicines that include components of natural origin to prevent possible risks of functional changes in drugs characteristics caused by microbial contamination. Therefore, microbiological purity (MBP) is a crucial criteria for medicines quality. The purpose of the work was to develop the MBP testing methodology for complex gel containing dense extract of hypericum herbs and calendula flowers using structural-mechanical and technological studies.
 Methodology for MBP testing of proposed gel was developed and justified considering criteria given in State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine 2.0. Originality of MPT methodology consists in the gel’s antimicrobial action neutralization to decrease possible risks of false results occurrence (including microorganisms inhibited by antimicrobial action of the gel). 
 The applicability of the methodology was determined comparing the number of test cultures CFUs in presence of gel under specified condition with number of CFUs in positive control. The methodology is suitable for microbiological purity testing of the sample, as well as for the Preservatives Efficacy Testing (PET). When applying the developed methodology, the antimicrobial action of the sample is completely eliminated. While developing the MPT methodology compliance with following acceptance criteria was confirmed for tested sample: Absence of Staphylococcus aureus (in 1 g); Absence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (in 1 g); Total aerobic microbial count (TAMC) – 10² CFU per 1 g; Total combined yeasts and molds count (TYMC) – 10¹ CFU per 1 g. All the tested samples met the requirements of the 2.0. version of State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine for non-sterile dosage forms for oromucosal and dermal use.

Enhanced Poly(propylene carbonate) with Thermoplastic Networks: A Cross-Linking Role of Maleic Anhydride Oligomer in CO2/PO Copolymerization.

Cross-linking is an effective way to enhance biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) from CO2 and propylene oxide (PO). Cross-linked PPC can be prepared by one-step terpolymerization of multifunctional third monomers with CO2 and PO. However, few such third monomers are available. Each molecule of maleic anhydride oligomer (MAO) contains more than two cyclic anhydride groups. Here, we use it to synthesize PPC with cross-linked networks by adding a small quantity of MAO (0.625–5 wt% of PO) in CO2/PO copolymerization that was catalyzed by zinc glutarate. The formation of networks in the prepared copolymers was confirmed by the presence of gel in copolymers combined Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1H NMR, and the improved mechanical properties. The 5% weight-loss degradation temperatures and maximum weight-loss degradation temperatures greatly increase up to 289.8 °C and 308.8 °C, respectively, which are remarkably high when compared to those of PPC. The minimum permanent deformation of the copolymers closes to 0, while that of PPC is 173%. The maximum tensile strength of the copolymers is 25.5 MPa higher than that of PPC, reaching 38.4 MPa, and it still has some toughness with the elongation at break of 25%. The above phenomena indicate that MAO that was inserted in PPC chains play a cross-linking role, which results in enhanced thermal stability, dimensional stability, and mechanical strength, comprehensively.

Enhanced Poly(Propylene Carbonate) with Thermoplastic Networks: A One-Pot Synthesis from Carbon Dioxide, Propylene Oxide, and a Carboxylic Dianhydride.

Thermally and mechanically enhanced poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with networks was prepared by adding a cyclic carboxylic dianhydride, bicyclo(2,2,2)oct-7-ene-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTCDA), in the CO2/propylene oxide (PO) copolymerization. The obtained copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, DSC, and TGA. The gel, melt flow rate, hot-set elongation, and tensile properties were also measured. The formation of networks was confirmed by the presence of gel and the shape recovery after the hot-set elongation test. The minimum permanent deformation of the copolymer is 3.8% and that of PPC is 4539% higher than this value. The results show that BTCDA units are inserted into the backbone of PPC, and the PPC chains are connected successfully owing to cyclic multifunctional anhydride groups in BTCDA. With increasing feed molar ratio of BTCDA to PO from 1 to 4%, the yield strength of copolymers increases from 18.1 to 37.4 MPa compared to 12.9 MPa of PPC. The 5% weight-loss degradation temperatures and maximum weight-loss degradation temperatures greatly increase up to 276.4 and 294.7 °C, respectively, which are 58.6 °C and 55.1 °C higher than those of PPC. These enhanced properties originate from the formation of crosslinks by the rigid and bulky multifunctional dianhydride.

Drug transporter expression profiling in a three-dimensional kidney proximal tubule in vitro nephrotoxicity model.

Given currently poor toxicity translational predictions for drug candidates, improved mechanistic understanding underlying nephrotoxicity and drug renal clearance is needed to improve drug development and safety screening. Therefore, better relevant and well-characterized in vitro screening models are required to reliably predict human nephrotoxicity. Because kidney proximal tubules are central to active drug uptake and secretion processes and therefore to nephrotoxicity, this study acquired regio-specific expression data from recently reported primary proximal tubule three-dimensional (3D) hyaluronic acid gel culture and non-gel embedded cultured murine proximal tubule suspensions used in nephrotoxicity assays. Quantitative assessment of the mRNA expression of 21 known kidney tubule markers and important proximal tubule transporters with known roles in drug transport was obtained. Asserting superior gene expression levels over current commonly used two-dimensional (2D) kidney cell culture lines was the study objective. Hence, we compare previously published gel-based 3D proximal tubule fragment culture and their non-gel suspensions for up to 1week. We demonstrate that 3D tubule culture exhibits superior gene expression levels and profiles compared to published commonly used 2D kidney cell lines (Caki-1 and HK-2) in plastic plate monocultures. Additionally, nearly all tested genes retain mRNA expression after 7days in both proximal tubule cultures, a limitation of 2D cell culture lines. Importantly, gel presence is shown not to interfere with the gene expression assay. Western blots confirm protein expression of OAT1 and 3 and OCT2. Functional transport assays confirm their respective transporter functions in vitro. Overall, results validate retention of essential toxicity-relevant transporters in this published 3D proximal tubule model over conventional 2D kidney cell cultures, producing opportunities for more reliable, sensitive, and comprehensive drug toxicity studies relevant to drug development and nephrotoxicity goals.

Glischroderma Fuckel

Glischroderma and its type species G. cinctum are redescribed and illustrated with respect to their original description. Subsequent collections of the species show significant divergences, possibly distinct species, which should be investigated from fresh material. American collections referred by Korf to Glischroderma based on the presence of gel and similar conidiogenesis are shown to be distinct from Glischroderma in a number of characters, and a 1999 phylogenetic study has related that anamorph to Pachyphlodes pfisteri. Glischroderma is also distinguished from Ostracoderma by decisive characters.

Modelling of Alkali Silica Reaction in concrete structures for rehabilitation intervention

A number of hydraulic structures such as dams and hydro-power plants in the world and in particular, in South Africa which have been designed and built during the last decades, have been subjected to material deterioration due to Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR). ASR is a deleterious chemical reaction between the alkalis in Portland cement paste and certain amorphous silica found in various types of natural aggregates which usually results in material degradation and structural distress such as expansion of the structure, cracking, presence of gel, discoloration and pop outs of the reacting particles near the surface of the concrete. Also, suitable environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity) play a vital role in the initiation and advancement of ASR. In this study a chemo-thermo-mechanical model is developed to predict the structural expansion, degradation of mechanical properties, cracks and damage in concrete structures affected by ASR. Parameters such as temperature, kinetics of the reaction, confining stresses and material degradation are included in the model. The finite element based model can simulate the temperature field in the structure and the kinetics of the chemical reaction to predict the long-term effects of the ASR on concrete structures including displacement, cracking and damage development. The model is applied to an actual concrete dam subjected to ASR. The results are interpreted, and support the management and evaluation of the remedial measures for repair and maintenance programmes for the affected dams.

Molecular Characterization of Virulence Genes in Vancomycin-Resistant and Vancomycin-Sensitive Enterococci.

Background:The aim of this study was to find out the correlation between presence of virulence (gelatinase [gel E], enterococcal surface protein [esp], cytolysin A [cyl A], hyaluronidase [hyl], and aggregation substance [asa1]) and vancomycin-resistant genes (van A and van B) in enterococci, with their phenotypic expression.Materials and Methods:A total of 500 isolates (250 each clinical and fecal) were processed. Enterococci were isolated from various clinical samples and from fecal specimens of colonized patients. Various virulence determinants namely asa1, esp, hyl, gel E, and cyl were detected by phenotypic methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of vancomycin was determined by agar dilution method. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of virulence and van genes.Results:Out of all the samples processed, 12.0% (60/500) isolates carried van A or van B genes as confirmed by MIC test and PCR methods. Genes responsible for virulence were detected by multiplex PCR and at least one of the five was detected in all the clinical vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and vancomycin-sensitive enterococci (VSE). gel E, esp, and hyl genes were found to be significantly higher in clinical VRE. Of the fecal isolates, presence of gel E, esp, and asa1 was significantly higher in VRE as compared to VSE. The presence of hyl gene in the clinical VRE was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.043) as against the fecal VRE. Correlation between the presence of virulence genes and their expression as detected by phenotypic tests showed that while biofilm production was seen in 61.1% (22/36) of clinical VRE, the corresponding genes, i.e., asa1 and esp were detected in 30.5% (11/36) and 27.8% (10/36) of strains only.Conclusion:Enterococcus faecium isolates were found to carry esp gene, a phenomenon that has been described previously only for Enterococcus faecalis, but we were unable to correlate the presence of esp with their capacity to form biofilms.

Macrophage embedded fibrin gels: An in vitro platform for assessing inflammation effects on implantable glucose sensors

The erroneous and unpredictable behavior of percutaneous glucose sensors just days following implantation has limited their clinical utility for diabetes management. Recent research has implicated the presence of adherent inflammatory cells as the key mitigating factor limiting sensor functionality in this period of days post-implantation. Here we present a novel in vitro platform to mimic the cell-embedded provisional matrix that forms adjacent to the sensor immediately after implantation for the focused investigation of the effects of early stage tissue response on sensor function. This biomimetic surrogate is formed by imbibing fibrin-based gels with physiological densities of inflammatory RAW 264.7 macrophages. When surrounding functional sensors, macrophage-embedded fibrin gels contribute to sensor signal declines that are similar in both shape and magnitude to those observed in previous whole blood and small animal studies. Signal decline in the presence of gels is both metabolically-mediated and sensitive to cell type and activation. Computational modeling of the experimental setup is also presented to validate the design by showing that the cellular glucose uptake parameters necessary to achieve such experimental declines align well with literature values. Together, these data suggest this in vitro provisional matrix surrogate may serve as an effective screening tool for testing the biocompatibility of future glucose sensor designs.

Gel electrophoresis of a charge‐regulated, bi‐functional particle

Adopting a Brinkman fluid model, we analyzed the electrophoresis of a charged-regulated, bi-functional particle containing both acidic and basic functional groups in a gel solution. Both the long-range hydrodynamic effect arising from the liquid drag and the short-range steric effect from particle-polymer interaction are considered. The type of particle considered is capable of simulating both biocolloids such as microorganisms and cells, and particles with adsorbed polyelectrolyte or membrane layer. Our model describes successfully the experimental data in the literature. The presence of gel has the effect of reducing the particle mobility and alleviating double-layer polarization so that the particle behavior is less complicated than that in the case where gel is absent. On the other hand, both the quantitative and qualitative behaviors of a particle depend highly on solution pH and background salt concentration, yielding interesting and significant results. These results provide valuable information for both experimental data interpretation and electrophoresis devices design.

Gel Oxidation of Titanium and Effect of UV Irradiation on Precipitation of Hydroxyapatite from Simulated Body Fluid

Sodium titanate gels on the surface of titanium metal have been formed using sodium hydroxide solution and oxidised at 400°-800°C. The reaction sequence for these processes with increasing temperature is Ti → sodium titanate gel → crystalline sodium titanate gel → porous (top) and dense (bottom) anatase → porous (top) and dense (bottom) rutile. These samples subsequently were soaked in simulated body fluid in order to study the precipitation of hydroxyapatite in the absence and presence of long UV radiation, which has not been investigated before. One sample showed greatly enhanced hydroxyapatite deposition, this being the one oxidised at 400°C, consisting of small amounts of crystalline sodium titanate and anatase, and subjected to UV irradiation. More generally, enhancement of hydroxyapatite precipitation is observed in the presence of anatase and/or sodium titanate; suppression of hydroxyapatite precipitation is observed in the presence of gels and rutile. However, UV light with anatase enhanced precipitation while UV light with rutile suppressed it. This is attributed to the morphological effect of the larger grain of rutile compared to the smaller anatase.

Accuracy of Root ZX in teeth with simulated root perforation in the presence of gel or liquid type endodontic irrigant

ObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy of the Root ZX in teeth with simulated root perforation in the presence of gel or liquid type endodontic irrigants, such as saline, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine liquid, 2% chlorhexidine gel, and RC-Prep, and also to determine the electrical conductivities of these endodontic irrigants.Materials and MethodsA root perforation was simulated on twenty freshly extracted teeth by means of a small perforation made on the proximal surface of the root at 4 mm from the anatomic apex. Root ZX was used to locate root perforation and measure the electronic working lengths. The results obtained were compared with the actual working length (AWL) and the actual location of perforations (AP), allowing tolerances of 0.5 or 1.0 mm. Measurements within these limits were considered as acceptable. Chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate significance. Electrical conductivities of each irrigant were also measured with an electrical conductivity tester.ResultsThe accuracies of the Root ZX in perforated teeth were significantly different between liquid types (saline, NaOCl) and gel types (chlorhexidine gel, RC-Prep). The accuracies of electronic working lengths in perforated teeth were higher in gel types than in liquid types. The accuracy in locating root perforation was higher in liquid types than gel types. 5.25% NaOCl had the highest electrical conductivity, whereas 2% chlorhexidine gel and RC-Prep gel had the lowest electrical conductivities among the five irrigants.ConclusionsDifferent canal irrigants with different electrical conductivities may affect the accuracy of the Root ZX in perforated teeth.

Rabbit sexual behavior, semen and sperm characteristics when supplemented with sprouted wheat

The sprouted wheat (SW) contains the 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (6-MBOA), a phenol compound that stimulates reproduction in certain small wild herbivorous mammals. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short-term supplemental dietary SW on libido, semen and sperm characteristics of rabbit bucks. Five-month old New Zealand White pubertal rabbits ( n = 18) were randomly allocated to one of two treatments: supplementation or not (control) supplemented with SW. The experimental design was completely random with nine replications, experimental unit was one buck. Semen collection for each male was conducted once a week with two ejaculations during 20 weeks. The SW was given during four consecutive days prior to each semen collection. Analysis of variance was under a mixed model: treatment, ejaculate number and season were fixed and rabbit random effects. There was no effect of treatment ( P > 0.05) on reaction time, gel presence, volume, pH, sperm motility, sperm number per ml and sperm number per ejaculate. The percentage of normal alive spermatozoa was 13.5% greater in SW-supplemented bucks than in the control and the percentage of abnormal alive spermatozoa was 44.1% greater in the control than in the SW-supplemented bucks. The morphology of dead spermatozoa, integrity of acrosome, number of normal alive motile sperm and semen doses per ejaculate were not influenced ( P > 0.05) by SW supplementation. The proportion of presence of gel and semen volume in the first ejaculate was greater than the second ejaculate (+140% and +56.4%). However, the semen quality in the latter was greater ( P = 0.0001) than the former in terms of an increase in motility (+29.7%). Reproductive traits were more desirable ( P < 0.05) in winter than autumn. Dietary wilted SW as a source of biological 6-MBOA enhanced sperm characteristics in terms of a greater percentage of normal alive and lesser percentage of abnormal alive spermatozoa but did not affect the number of normal motile live sperm and suitable semen doses in rabbit bucks in autumn and winter.

Experience with Instillagel® for hysterosonography and analgesia in a complex contraception clinic: a QIPP initiative

BackgroundA significant number of women are referred with bleeding problems related to the use of hormonal contraception, for advice on management of heavy periods or following difficulty with intrauterine device...

Virulence factors and bacteriocins in faecal enterococci of wild boars

The production of antimicrobial, haemolytic and gelatinase activities was tested in 67 enterococci (39 E. faecium, 24 E. hirae, 2 E. faecalis, and 2 Enterococcus spp.), recovered from faecal samples of wild boars. In addition, the presence of genes encoding bacteriocin and virulence factors was also analysed by PCR and sequencing. Production of antimicrobial activity was checked in all enterococci against 9 indicator bacteria and it was detected in 11 E. faecium isolates (16.5%); eight and two of them harboured the genes encoding enterocin A + enterocin B and enterocin L50A/B, respectively. Sixty-seven per cent of our enterococci harboured different combinations of genes of the cyl operon, but none of them contained the complete cyl L(L)L(S)ABM operon, necessary for cytolysin expression. The presence of gel E gene, associated with the fsr ABC locus, was identified in 4 E. faecium and two E. faecalis isolates, exhibiting all of them gelatinase activity. beta -hemolytic activity was not found in our isolates. Both cpd and ace genes, encoding respectively the accessory colonisation factor and pheromone, were detected in two E. faecalis isolates, and the hyl gene, encoding hyalorunidase, in two E. faecium isolates, one of them gelatinase-positive. Genes encoding bacteriocins and virulence factors are widely disseminated among faecal enterococci of wild boars and more studies should be carried out to know the global distribution of these determinants in enterococci of different ecosystems.