Stabilization of astaxanthin by a novel biosurfactant produced by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa KUGPP-1.

We found that a novel biosurfactant from the cultured broth of red yeast, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa KUGPP-1, originating in the Antarctic, has dispersive power against astaxanthin. The novel biosurfactant was purified from extracts to the ultrafiltration state by acetone precipitation and chromatography on a DEAE-Toyopearl 650 M, and gel filtration on a Sephacryl S-400 HR. The molecular mass of the novel biosurfactant was estimated to be about 730,000 by gel filtration chromatography.

Fluorescent derivatization of xanthurenic acid and nicotinic acid with horseradish peroxidase in the presence of excess hydrogen peroxide.

The fluorescent derivatization of tryptophan metabolites (xanthurenic acid, nicotinic acid, picolinic acid, and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid) by the catalytic activity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was investigated in the presence of excess H(2)O(2). Non-fluorescent xanthurenic acid (XA) and nicotinic acid (NA) were converted into a fluorescent compound with maximum excitation and emission wavelengths at 325 and 425 nm, and 318 and 380 nm, respectively. This fluorescent derivatization was developed for the fluorometric determination of trace amounts of XA and NA.

Spectrofluorometric determination of kynurenic acid with horseradish peroxidase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

The catalytic activity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide has been investigated for the fluorescent derivatization of kynurenic acid under conditions with no exposure to light. Non-fluorescent kynurenic acid was converted into a fluorescent compound (Ex: 367 nm, Em: 470 nm) with HRP in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, and the optimum conditions of this fluorescent derivatization were investigated. Moreover, this fluorescent derivatization was developed for a spectrofluorometric determination of trace amounts of kynurenic acid by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent compound.