Exotic flora dependence of an unusual Brazilian propolis: the pinocembrin biomarker by capillary techniques.

Significant amounts of pinocembrin (>10%), a dihydroxy-flavanone, was found in the composition of an unusual brand of a subtropical Brazilian propolis. Incidentally, this sealing material was obtained from hives surrounding a large forestry site based on a single exotic flora, namely poplar (Populus sp.).

Invertase and urease activities in the carotenogenic yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (formerly Phaffia rhodozyma).

Invertase and urease are enzyme entities highly associated with the cells of the astaxanthin-producer yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (Phaffia rhodozyma) during any stage of its cell growth cycle. In this study cellobiose was a more efficient carbon source than sucrose or its hexose counterparts for invertase expression. Extensive ultrasonication or abrasion with glass pearls were required in order to promote enzyme release.