It was previously observed that the lipopeptide surfactants in surfactin (Srf) have an antagonistic action towards the highly potent antimicrobial cyclodecapeptide, gramicidin S (GS). This study reports on some of the molecular aspects of the antagonism as investigated through complementary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry techniques. We were able to detect stable 1:1 and 2:1 hetero-oligomers in a mixture of surfactin and gramicidin S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFQuebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii and Schinopsis balansae) extract is an important source of natural polymers for leather tanning and adhesive manufacturing. We combined established phyto- and synthetic chemistry perspectives with electrospray mass spectrometry experiments to prove that quebracho proanthocyanidin polymers consist of an homologous series of flavan-3-ol based oligomers. The starter unit is always catechin which is angularly bonded to fisetinidol extender units.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDuring the development of a method for quantitative determination of venlafaxine and its major metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine, elevated concentrations of the analyte as well as co-eluting matrix compounds caused ion suppression. This ion suppression was inconsistent and therefore influenced the reproducibility of detection. The use of atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) in the positive mode was investigated as a tool to circumvent this problem.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe stilbene resveratrol is a stress metabolite produced by Vitis vinifera grapevines during fungal infection, wounding or UV radiation. Resveratrol is synthesised particularly in the skins of grape berries and only trace amounts are present in the fruit flesh. Red wine contains a much higher resveratrol concentration than white wine, due to skin contact during fermentation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCytochrome b5 (cyt b5) is an ubiquitous hemoprotein also associated with microsomal cytochromes P450. It has been reported that cyt b5 influences cytochrome P450-dependent catalyses through electron transport as well as direct protein-protein interactions. To investigate the influence of cyt b5 on ovine adrenal steroidogenesis, we isolated and characterized cyt b5 from ovine liver.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA major concern in the use of class IIa bacteriocins as food preservatives is the well-documented resistance development in target Listeria strains. We studied the relationship between leucocin A, a class IIa bacteriocin, and the composition of the major phospholipid, phosphatidylglycerol (PG), in membranes of both sensitive and resistant L. monocytogenes strains.
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