Inhibition of marine bacteria by extracts of macroalgae: potential use for environmentally friendly antifouling paints

Although a total ban on the use of TBT coatings is not expected in the short term, there is a growing need for environmentally safe antifouling systems. A search for new non-toxic antifoulants has been carried out among marine macroalgae. Antifouling activity of aqueous, ethanolic and dichloromethane extracts from 30 marine algae from Brittany coast (France) was examined in vitro against 35 isolates of marine bacteria. About 20% of the extracts were found to be active. The high levels of inhibitory activities against bacteria recorded in some extracts and the absence of toxicity on the development of oyster and sea urchin larvae and to mouse fibroblast growth suggests a potential for novel active ingredients in antifouling preparations.

Separation of glyceride positional isomers by silver ion chromatography

Separation of triglyceride and diglyceride positional isomers by silver ion high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an evaporative light-scattering detector is described. The triglyceride isomers had a fatty acid composition of CLC and CCL, where C and L were caprylic acid and linoleic acid, respectively. Diglyceride isomers, 1,2(2,3)-diglyceride and 1,3-diglyceride, which contained caprylic acid were separated too. A solvent system based on n-hexane, 2-propanol, ethyl acetate, and acetonitrile with a flow-rate of 0.8 ml/min was developed. Calibration curves of CLC and CCL were achieved with triolein as internal standard. Using this method, the incorporation of linoleic acid onto specific a position of glycerol backbone can be monitored.

Assessment of the coloring strength of brevibacterium linens strains: spectrocolorimetry versus total carotenoid extraction/quantification

Brevibacterium linens is a major component of red-smear cheese microflora and imparts color to the cheese rind. The present study was done to evaluate carotenoid contents in 29 strains of this bacterium and to relate the color of the strains to the carotenoids present. A spectrocolorimeter was used to determine the color, and the carotenoid contents were determined by spectrophotorimetric measurement at 450 nm. Regression analysis was carried out on the color values a*, b*, and C* to determine which color value could be used to express the contents of carotenoids in B. linens biomass. The C* color value appeared to be the best estimate for correlation.

Evaluation of nitrogenous substrates such as peptones from fish:a new method based on Gompertz modeling of microbial growth

Fish peptones from tuna, cod, salmon, and unspecified fish were compared with a casein one by using a new method based on Gompertz modeling of microbial growth. Cumulative results obtained from six species of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi showed that, in most cases, these fish peptones are very effective. Nevertheless, this study raised some questions about the standardization of fish raw material, the enzymatic hydrolysis of fish proteins, and the composition of the culture medium used for testing the peptones.

Characterization of Brevibacterium linens pigmentation using spectrocolorimetry

Spectrocolorimetry was used for the evaluation of Brevibacterium linens pigmentation. A total of 23 strains of Brevibacterium linens, from various sources, were plated onto solid agar media and their color coordinates were measured and expressed by the L*a*b* colorimetric system. All the strains were located along a straight line with a hue of 66 degrees (orange color). The effect of light exposure versus storage in the dark was also investigated using this approach. Three groups with distinct behaviors were demonstrated for the 23 B. linens strains.

Chirality of the gamma-lactones produced by Sporidiobolus salmonicolor grown in two different media

Sporidiobolus salmonicolor is an aroma-producing yeast which gives a peach-like smell to the culture media. The enantiomeric ratios of the five gamma-lactones produced by this yeast cultivated in two different media were determined by multidimensional gas chromatography (MDGC) on a fused silica capillary column coupled to a modified beta-cyclodextrin column. These ratios remain constant during growth and are not affected by the composition of the medium. The (R)-enantiomer is highly predominant (99%) for gamma-decalactone and predominant (68-88%) for gamma-octalactone, gamma-nonalactone, and (Z6)-gamma-dodecenolactone. A ratio close to racemic was found for gamma-dodecalactone. A discussion on the metabolic origin of these lactones is based on the analysis of the enantiomeric ratios obtained. With respect to consumers' preference for products considered as "natural," microbial lactone production may represent a valuable alternative to fruit flavors. The enantiomeric lactone ratios produced by Sporidiobolus salmonicolor are compared with those reported from some fruits.

Fatty acid accumulation in the yeast Sporidiobolus salmonicolor during batch production of gamma-decalactone

This paper provides new information about the metabolism of various fatty acids and gamma-decalactone production by yeast. An analysis of the fatty acid composition of the yeast Sporidiobolus salmonicolor during batch production of lactone with ricinoleic acid methyl ester as a precursor showed an accumulation of the gamma-decalactone precursor inside the cells. Electron microscopy of the yeasts showed the presence of large internal inclusions leading to membrane and organelle lysis and, consequently, death of the yeast. S. salmonicolor cultivated with methyl oleate did not produce gamma-decalactone and is viable during the whole culture. Analysis of the long chain fatty acid fraction showed incorporation of methyl oleate.