The varying effects of a range of preservatives on Myoviridae and Siphoviridae bacteriophages formulated in a semi-solid cream preparation.

Bacteriophages may be formulated into semi-solid bases for therapeutic delivery. This work investigated the effects of a range of preservatives on the viability of Myoviridae and Siphoviridae bacteriophages when these were formulated into a standard semi-solid cream base. The six preservatives tested included: benzoic acid (0·1%), chlorocresol (0·1%), combination hydroxybenzoates (propyl 4-hydroxybenzoates with methyl 4-hydroxybenzoates) (0·1%), methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (0·08%), 2-phenoxyethanol (1%) and propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (0·02%). These were each formulated into cetomacrogol cream aqueous to generate six individual semi-solid bases into which Myoviridae and Siphoviridae bacteriophages were added and tested for stability. Optimal bacteriophage stability was seen when the preservative chlorocresol was used. Bacteriophage in the acidic benzoic acid were the least stable, resulting in complete loss of viability after 4-5 weeks. Of the bacteriophages tested, the Myoviridae KOX1 was significantly more stable than the Siphoviridae PAC1 after 91 days in formulations with each of the preservatives. Our results suggest the need for individual testing of specific bacteriophages in pharmaceutical formulations, as their efficacy when exposed to preservatives and excipients in these delivery forms may vary. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bacteriophages are being increasingly investigated as alternatives to antibiotics. While bacteriophages can be formulated in diverse ways for therapeutic delivery, there has been scant work on how excipients and preservatives in these formulations affect stability of different bacteriophages. We demonstrate that the nature of preservatives in formulations will affect bacteriophage stability, and that in these formulations, viability of bacteriophage differs according to their morphology. Our work highlights the need for individual testing of specific bacteriophages in pharmaceutical formulations, as efficacy when exposed to preservatives and excipients in these delivery forms may vary.

A screening method for cardiovascular active compounds in marine algae.

The interaction of bioactive compounds from ethanolic extracts of selected marine algae samples, separated on chromatographic plates, with nitric/nitrous acid was investigated. The nature of bioactive compounds in the marine algae extracts was characterised using UV absorption spectra before and after reaction with diluted nitric acid, and from the characteristic colour reaction after derivatization with anisaldehyde. It was found that diterpenes from Dictyota dichotoma, an edible brown algae, and sterols from green algae Caulerpa brachypus, bind nitric oxide and may act as a nitric oxide carrier. Although the carotenoid fucoxanthin, found in all brown marine algae also binds nitric oxide, the bonds between nitrogen and the fucoxanthin molecule are much stronger. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of diterpenes from Dictyota dichotoma and sterols from green algae Caulerpa brachypus to see if they have beneficial cardiovascular effects. The method reported here should prove useful in screening large numbers of algae species for compounds with cardiovascular activity.

Use of lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) for bio-control by native arthropods and its effect on yield of pumpkins.

Silverleaf whitefly (SLW, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1) and aphids are sap-sucking insects, which pose a serious threat to Australian cucurbit crops and the horticulture industry. Traditional chemical control for these insect pests is becoming less effective, and there is a need to search for alternative or supplementary methods. This study aimed to manipulate the habitat of pumpkin crops in a tropical setting (Queensland, Australia), by growing pumpkins (var. Japanese pumpkin) alone and between lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet). It was hypothesized that the presence of lablab will increase the populations of natural enemies, and through their control of insect pests such as SLW and aphids, will affect pumpkin yield. The population of arthropods (natural enemies and pests of pumpkin), with a focus on SLW and aphids, were sampled weekly on both lablab and pumpkin crop for a total of 21 weeks. Results showed that lablab hosted more enemies of SLW per plant than pumpkin in either treatment. In addition, adult SLW numbers were significantly higher in the pumpkin-only crop compared with the pumpkin grown between lablab, while pumpkin in the mixed plantings had significantly more ladybirds and lacewing larvae (P < 0.05). While there was no significant difference in the average fruit weight between treatments, the total weight (kg) and number of marketable pumpkins per hectare was greater (P < 0.05) for the pumpkin/lablab treatment than the pumpkin-only treatment. This study shows that growing lablab alongside a pumpkin crop may enhance natural enemies of SLW and could significantly increase the yield.