ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Introduction: Candida albicans is the most common etiologic agent of fungal vaginitis. These yeasts produce secreted aspartyl proteinases encoded by a family of 10 genes (SAP1-10). Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the presence of genes SAP1-7 in vulvovaginal C. albicans. Materials and method: The study included 26 C. albicans vaginal isolates. Detection of aspartyl proteases genes (SAP1-7) was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The most frequent gene in C. albicans isolated from colonization was SAP6 (93.33%), and from infection, SAP7 (100%). We observed a statistical difference (p = 0.049) in SAP1 gene frequency between isolates from vulvovaginal colonization and infection. Conclusion: High frequency of SAP genes was observed in vulvovaginal C. albicans. The results suggest SAP1 participation in vulvovaginal candidiasis infection.
RESUMO Introdução: Candida albicans é o principal agente etiológico das vaginites fúngicas. Essas leveduras produzem aspartil proteases secretórias que são codificadas por uma família de 10 genes (SAP1-10). Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença dos genes SAP1-7 em linhagens vulvovaginais de C. albicans. Materiais e método: O estudo incluiu 26 isolados vaginais de C. albicans. Os genes de aspartil proteases (SAP1-7) foram detectados por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Resultados: O gene mais frequente em C. albicans isolado de colonização foi SAP6 (93,33%), e de infecção, SAP7 (100%). Foi observada diferença estatística (p = 0,049) na frequência do gene SAP1 entre isolados oriundos de colonização e infecção vulvovaginal. Conclusão: Constatou-se alta frequência dos genes SAP em linhagens vaginais de C. albicans. Os resultados sugerem uma participação de SAP1 no processo infeccioso da candidíase vulvovaginal.
ABSTRACT
Immobilization of cellulases on magnetic nanoparticles, especially magnetite nanoparticles, has been the main approach studied to make this enzyme, economically and industrially, more attractive. However, magnetite nanoparticles tend to agglomerate, are very reactive and easily oxidized in air, which has strong impact on their useful life. Thus, it is very important to provide proper surface coating to avoid the mentioned problems. This study aimed to investigate the immobilization of cellulase on magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric nanospheres. The support was characterized in terms of morphology, average diameter, magnetic behavior and thermal decomposition analyses. The polymer nanospheres containing encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles showed superparamagnetic behavior and intensity average diameter about 150 nm. Immobilized cellulase exhibited broader temperature stability than in the free form and great reusability capacity, 69% of the initial enzyme activity was maintained after eight cycles of use. The magnetic support showed potential for cellulase immobilization and allowed fast and easy biocatalyst recovery through a single magnet.
