JACKFRUIT SEED AS A NOVEL SUBSTRATE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AN ACIDOPHILIC AND ACID-STABLE α-AMYLASE FROM BACILLUS SP.4

Objective: The objective of the current study is to do a comparative analysis of the ability of a strain of Bacillus to grow and produce α-amylase on various agro-residues under solid state fermentation (SSF), as amylases comprise one of the most important enzymes in industries. Methods: Bacteria were isolated from various soil samples by serial dilution method, screened for amylase production by rapid screening method on starch agar plates and the best amylase producer was chosen. The best isolate was cultured on different agro-residues such as wheat bran, watermelon outer rind, Avarekai seed coat (Dolichos lablab), coconut endosperm, and jackfruit seeds for maximum amylase production. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme were determined by culturing the bacteria under different pH and temperatures. The crude enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion-exchange chromatography methods. Results: The best isolate chosen was Bacillus sp.4, which produced an acidophilic and acid-stable α-amylase with maximum enzyme production at the acidic pH of 5.5 and 6.5 (21.11 and 21.62 U/mg protein, respectively) and maximum stability at pH 5.5. Jackfruit seed was found to be the most suitable agro waste for α-amylase production by our isolate. Purification of the enzyme by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion-exchange chromatography resulted in 23.17-fold increase in its activity (86.67 U/mg protein). Conclusion: Considering its acid-stable and highly promising enzyme activities, the enzyme from this bacterial isolate can be further characterized for future applications in starch and other food industries

Purification and Biochemical Characterization of pH Tolerant and Acid Stable á-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae JGI 21 Isolated from Soil

This paper describes the purification and characterization of a novel acid stable and pH tolerant α-amylase from a Aspergillusoryzae JGI 21 isolated from Mangalore. The enzyme displayed a molecular weight of 22 kDa and it was stable over a broad range of acidic and alkaline pH with maximum activity and stability at 6.5. The optimum temperature of enzyme stability was found to be around 24+/-2◦C. The purification of α-amylase by ammonium sulphate precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography resulted in 23.56 fold increase in its activity (100.38 U/mg protein). Considering its promising properties, this enzyme can find potential applications in the food industry as well as in laundry detergents

Retinoic acid and glycolic acid combination in the treatment of acne scars

Introduction: Acne is a prevalent condition in society affecting nearly 80-90% of adolescents often resulting in secondary damage in the form of scarring. Retinoic acid (RA) is said to improve acne scars and reduce postinflammatory hyperpigmentation while glycolic acid (GA) is known for its keratolytic properties and its ability to reduce atrophic acne scars. There are studies exploring the combined effect of retinaldehyde and GA combination with positive results while the efficacy of retinoic acid and GA (RAGA) combination remains unexplored. Aim: The aim of this study remains to retrospectively assess the efficacy of RAGA combination on acne scars in patients previously treated for active acne. Materials and Methods: A retrospective assessment of 35 patients using topical RAGA combination on acne scars was done. The subjects were 17-34 years old and previously treated for active acne. Case records and photographs of each patient were assessed and the acne scars were graded as per Goodman and Baron′s global scarring grading system (GSGS), before the start and after 12 weeks of RAGA treatment. The differences in the scar grades were noted to assess the improvement. Results: At the end of 12 weeks, significant improvement in acne scars was noticed in 91.4% of the patients. Conclusion: The RAGA combination shows efficacy in treating acne scars in the majority of patients, minimizing the need of procedural treatment for acne scars

Topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride: An account of maintenance of hair density after replacing oral finasteride

Background: Finasteride acts by reducing dihydrotestosterone levels, thereby inhibiting miniaturization of hair follicles in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Oral finasteride is associated with side effects such as decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, and gynecomastia. Aim: The aim of the following study is to assess the efficacy of maintaining hair growth with 5% topical minoxidil fortified with 0.1% finasteride in patients with AGA after initial treatment with 5% topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for two years. Materials and Methods: A retrospective assessment was done in 50 male patients aged 20-40 years with AGA. All the patients had been initially treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for a period of two years, after which the oral finasteride was replaced with topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride. Five of 50 patients had discontinued the treatment for a period of 8-12 months and were then resumed with only topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride. The patients′ case sheets and photographs were reviewed by independent observers and the efficacy of minoxidil-finasteride combination was assessed. Results: Of the 45 patients who underwent a continuous treatment for AGA, 84.44% maintained a good hair density with topical minoxidil-finasteride combinatio. Of the five patients who discontinued oral finasteride for 8-12 months, four demonstrated good improvement in hair density when treatment was resumed with topical minoxidil-finasteride combination. Conclusion: Topical finasteride can be considered for hair density maintenance after initial improvement with oral finasteride, thereby obviating the indefinite use of oral finasteride