University of Utah Research Foundation

Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.

Center for Innovative Technology

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Joseph O Falkinham

Eric W Schmidt

Peter W Jeffs

M Marian Ijzerman

Charles Hagedorn

In one aspect, the invention relates to isolated compounds useful as antifungal agents, for example, compounds having a structure represented by a formula: wherein Ris hydrogen or hydroxyl; wherein Ris hydrogen, a-xylose or &#x3b2;-xylose; and wherein Rand Rare each hydrogen or together oxygen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; methods of isolating and purifying same; pharmaceutical compositions comprising same; agricultural compositions comprising same; and methods of treating and/or preventing fungal infections using same. In one aspect, Ris not hydrogen or &#x3b2;-xylose when Ris hydroxyl and Rand Rare together oxygen. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Isolation, identification, and uses of antifungal compounds

In one aspect, the invention relates to isolated compounds useful as antifungal agents, for example, compounds having a structure represented by a formula: wherein Ris hydrogen or hydroxyl; wherein Ris hydrogen or xylose; and wherein Rand Rare each hydrogen or together oxygen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; methods of isolating and purifying same; pharmaceutical compositions comprising same; agricultural compositions comprising same; and methods of treating and/or preventing fungal infections using same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Viral contamination in water samples is detected using a medium which includes both a substrate for .beta.-galactosidase and E. coli with elevated levels of intracellular .beta.-galactosidase. The substrate is chosen to undergo a detectable change (e.g., colorimetric, fluorometric, photometric, etc.) upon cleavage by .beta.-galactosidase. A water sample to be tested for viral contamination is added to the medium. If coliphages are present in the water sample, they will infect, multiply within, and subsequently lyse the E. coli host. Lysis of the E. coli will allow the release of the intracellular .beta.-galactosidase into the media, whereupon the enzyme will cleave the substrate for a detectable reaction. In one particular application, a colorimetric reagent that serves as a substrate for .beta.-galactosidase is dissolved or dispersed within an agar medium, and in another particular application, a colorimetric reagent that serves as a substrate for .beta.-galactosidase is dissolved or dispersed within a liquid medium. Color changes which result from lytic cell infection of the E. coli hosts are easily monitored by researchers or laboratory technicians. The presence of coliphages in a water sample is indicative of the presence of harmful human and animal enteric viruses in the water.

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Blacksburg, VA, United States of America

Joseph O Falkinham