The identification of novel bioactive compounds is becoming increasingly more difficult. Many potential sources have been screened numerous times, decreasing the possibility of finding additional, useful materials. One way to avoid this stumbling block is to identify novel microorganisms. One of the more fruitful places to find untested organisms is to search habitats that are largely unexplored but are known to include active microbial communities. This application proposes to screen extracts from organisms found in microbial mats in thermal waters and from fumaroles for antifungal activity. The two objectives in this Phase I application are: 1. To integrate a battery of screens to test samples for antifungal activity. These will include whole cell assays, in vitro enzyme screens and os-1 cell-wall screen; and 2. To test thermophilic organisms for antifungal activity. This work will identify organisms that produce antifungal antibiotics from previously unscreened environments. It is likely that these compounds will be novel and lead to new antifungal therapeutics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43AI040813-01A1
Application #
2417531
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG5-VR (01))
Project Start
1997-08-01
Project End
1998-05-31
Budget Start
1997-08-01
Budget End
1998-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Mycologics, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
190042098
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045