Crystals of + chromogen obtained in silkworms

X. the Chromogen of Melanuria

An Ehrlich chromogen in collagen cross-links.

A well-characterized three-chain peptide [(Col1)2 X T9] from human type III collagen was a rich source of Ehrlich chromogen. The corresponding two-chain peptide [(Col1)2] was not, implying that the Ehrlich chromogen is a trifunctional cross-link. (Col1)2 X T9 also contained pyridinoline, which is not an Ehrlich chromogen. The 7S domain of type IV collagen also contained an Ehrlich chromogen.

Silk Spinning in Silkworms and Spiders

Spiders and silkworms spin silks that outcompete the toughness of all natural and manmade fibers. Herein, we compare and contrast the spinning of silk in silkworms and spiders, with the aim of identifying features that are important for fiber formation. Although spiders and silkworms are very distantly related, some features of spinning silk seem to be universal. Both spiders and silkworms prod...

Isolation of mammalian pathogenic bacteria using silkworms.

We developed a method to predict bacterial pathogenicity against mammals by measuring bacterial virulence in silkworms at 37°C, human body temperature. One hundred and twenty-two strains of bacteria were isolated from the intestines of fish and shellfish and tested for their virulence against silkworms. Overnight cultures of 50 strains killed at least 50% of the silkworms when injected into the...

New chromogen for assay of glucose in serum.

We describe a colorimetric assay for glucose determination in human serum, with use of the chromogen 2-amino-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid (AHBS), glucose oxidase, and peroxidase. With this assay, glucose concentrations less than or equal to 27.8 mmol/L can be measured in serum, with a sample/reagent volume ratio as low as 0.0025. The chromogen itself is easily soluble in water and does not req...