'Refuin': A non-cytotoxic carcinostatic compound proliferated by a thermophilic actinomycete

Abstract

'REFUIN' is a high-molecular fraction of a fermentation beer produced by a thermophilic actinomycete. The fraction is recovered by precipitation with ammonium sulphate and by fractional ice crystallization. Although the fermentation temperature is 50°C, the active principle is heat-labile, losing all activity after 6 h at room temperature. Electrophoretic analysis reveals a ninhydrin staining positively charged band. © 1963 Nature Publishing Group.