Xylocandin: A new complex of antifungal peptides I. taxonomy, isolation and biological activity

Abstract

Xylocandin is a complex of novel peptides with potent antifungal activity that is produced by Pseudomonas cepacia ATCC 39277. The complex was isolated from the fermentation broth by extraction with butanol - methanol, 9:1, followed by collection of the precipitate formed upon concentration of the solvent extract. Purification was effected by chromato-graphy on reversed phase and size exclusion gels followed by TLC on silica gel. These tech-niques afforded eight components: A1, A2, B1 B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2. A mixture of the two closely related components, xylocandins A1 and A2, displayed potent anticandidal and anti-dermatophytic activities in vitro. The activity was diminished by the presence of serum or vaginal washings. No antibacterial activity was demonstrable. © 1987, JAPAN ANTIBIOTICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. All rights reserved.