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The release behaviour of poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐maleic anhydride)‐bound acriflavine was compared with that of acriflavine bound to poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride), the latter copolymer was prepared by solution polymerization and characterised. Acriflavine was covalently bound on the surface of the copolymer matrix in N,N‐dimethylformamide using triethylamine as catalyst. The amount of acriflavine covalently bound to poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) was studied as a function of time and concentration. The in vitro drug release kinetics of acriflavine in weakly basic medium and the antimicrobial activity of the released drug were established.

Inorganic arsenic is a potent carcinogen and environmental pollutant. More than one hundred million people are reported to be exposed to elevated concentrations of arsenic mainly via drinking water. Essential trace elements can affect toxicity of metals by interacting with metals at the primary site of action and can also modify the body's response to toxic metals by altering their metabolism and transport. This study investigates the effects of concomitant administration of selenium, magnesium, and calcium with arsenic on blood biochemistry and oxidative stress. Selenium was the most effective in reducing arsenic-induced inhibition of blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and liver oxidative stress. Calcium and magnesium also showed favourable effects on haematological and other biochemical parameters. Because selenium was the most effective, it should be added to chelation therapy to achieve the best protective effects against arsenic poisoning in humans.

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Maximum production of extracellular α-amylase activity inHalobacterium halobium was at 40°C in a medium containing 25% (w/v) NaCl, 1% (w/v) soluble starch and 1% (w/v) peptone, in presence of 0.1MM ZnSO4 after 5 days in shaking cultures. The amylase had optimal activity at pH 6.5 in the presence of 1 to 3% (w/v) NaCl at 53°C.