Science Fair Projects on Allergen Molds
in Indoor Environments

Abstract
Allergenic Characterization of Two New
     Penicillium Species
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Student: Prashanthi
Grade 10
Ontario, Canada

Purpose: Yearly, 20% of Canadians suffer from respiratory problems due to molds. The purpose of the experiment is to characterize the allergenic compositions and biochemical properties of Penicillium brevicompactum (PB) and Penicillium viridicatum (PV) which is one of the most widespread molds in indoor environments.

Procedure: Isolates were incubated with revised tobacco medium (RTM). Mold pellicles were harvested to derive mycelia and spore extracts and broth extracts. Protein contents of extracts were determined by Bradford and separated by SDS-PAGE. IgE antibody was prepared by mixing sera from allergenic patients as judged by direct RAST. Protein binding to specific human IgE antibodies against PB and PV were detected by incubating the membranes with sera and horseradish peroxidase.

Data: Broth extracts (PB and PV) gave yields of 1.76 mg and 1.10 mg per flask. Yields of dry deflated pellicles were found to be similar. Significant differences were observed between the yields of soluble materials of mycelia and spores of PB (75.8 mg) and PV (22.21 mg). No difference was found in protein contents of broth extracts. However, significant differences were observed between the soluble extracts of mycelia and spores of PB (3.7%) and PV (8.5%). Number of discrete atopic IgE reacting bands of the extracts ranged from 8 to 9 bands.

Conclusions: Findings reveal that PB and PV are suitable for cloning study. The effect of RTM on the growth of both Penicillium species were observed in mycelia and spore and broth material. These findings can establish vaccines for human allergies.