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Background: Detection of bacterial contamination in drinking water by culture method is a time and cost consuming method and spends a few days depending on contamination degree. However, the people use the tap water during that time. Molecular methods are rapid and sensitive. In this study a rapid Multiplex PCR method was used for rapid analysis both coliform bacteria and E.coli, and probable detection of VBNC bacteria in drinking water, the experiments were performed in bacteriological lab of water and Wastewater Corporation in Markazi province. Material and Methods:Amplification of a fragment from each of lacZ and uidA genes in a Multiplex PCR was used for detection of coliforms. Eight samples was taken from Arak drinking water system including 36 samples of wells, 41 samples of water distribution network and 3 samples from water storages were examined by amplification of lacZ and uidA genes in a Multiplex PCR. Equivalently, the MPN test was applied as a standard method for all samples for comparison of results. Standard bacteria, pure bacteria isolated from positive MPN and CRM were examined by PCR and MPN method. Results: The result of most samples water network, water storages, and water well were same in both MPN and PCR method .The results of standard bacteria and pure cultures of bacteria isolated from positive MPN and CRM confirmed the PCR method. Five samples were positive in PCR but negative in MPN method. Duration time of PCR was decreased about 105 min by changing the PCR program and electrophoreses factors. Conclusion: The Multiplex PCR can detect coliform bacteria and E.coli synchronous in drinking water.

Background: Halophilic microorganisms have the potential to produce new biomolecules, including anti-cancer compounds, for medical applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of pigments extracted from native Iranian halophilic Archaeon. Materials and Methods: Pigment extract of Haloarcula sp. previously isolated and identified from Aran-Bidgol Lake was extracted. The effect of the extracted pigment on MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell line was tested by MTT method and PI and FITC staining. Cells with different concentrations of pigment extract were incubated for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Finally, the expression of apoptotic genes, including BAX, CASP3, CASP7, CASP9, P21, P53, and SOX2, was examined by Real-Time PCR. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using the t-test and Repeated-Measures ANOVA. Results: Compared to untreated cells, the pigment extract inhibited the viability of MDA-MB-468 cells significantly after 48 hours at a concentration of 45.95 μg/ml (p*