1. Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties in termites

2. Termites body fluid pH 10 PBS Extract (not filtered) Extract (0.8um) Extract (0.45um) pH 7.3 PBS Extract (not filtered) Extract (0.8um) Extract (0.45um) Simulates conditions of the gut Simulates conditions of the hemolymph Contains both protozoa and bacteria. Presence of other micro-organisms as well Contains bacteria, no protozoa. Presence of other small micro-organisms as well Contains no bacteria, no protozoa. A. nigerT. kanei

3. Termites body fluid pH 10 PBS Extract (not filtered) Extract (0.8um) Extract (0.45um) pH 7.3 PBS Extract (not filtered) Extract (0.8um) Extract (0.45um) Simulates conditions of the gut Simulates conditions of the hemolymph Contains both protozoa and bacteria. Presence of other micro-organisms as well Contains bacteria, no protozoa. Presence of other small micro-organisms as well Contains no bacteria, no protozoa. A. nigerT. kanei

4. w/ extract (0.45um)w/ extract (0.8um) w/ extract (Not filtered) Control (PBS) Set B:

5. T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0352 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.148 (Insignificant), Extract (0.45um): 0.102 (Insignificant) T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0352 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.148 (Insignificant), Extract (0.45um): 0.102 (Insignificant)

6. w/ extract (0.45um) w/ extract (0.8um) w/ extract (Not filtered) Control (PBS) Set A:

7. T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0151 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0396 (Significant)

8. Termites body fluid pH 10 PBS Extract (not filtered) Extract (0.8um) Extract (0.45um) pH 7.3 PBS Extract (not filtered) Extract (0.8um) Extract (0.45um) Simulates conditions of the gut Simulates conditions of the hemolymph Contains both protozoa and bacteria. Presence of other micro-organisms as well Contains bacteria, no protozoa. Presence of other small micro-organisms as well Contains no bacteria, no protozoa. A. nigerT. kanei

9. w/ extract (0.45um)w/ extract (0.8um) w/ extract (Not filtered)Control (PBS) Set B:

10. T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0452 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0780 (Insignificant) T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0452 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0780 (Insignificant)

11. w/ extract (0.45um)w/ extract (0.8um) w/ extract (Not filtered)Control (PBS) Set B:

12. T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0303 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0295 (Significant) T-test p-value for Extract (NF): 0.0303 (Significant), Extract (0.8um): 0.0295 (Significant)

13. Protozoa, Bacteria, other small micro- organisms Protozoa, Bacteria, other small micro- organisms Bacteria, other small micro- organisms Bacteria, other small micro- organisms What we can conclude from this graph: 1.Protozoa has greater anti-fungal properties against A. niger as compared to bacteria. 2.Termites in PBS pH 7.3 has greater anti-fungal properties against A. niger as compared to termites in PBS pH 10. Conclusion: Protozoa in the hemolymph has the greatest anti-fungal properties against A.niger.

14. What we can conclude from this graph: 1.Bacteria has greater anti-fungal properties against T. kanei as compared to protozoa. 2.Termites in PBS pH 7.3 has slightly greater anti-fungal properties against T. kanei as compared to termites in PBS pH 10. Conclusion: Bacteria in the hemolymph has the greatest anti-fungal properties against T. kanei Protozoa, Bacteria, other small micro- organisms Protozoa, Bacteria, other small micro- organisms Bacteria, other small micro- organisms Bacteria, other small micro- organisms

15. Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties ExtractionFiltering Anti-fungal assay Application BeforeApplyingAfter

16. Materials Potato dextrose agar (PDA) Spray bottle Extract of body fluids of termites Before (Control): 1. Place a PDA plate in front of an air-conditioner for 15 min 2. Switch on the air-conditioner to collect any spores 3. Allow fungus to grow for three days.

17. Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties ExtractionFiltering Anti-fungal assay Application BeforeApplyingAfter

18. Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties ExtractionFiltering Anti-fungal assay Application BeforeApplyingAfter

19. 1. Pour the extracted body fluids into a spray bottle 2. Switch off the air-conditioner. 3. Open the vents. 4. Spray 8 times (3 sprays uses up 0.5 ml) at 8 different points, spread out evenly between each spray. 5. Leave the treated air-conditioner off for 1 day to allow for reaction.

20. Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties ExtractionFiltering Anti-fungal assay Application BeforeApplyingAfter

21. Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties ExtractionFiltering Anti-fungal assay Application BeforeApplyingAfter

22. 1. Place 8 PDA plates in front of the air-conditioner at respective locations for 15 minutes 2. Switch on the air-conditioner to collect the fungus 3. Allow fungus to grow for three days 4. Observe for reduction of mould growth at the end of the three days

23. Determining the main source of anti-fungal properties in termites

24. Before treatmentAfter treatment Frequently used air-con in SRC

25. Rarely used air-con in SRC Before treatmentAfter treatment

26.  Wong M.L.(2009) Air-conditioning can spread germs The Straits Times article, February 26.  Lankarge, V. (2003) What Every Home Owner Needs to Know about Mold and What to Do about It. Blacklick, OH, USA: McGraw-Hill Trade. p 14.  Yupaporn, S. (1996) Studies on Damage of Constructions Caused by Subterranean Termites and Its Control in Thailand. Bangkok: Forest Products Research Division, Royal Forest Department.  Bultman, D. and Southwell, C.R. (1976) Natural resistance of tropical American woods to terrestrial wood-destroying organism. Biotropica. V.8, p.71-95.  Scheffrahn, R. and Nan-Yao, S. (2000) Asian Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes gestroi. Document EENY-128, one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.  US Patent 5866317 (1999) Method for collecting hemolymph of insects  Chapman, R.F. (1998) The insects: structure and function, University of Cambridge, p.101 & 106  Pasanen, A.L. et al. (1991) Laboratory studies on the relationship between fungal growth and atmospheric temperature and humidity. Environ Int 1991;17: 225–228.  Araújo, R.L. (1958) Contribuição à biogeografia dos térmitas de São Paulo, Brasil. Insecta – Isoptera. Arquivos do Instituto Biológico de São Paulo 25: 185-217.