
	Research Journal of Phytochemistry
	Year: 2014 \| Volume: 8 \| Issue: 4 \| Page No.: 172-187

Characterization of the Proteolytic Activity of Latex of Ficus luschnathiana and its Application in the Generation of Whey Antimicrobial Peptides

M. Barros and A.M.B. Cantera

Abstract: Characterization studies were performed to a proteolytic extract, prepared from latex of Ficus luschnathiana (Miq.) Miq., a Moraceae family tree. The mechanism of action was determined, corresponding to serine proteinases behaviour. Studies of optimum pH and temperature showed a maximum catalytic activity at pH 8.0 and 75°C, respectively. The proteolytic activity exhibited good stability when incubated at different pH and temperature conditions. At 7°C and pH 7.5, the extract kept a 100% of the initial activity for 5 months. When comparing the effect of pH on the stability, maximum values were obtained at pH 6.5, with 98% of the initial activity remaining after 5 h of incubation at 60°C. After 1 min at 100°C total inactivation occurred. Regarding the potential use in the dairy industry, milk clotting activity was determined obtaining a very effective coagulant action. Analysis protocols which included molecular exclusion chromatography, electrophoretic methods and mass spectrometry revealed a complex protein profile. It was found that the molecules responsible for the proteolytic activity of the extract were several proteins of different molecular weight and isoelectric points, most of which still retained the activity in presence of SDS and reducing agents. These proteic components displayed a pH-dependant tendency to form aggregates. Using the proteolytic activity of the crude extract under controlled hydrolysis conditions on whey proteins, yielded peptidic fractions with antimicrobial activity against a S. aureus strain. It was found that fractions of peptide concentration of 0.96 μmol mL^-1 inhibited growth by 94%.

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How to cite this article:

M. Barros and A.M.B. Cantera, 2014. Characterization of the Proteolytic Activity of Latex of Ficus luschnathiana and its Application in the Generation of Whey Antimicrobial Peptides. Research Journal of Phytochemistry, 8: 172-187.

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=rjphyto.2014.172.187

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