Dry-Heating of Lysozyme Increases Its Activity against Escherichia coli Membranes

作者:Derde Melanie*; Guerin Dubiard Catherine; Lechevalier Valerie; Cochet Marie Francoise; Jan Sophie; Baron Florence; Gautier Michel; Vie Veronique; Nau Francoise
来源:Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2014, 62(7): 1692-1700.
DOI:10.1021/jf405155p

摘要

For food as well as for medical applications, there is a growing interest in novel and natural antimicrobial molecules. Lysozyme is a promising candidate for the development of such molecules. This protein is largely studied and known for its muramidase activity against Gram-positive bacteria, but it also shows antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, especially when previously modified. In this study, the activity of dry-heated lysozyme (DH-L) against Escherichia coli has been investigated and compared to that of native lysozyme (N-L). Whereas N-L only delays bacterial growth, DH-L causes an early-stage population decrease. The accompanying membrane permeabilization suggests that DH-L induces either larger pores or more pores in the outer membrane as compared to N-L, as well as more ion channels in the inner membrane. The strong morphological modifications observed by optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy when E. coli cells are treated with DH-L are consistent with the suggested disturbances of membrane integrity. The higher hydrophobicity, surface activity, and positive charge induced by dry-heating could be responsible for the increased activity of DH-L on the E. coli membranes.

  • 出版日期2014-2-19