title: Adsorption of peanut (Arachis hypogaea, Leguminosae) proteins by activated charcoal.
abstract: The binding of peanut protein allergens to activated charcoal (AC), used medically for gastric decontamination following the ingestion of toxic substances, was investigated for potential clinical application. Crude peanut extract (CPE) or purified peanut protein allergens Ara h 1 and 2 were co-incubated with AC under a variety of conditions followed by centrifugation to remove the AC and adsorbed protein. The resulting supernatant solution was analyzed for unadsorbed protein by gel electrophoresis and quantitative protein assay. The extent of protein adsorption by a known amount of AC was determined. Protein binding to AC was rapid and irreversible. The extent of adsorption was unaffected by pH, but was optimal near physiological salt concentrations. Denatured proteins, or those of larger molecular weight, required more AC than smaller or native proteins. The extent of protein binding increased with temperature, supporting the concept that protein molecules diffuse into vacant pores of appropriate size on the charcoal surface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas 72032, USA. kopper@hendrix.edu
authors.forename: Randall A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Kopper
authors.forename: Ara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Trang
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Van
authors.forename: Ricki M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Helm
mesh_terms: D055516:2S Albumins, Plant; D000327:Adsorption; D000485:Allergens / Q000737:chemistry; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D010367:Arachis / Q000737:chemistry*; D002606:Charcoal / Q000737:chemistry*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000737:chemistry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D021183:Peanut Hypersensitivity; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D011489:Protein Denaturation; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D055516:2S Albumins, Plant; D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; C500889:Ara h 1 protein, Arachis hypogaea; C500890:Ara h 2 allergen, Arachis hypogaea; D006023:Glycoproteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D002606:Charcoal