Characterization of lactosporin, a novel antimicrobial protein produced by Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the antimicrobial protein produced by Bacillus coagulans used in the probiotic dietary supplement (Lactospore) Probiotic, Sabinsa Corp., Piscataway, NJ, USA).


RESULTS
Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 was grown at 37 degrees C for 18 h. The cell free supernatant was concentrated 10-fold (lactosporin preparation, LP). The antimicrobial activity of LP was confirmed against Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10420 in a well diffusion assay. The proteinaceous nature of LP was determined following exposure to different enzymes. The activity of LP was pH-dependent but stable to heat. The isoelectric point of LP was determined to be 3.5-4.0. PCR analyses showed no similarity between lactosporin and known antimicrobial proteins produced by the Bacillus spp.


CONCLUSIONS
Lactosporin is a novel antimicrobial protein. Initial characterization indicates that it may fall outside of the conventional classification of class I and II bacteriocins. Loss of activity after exposure to a number of proteolytic enzymes and lipase suggest that lactosporin may posses a lipid moiety which contributes to its inhibitory activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The unique characteristics of lactosporin, including its antimicrobial activity against pathogenic micro-organisms, indicate that it may have potential for application in foods and personal care products.
Riazi
S
S
Department of Food Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, 08901, USA.
Wirawan
R E
RE
Badmaev
V
V
Chikindas
M L
ML
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001407:Bacillus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001430:Bacteriocins / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007526:Isoelectric Point; D016982:Micrococcus luteus / Q000187:drug effects; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology; D013696:Temperature
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001430:Bacteriocins