Isolation and characterisation of crocosin, an antibacterial compound from crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) plasma.
An antibacterial compound from crocodile blood was partially purified and functionally characterised. The freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) plasma with antibacterial activity was partially purified by using a centrifugal concentrator and reverse phase high powered liquid chromatography, and designated as crocosin. Crocosin exhibits antibacterial activity toward Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Crocosin is thermostable and resistant to pronase digestion. The structure of crocosin analyzed by mass spectrometry contains repeating units of 94 and 136 m/z. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that crocosin probably penetrates progressively into cytoplasm space, perturbing and damaging bacterial membranes. Crocosin may provide an early defense mechanism toward bacterial infection in freshwater.
Preecharram
Sutthidech
S
Departments of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Jearranaiprepame
Pornpimol
P
Daduang
Sakda
S
Temsiripong
Yosapong
Y
Somdee
Theerasak
T
Fukamizo
Tamo
T
Svasti
Jisnuson
J
Araki
Tomohiro
T
Thammasirirak
Sompong
S
D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D012485:Salmonella typhi / Q000187:drug effects; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents