Antimicrobial Peptides from Adenanthera pavonina L. Seeds: Characterization and Antifungal Activity

Abstract

In this study, the antifungal activity of peptides extracted from Adenanthera pavonina seeds was assessed. Peptides were extracted and fractionated by DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. The non-retained D1 fraction efficiently inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungi. This fraction was later further fractionated by reversed-phase chromatography, resulting in 23 sub-fractions. All separation processes were monitored by tricine-SDS-PAGE. Fractions H11 and H22 strongly inhibited the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Fraction H11 caused 100% death in S. cerevisiae in an antimicrobial assay. The complete amino acid sequence of the peptide in fraction P2 was determined, revealing homology to plant defensins, which was named ApDef1. Peptides from fraction H22 were also sequenced.

Cationic Bioactive Peptide from the Seeds of Benincasa hispida

“…Their amino acid composition, amphipathicity, cationic charge, and size allow them to be attached to and inserted into membrane bilayers to form pores by “barrel-stave,” “carpet,” or “toroidal-pore” mechanisms [2, 6, 12]. Most of the antimicrobial peptides identified are cationic peptides with low molecular weight and exhibit hydrophobic properties [2, 6, 12, 21]. Based on the three-dimensional structures of known peptides, antimicrobial peptides are generally classified into four major groups including alpha-helix, beta-sheet, loop, and extended peptides.…”

“…Potentially, peptides have considerable medical importance since they [1] affect the stability and sensory quality of plant foods [2]. Research on bioactive proteins/peptide has been increasing including work on the development of pathogen resistant and antimicrobial compounds [2–6]. In recent years, extensive scientific evidence has been provided for the existence of biological active peptides and proteins derived from plants that might have beneficial effects upon human health [6–12].…”

“…Research on bioactive proteins/peptide has been increasing including work on the development of pathogen resistant and antimicrobial compounds [2–6]. In recent years, extensive scientific evidence has been provided for the existence of biological active peptides and proteins derived from plants that might have beneficial effects upon human health [6–12]. Peptides have certain biological activities like antimicrobial and antioxidant activities [2, 4, 6, 13].…”

“…In recent years, extensive scientific evidence has been provided for the existence of biological active peptides and proteins derived from plants that might have beneficial effects upon human health [6–12]. Peptides have certain biological activities like antimicrobial and antioxidant activities [2, 4, 6, 13]. Several plants in the family Cucurbitaceae have been widely used as medicine in many countries of Asia including India.…”

“…B. hispida commonly known as wax guard has been used in treatment of gastrointestinal problems [14], antidepressant-like activity [15], antinociceptive, antipyretic [16], anticompulsive effects [17], and antimicrobial activity [18]. Plants are rich in a wide variety of protein that has found antimicrobial properties [1, 2, 6, 11, 19]. Plants do not have an immune system directly comparable with that of animals.…”