Expression of recombinant Arabian camel lactoferricin-related peptide in Pichia pastoris and its antimicrobial identification

BACKGROUNDLactoferricin (LFcin) is a strong cationic peptide released from the N-terminus of lactoferrin by gastric pepsin digestion. LFcin has some important properties, including high antimicrobial activity. To date, lactoferricins have been isolated and characterised from various animal species, but not from camel. The aim of this study was to characterise and express recombinant camel lactoferricin (LFcinC) in Pichia pastoris and investigate its antimicrobial activity. RESULTSAfter methanol induction, LFcinC was expressed and secreted into a culture broth medium and the results determined by concentrated supernatant culture medium showed high antimicrobial activity against the following microorganisms: Escherichia coliPTCC 1330 (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureusPTCC 1112 (ATCC 6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosaPTCC 1074 (ATCC 9027), Bacillus subtilisPTCC 1023 (ATCC 6633), and Candida albicansPTCC 5027 (ATCC 10231). Thermal stability was clarified with antibacterial activity against Escherichia coliPTCC 1330 (ATCC 8739). CONCLUSIONResults confirmed that camel lactoferricin had suitable antimicrobial activity and its production by Pichia pastoris can be used for recombinant production. (c) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry