The complex of hypericin with β-lactoglobulin has antimicrobial activity with potential applications in dairy industry

Beatriz Rodríguez-Amigo, Pietro Delcanale, Gabriel Rotger, Jordi Juárez-Jiménez, Stefania Abbruzzetti, Andrea Summer, Montserrat Agut, F. Javier Luque, Santi Nonell, Cristiano Viappiani

Research output: Indexed journal article Articlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Using a combination of molecular modeling and spectroscopic experiments, the naturally occurring, pharmacologically active hypericin compound is shown to form a stable complex with the dimeric form of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG). Binding is predicted to occur at the narrowest cleft found at the interface between monomers in the dimeric β-LG. The complex is able to preserve the fluorescence and singlet oxygen photosensitizing properties of the dye. The equilibrium constant for hypericin binding has been determined as Ka = 1.40 ± 0.07μM-1, equivalent to a dissociation constant, Kd = 0.71 ± 0.03μM. The complex is active against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Overall, the results are encouraging for pursuing the potential application of the complex between hypericin and β-LG as a nanodevice with bactericidal properties for disinfection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89-94
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Dairy Science
Volume98
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial
  • Hypericin
  • Photosensitizer
  • β-lactoglobulin

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