Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Organic Peroxyacids for Eradicating Dairy Biofilms Using an Approach Combining Static and Dynamic Methods
Published on: December 9, 2022
The complex of hypericin with β-lactoglobulin has antimicrobial activity with potential applications in dairy
Beatriz Rodríguez-Amigo1, Pietro Delcanale2, Gabriel Rotger1
1Institut Quimic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Production of Antibiotics
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Production of Pharmaceuticals
Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Microbes in Food Production
Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis

