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Lactoferrin-derived peptides antimicrobial activity: an in vitro experiment
Elena Biasibetti1, Silvia Rapacioli2, Natascia Bruni3
1Histopathology Department CIBA, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
Natural Product Research
|September 15, 2020
Summary
New antimicrobial agents are crucial for combating antibiotic resistance. This study found that milk peptides, lactoferricin (Lfc) and lactoferrampin (Lfa), combined with natural extracts, show strong synergistic antimicrobial effects against bacteria and fungi.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating the urgent discovery of novel antimicrobial agents.
- Milk-derived antimicrobial peptides, such as lactoferricin (Lfc) and lactoferrampin (Lfa), represent a potential source for new therapeutic compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antimicrobial and antibacterial activities of Lfc and Lfa, alone and in combination.
- To explore the synergistic effects of these milk peptides with natural extracts against selected pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial activity was assessed using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) index.
- In vitro testing was performed on Staphylococcus intermedius, Malassezia pachydermatis, and Candida albicans.
Main Results:
- Lfc demonstrated inhibitory effects against S. intermedius and M. pachydermatis, while Lfa was effective against C. albicans.
- A synergistic effect was observed when Lfc and Lfa were used in combination against all tested pathogens.
- Significant synergy was also noted between the milk peptides and various natural extracts against the microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- Milk-derived peptides Lfc and Lfa exhibit potent antimicrobial properties.
- The combination of Lfc, Lfa, and natural extracts shows strong synergistic activity, offering a promising strategy for developing new treatments.
- These natural compounds could serve as valuable tools for managing moderate bacterial and fungal infections.
