Abstract
The antibacterial activity of metal complexes of ovotransferrin was tested “in vitro” against different bacterial species and the Zn2+ saturated ovotransferrin appeared to be the most active by comparison with the apo-protein and other metal complexes. Appropriate controls showed that such an effect was neither due to Zn2+ ions, nor to iron deprivation, but to a specific activity of the Zn-ovotransferrin complex. This antibacterial activity required a direct contact of Zn-ovotransferrin with the bacterial surface.
In vivo experiments confirmed the higher antibacterial activity of Zn-ovotransferrin as compared with the apo-form.
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This research was made possible through the inspiration and advise of the late Prof. Eraldo Antonini
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Valenti, P., Visca, P., Antonini, G. et al. The effect of saturation with Zn2+ and other metal ions on the antibacterial activity of ovotransferrin. Med Microbiol Immunol 176, 123–130 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00193893
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00193893