Effects of mono- and disaccharides on the antimicrobial activity of bovine lactoperoxidase system.

The effects of mono- and disaccharides on the antimicrobial activity of the lactoperoxidase (LPO) system against Salmonella Enteritidis were investigated. The results clearly reveal that most of the sugars inhibit the antimicrobial activity of the LPO system. The inhibitory potency varies depending on the structure of sugar. L-Fructose and D-allose were strongly inhibitive to the action of the LPO system, while sucrose was the weakest inhibitor. The decreased antimicrobial activity is due to the reduction of LPO catalytic activity by sugar. An inhibitory kinetic study showed the noncompetitive inhibitor. D-Allose and L-fructose yielded strikingly low K(i) values of 0.36 and 0.42 mM, respectively, while the K(i) values of the other sugars ranged from 1.37 to 3.60 mM. Since LPO activity is inhibited by the saccharides, the sugar content in food should be considered when the LPO system is applied to the preservation of food.