Enzymatic extraction and spectral analysis of the chromophore from cell walls of nutritionally deficient streptococci.

We demonstrated by spectral analysis a method to enzymatically cleave the chromophore precursor from nutritionally deficient streptococcal cell walls by treatment with lysozyme. The peak absorbances without and with lysozyme pretreatment were 511.4 +/- 2.02 nm and 513.1 +/- 0.69 nm, respectively. Extraction yields varied among strains and were found to be growth phase dependent. A secondary peak of absorbance (mean of 477 nm) was found in only five of eight strains. The chromophore at a neutral pH undergoes a reaction with phenol consistent with that of a furan, indicating its carbohydrate composition.