Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Lysostaphin is a zinc endopeptidase with a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa. Because lysostaphin cleaves the polyglycine cross-links in the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall of Staphylococcus species it has been found useful for cell lysis and also as a potential anti-microbial therapeutic. pH Optimum for activity: ~7.5

Lysostaphin exhibit a lytic action againstStaphylococcus aureus. It possesses several functions of three major enzymes, such as, glycylglycine endopeptidase, endo-β-N-acetyl glucosamidase andN-acteyl muramyl-L-alanine amidase.Lysostaphin can be used to treat antibiotic-resistant staphylococcal infections. Lysostaphin being an antistaphylococcal agent, can be used as a preservative in the food industry and in clinical labs for rapid screening.

General description

Chemical structure: peptide

Lysostaphin is mainly liberated as a proenzyme. It is highly stable at pH 4 and temperature 5°C.

Preparation Note

Prepared from L 7386

Unit Definition

One unit will reduce the turbidity (A₆₂₀) of a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus cells from 0.250 to 0.125 in 10 min at pH 7.5 at 37 °C in a 6.0 ml reaction mixture.