Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of 7S and 11S Globulins Isolated from Cowpea Seed Protein

The present work was carried out to determine the characteristics and antibacterial activity of 7S and 11S globulins isolated from cowpea seed (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). The molecular mass of 7S globulin was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE bands to be of about 132, 129 and 95 kDa corresponding the α(/), α and β subunits. The molecular mass of 11S globulin was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE bands to be existed between 28 and 52 kDa corresponding the basic and acidic subunits. The minimum inhibitory concentrations MICs of 7S and 11S globulins isolated from cowpea seed were determined against Gram positive bacteria viz: Listeria monocytogenes LMG 10470, Listeria ivanovii FLB 12, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 43816, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 26853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella ATCC 14028 using disc diffusion assay; they were showed to be in the range 10 to 200 µg/mL. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination of the protein-treated bacteria showed the antibacterial action of 11S globulin against S. typhimurium and P. aeruginosa was manifested by signs of cellular deformation, partial and complete lysis of cell components. Adding 11S globulin at both concentrations 50 and 100 µg/g to minced meat showed considerable decreases in bacterial counts of viable bacteria, psychrotrophs and coliforms compared to controls during 15 days storage at 4 °C, reflecting a promising perspective to use such globulin as a meat bio-preservative.