An Orphan Crop (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) with Interesting Phosphatase, β-galactosidase and α-mannosidase Activities: Nutritional Approach and Biochemical Characterization
Djary M. Koffi [a], Betty M. Faulet [b], Jean T. Gonnety [b], Mica l E. B dikou [a], Iri A. Zoro Bi* Author for corresponding; e-mail address: niamkes@yahoo.fr
Volume: Vol.38 No.2 (APRIL 2011)
Research Article
DOI:
Received: 6 April 2010, Revised: -, Accepted: 27 Febuary 2011, Published: -
Citation: Koffi D.M., Faulet B.M., Gonnety J.T., Dikou M.L.E.B. and Bi I.A.Z., An Orphan Crop (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) with Interesting Phosphatase, β-galactosidase and α-mannosidase Activities: Nutritional Approach and Biochemical Characterization, Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2011; 38(2): 210-222.
Abstract
Seeds extract of Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin (Cucurbitaceae), an orphan and underresearched crop was screened for enzymatic hydrolytic activities over a variety of natural and synthetic substrates. Enzymatic activities noticed mainly consist of phosphatase (0.66 0.02 UI/mg), β-galactosidase (0.26 0.03 UI/mg) and α-mannosidase (0.19 0.02 UI/mg) activities. The higher phosphatase activity observed suggest that this edible seed constitutes a potential source of phosphorus for human and animal diet. Exploration of biochemical properties has revealed that phosphatase, β-galactosidase and α-mannosidase activities were maximal at 45oC (pH 5.6), 55oC (pH 4.6) and 60oC (pH 5.0), respectively. The three enzymatic activities displayed also interesting characteristics as relative pH stability, resistance to (or activation by) detergents and hydrolytic specificity over natural substrates such as ATP, ADP, lactose and mannobioses. So, these disclosed enzymatic activities should deserve main investigations for further biotechnological applications. Keywords: Orphan crop, Cucumeropsis mannii seed, cucurbitaceae, phosphatase, β-galactosidase, α-mannosidase.