Crystallization of Ferritin from Coelomic Fluid of Corbicula sandai with Ammonium Sulfate

Abstract

Ferritin was crystallized in a form of hexahedron from coelomic fluid of a shellfish (Corbicula sandai) living in fresh-water. In the purification and crystallization process, ammonium sulfate was used exclusively. The crystalline preparation contained 4.5% of iron and 0.6% of phosphorus. Absorption spectrum of this preparation in the ultraviolet and visible regions showed a shoulder around 280 mμ and no absorption band at other wavelengths. The presence of iron core or micells characteristic of ferritin was confirmed by electron microscopy. Molecular weight of this protein determined by the sedimentation equilibrium method was approximately 43.5×104.