Optimized Growth Conditions and determination of the Catalytic Type of the Peptidase Complex From a Novel Callus Culture of Pineapple (Ananas Comosus)

Abstract

Callus tissue culture of pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] is here focused to obtain maximal proteolytic activity. Biochemical parameters, such as pH optimum, optimal temperature range, thermal stability and protein content of the enzyme preparation were assessed for the first time. Catalytic behaviour, substrate-specificity and the use of a variety of inhibitors revealed its cysteine proteinase nature, suggesting it must be called callus bromelain. Comparison of in vivo and in vitro bromelains is also discussed, the latter being in many respects similar to a purified commercial stem bromelain, further supported by standard and automated fast electrophoresis, and capillary zone electrophoresis. The proteolytic activity of the callus bromelain showed to be higher than that obtained from the plant.