Scientists from the University of California, Davis, discovered that the skin of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) contains mucus that can produce antimicrobial compounds. In this respect reports American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
In the research, scientists examined a catfish species known as Clarias gariepinus. It is found all over Africa and is bred specifically in fish farms around the world. The mucus secreted by the fish’s skin glands allows the fish to glide better and reduces friction while swimming.
Scientists have found that the mucus of African catfish contains peptides (short amino acid compounds) with significant antibacterial properties. To evaluate the principle and effectiveness of their work, the researchers isolated several peptides and chemically synthesized the most promising one, NACAP-II. Scientists then tested whether the compound could kill Escherichia coli.
It turns out that NACAP-II can “open” the bacterial shell and release its contents into the environment, neutralizing the threat. It is stated that the antibacterial effect is evident even at a low peptide concentration.
Scientists emphasized that marine organisms represent a rich, but largely untapped source of bioactive compounds. Further study of these may help develop new antimicrobial drugs.
Previously off the coast of Thailand to create A new type of chimera fish with a nightmarish appearance.