Abstract
Summary
Red blood cells of various animals were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis in alkaline medium, the resulting products exhibiting in vitro marked antibacterial activities. The latter covered a relatively wide spectrum of most gram-positive and a few gram-negative organisms. The highest activity was displayed by hydrolysates of human and bovine hemoproteins. Hydrolyzed bovine hemoglobin powder likewise exhibited antibacterial properties. These antibacterial products are heat-resistant and water-soluble. Their optimum activity lies in the pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. It is assumed that the active principle of the crude substance is a peptide-amino acid complex. This complex proved to be nontoxic to guinea pigs and albino mice. Its relation to other antibiotics is discussed.
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