Characterization of polyphenol oxidase in rocket salad (Eruca sativa)

At this study, characterization of polyphenol oxidase ( PPO ) enzyme in rocket salad ( Eruca sativa ) were determined. Rocket salad had been cultivated in specific organic garden, leaves of this plant homogenized in 50 mM pH = 7.0 phosphate buffer, then used refrigerated centrifuge for getting crude extract. PFO substrate specificity, optimum pH and optimum temperature, type of inhibition, the effect of metal ions and protein determination were assayed. Substrate specificity was tested by using pyrocatechol, catechin and gallic acid at the different concentration (5-30 mM) and by plotting Linweaver-Burk graphs Km and Vmax values ( pyrocatechol; Km = 10.24 mM, Vmax = 0.0018 U/min ), ( catechin; Km = 12.57 mM, Vmax = 0.0012 U/min ), ( gallic acid; Km = 23.07 mM, Vmax = 0.0001 U/min ) were calculated. At the result of experiments pyrocatechol was selected as the best substrate for polyphenol oxidase enzyme. A range of pH 4.0-10.0 was also tested and the highest enzyme activity was at pH = 7.0. The optimum temperature was determined by measuring the enzyme activity at various temperatures over the range of 20-70oC with 10oC increments. The optimum temperature was found to be 20 oC. In this study, effect of citric acid on PPO activity at different concentrations (1-5 mM) on optimum conditions were evaluated. Km and Vmax values and type of inhibition by using Lineweaver-Burk graphs were calculated. Citric acid inhibitor compete with substrate for the active site of enzyme. These inhibitor have been identified as competitive inhibitor. Effect of various metal ions such as, K+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ on enzyme activity were measured. From the results presence of K+ caused a significant amount of activation of polyphenol oxidase activity. And presence of Fe2+ ve Hg2+ strongly inhibited polyphenol oxidase activity. Protein content in enzyme was determined by Lowry system, with bovine serum albumin as standard. The amount of protein by using standart graph 488 mg/ml calculated. Keywords : Rocket salad, Polyphenol oxidase, Enzyme, Eruca sativa