Antibacterial Activity of Hydrolyzed Red Blood Cells in Vitro

Abstract

Red blood cells of various animals were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis in an 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 cattle origin. Hydrolyzed bovine hemoglobin powder likewise exhibited antibacterial properties. These antibacterial products are heat-resistant and water-soluble. Their opt. activity lies in the pH range of 7 to 8. It is assumed that the active principle is a peptide amino acid complex. This complex proved to be nontoxic to guinea pigs and to white mice.