Ultrasonic Disintegration as Method of Extracting Bacterial Enzymes

Abstract

The use of ultrasonic energy for preparing cell-free extracts of bacterial enzymes has been studied. The quartz crystal apparatus employed had a frequency of 600 kilocycles and an output of 700 watts. A bacterial suspension is treated by placing it in a 50-ml. Erlenmeyer flask held at a critical distance above the quartz crystal immersed in oil. Cooling coils keep its temp. below 30[degree]C. While 10 min. exposure easily disintegrates Hemophilus influenzae, Brucella abortus, Escherichia coli, and many others, Sarcina lutea, Micrococcus lysodeikticus, Acetobacter suboxydans and Saccharomyces cervesiae are completely refractory. Factors effecting the disintegration are time of exposure, viscosity of medium, shape of container, and the amplitude of vibration. Raising the intensity beyond a narrow range results in rapid inactivation of labile proteins. The pyruvic acid oxidase of Proteus vulgaris has been isolated as cell-free extract by this means.