Isolation and characterization of lectins from white seeds of Abrus precatorius

Abstract

The present study indicates that Abrus precatorius was found to be the potential source for lectins. The lectin called Abrus agglutinin was isolated and characterized from white Abrus seed by the lactamyl sepharose 4B chromatography followed by SDS-PAGE. Lectin bind with the sepharose bead and it was separated out by the process of dialysis. The concentration of protein was measured. Agglutinins are sensitive to RBC of blood. Haemagglutination assay is another method for tittering protein based on their ability to attach to molecules present on the surface of red blood cells. The protein was identified by the Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis. The relative molecular weight of agglutinin was found 33kDa, 29kDa which corresponds to A chain and B chain of Agglutinin.