Factors affecting the antimicrobial activity of ovine-derived cathelicidins against E. coli 0157:H7

Antimicrobial peptides extracted from ovine neutrophils have potential to be high-value by-products of the lamb industry as, for example, a biopreservative for chilled lamb products. This work was carried out to determine the conditions in which ovine peptides are most effective and to assist in product development. The activities of three synthetic ovine-derived antimicrobial peptides tested were not significantly affected by pH or temperature. However, they exhibited decreased activity at high ionic strengths and in the presence of divalent cations. The three peptides worked better in combination than individually.