The juicy sarcotesta of Punica granatum contains a lectin that affects growth, survival as well as adherence and invasive capacities of human pathogenic bacteria

- A lectin (PgTeL) was isolated from Punica granatum sarcotesta.
- PgTeL is a 26-kDa monomeric protein with homology (37%) with a chitinase.
- PgTeL showed bacteriostatic and bactericide activities against human pathogens.
- The lectin also affected bacterial adherence and invasive capacities to HeLa cells.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits are referred as a “superfood” due to its immense potential for health benefits. This work describes the isolation, characterization and antibacterial effects of P. granatum sarcotesta lectin (PgTeL), a 26-kDa chitin-binding protein with 37% homology with a chitinase from pomegranate seeds. PgTeL was bacteriostatic and bactericide agent on Micrococcus luteus, Serratia marcescens and Streptococcus mutans (MIC50: 1.25-50 µg/mL; MBC: 18.0-100 µg/mL) and also inhibited the growth of Aeromonas sp., Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Salmonella enterica serovar. Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (MIC50: 3.0-50 µg/mL). The adhesion and invasion abilities of Aeromonas sp., S. aureus, S. marcescens and S. enterica to HeLa cells were reduced when these bacteria were previously treated with PgTeL. In conclusion, the pomegranate juicy sarcotesta is a source of a lectin with biotechnological potential as a new antibiotic agent.