Title: Exploring the untapped potential of African fermented foods as a source of novel fibrinolytic enzymes
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases are increasingly prevalent globally, with thrombosis being a major contributor. Current thrombolytic drugs, while effective, are associated with significant side effects, including immune responses, haemorrhages, and stability issues. In contrast, microbial fibrinolytic enzymes, such as nattokinase derived from fermented foods, offer a promising alternative for therapeutic development. Despite numerous efforts to isolate nattokinase-like enzymes from Asian fermented foods, there has been limited exploration of fermented foods from other regions, such as Africa, Europe, and South America for their fibrinolytic potential. This study represents the first systematic attempt to screen various African fermented foods, for their fibrinolytic potential. Through various screening processes, potent fibrinolytic enzyme-producing microorganisms were identified and selected for further analyses. The best performing isolate was subjected to fibrinolytic enzyme production and N-terminal sequencing of the purified enzyme revealed it to be novel. Subsequent biochemical and biophysical characterizations further elucidated the enzyme’s properties. This research highlights the potential of African fermented foods as sources of novel fibrinolytic enzymes and provides valuable insights into their potential applications.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Researchers can apply screening and characterisation techniques to their own studies on microbial enzymes or other bioactive compounds from fermented foods. Pharmaceutical researchers and developers can use the findings to explore alternative therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases
- The presentation will provide researchers with novel ideas and methodologies that can be applied to their own work. Pharmaceutical professionals can leverage the knowledge to develop safer and more effective thrombolytic drugs, thereby improving patient outcomes
- The presentation will provide faculty/researchers with novel ideas and methodologies that can be applied to their own work. Faculty members can enhance their teaching materials with real-world examples of cutting-edge research, enriching the learning experience for students
- While not directly related to design, the research provides practical solutions in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals by identifying novel enzymes that could simplify and enhance the development of safer thrombolytic therapies
- The research offers new information on microbial enzymes that can be used to design more effective and safer therapeutic agents
- The discovery of novel fibrinolytic enzymes from African fermented foods could lead to the development of new therapies with fewer side effects, improving patient care and outcomes
- Highlighting the potential of African fermented foods not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also promotes cultural appreciation and the value of traditional foods
