Purification of Cysteine Protease Actinidin from Kiwi Fruit

Presenter: Juelle Citizen

Co-Presenter(s):
Joshua Brown

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 20-21

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Monica Lares

Department: Chemistry

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10E0pOWQJKAl2Pht17CJxarxE-0MN8stl

Abstract:
Actinidin is a type of cysteine protease found in Actinidia deliciosa, the kiwifruit. Cysteine proteases are enzymes that degrade proteins by utilizing a highly reactive thiol group. The degradation of proteins is essential as amino acids can be used to create new proteins or as a fuel source. Kiwifruit consumption is known to have numerous health benefits, with actinidin being an enzyme that promotes enhanced digestion. Understanding the characteristics and activity of this enzyme through a purification and assay process will aid in further research on cysteine proteases and establish a reliable purification method for others to follow.