Purification and characterization of acetylcholinesterase from Hide Beetle (Dermestes maculatus, De gee) larvae

• Published in: Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology 2023-10, Vol.53, p.102863, Article 102863
• Main Authors: Olorunnipa, Olawale Olorunjuwon, Bamidele, Olufemi Samuel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acetic acid; acetylcholine; acetylcholinesterase; Acetylcholinesterase (AChE); Activity; adults; agricultural biotechnology; animals; biocatalysis; Characterization; chlorpyrifos; choline; cypermethrin; Dermestes maculatus; Hide beetle; iodides; molecular weight; polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; Purification; temperature
• ISSN: 1878-8181; 1878-8181
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2023.102863

Adult and larvae of Hide Beetle (Dermestes maculatus) are pests of stored animal materials or products rendering them unsuitable both in quantity and quality for consumption. Some chemical insecticides have been known to irreversibly inhibit Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid at cholinergic synaptic sites. The aim of this study was to purify and characterize AChE from D. maculatus larvae with a view to evaluate some its biochemical properties. Acetylcholinesterase, purified to apparent homogeneity from the larvae of D. maculatus, was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, its physicochemical and kinetics properties were evaluated. Some chemicals and plant-based inhibitors were used for inhibition studies. Purified AChE from D. maculatus larvae accounted for 4.5% activity remaining with a specific activity of 4.19 mmol/min/mg and has a molecular weight of 42.65 kDa. Its stability at pH range of 8–10 and temperature range of 40–55 °C as well as kinetic values favored breakdown of acetylcholine iodide. From the inhibition patterns, anisaldehyde and α-terpineol inhibited the purified enzyme in similar way to chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin. The inhibition of the purified AChE by chemical and plant-base insecticides in similar manners suggests probable use of plant chemicals as an effective bio-insecticide for the control of Hide Beetle larvae and hence, can be used for an overall improvement of the duration of stored products in terms of quality and quantity. •Novel Approach: Our study employs a unique methodology that combines purification, and characterization to compare the enzymatic activity, kinetic parameters and inhibition study. This innovative approach provides a fresh perspective on the activity and stability of the enzyme.•Data Analysis: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of our results using advanced statistical techniques, ensuring the reliability and validity of our findings. The rigorous data analysis enhances the credibility of our research and strengthens the support for our conclusions.•Key Findings: Our study revealed:•The values of Km and Vmax of the purified D. maculatus larva showed the breakdown of acetylcholine Iodide was favored.•Chemical insecticides (chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin) inhibited acetylcholinesterase from D. maculatus larva better than the plant base insecticides because of lower IC50 values.•Anisaldehyde and α-terpeneol inhibited the purified enzyme