Catallix technology uses a natural enzyme to reproduce a human natural protection system against microbial and toxic contamination.

 
   

DETAILS ON THE TECHNOLOGY
A natural enzyme - The Lactoperoxidase system - The LPS in its natural environment
   
A natural enzyme    

CATALLIX processing is based on the intrinsec properties of a specific oxidoreductase enzyme: the peroxidase

Peroxidases are present in several human and animal biological fluids and mucous membranes, as well as in raw milk's non-immunitary natural protection system, where they play a paramount role against micro-organisms contamination.

The peroxidase used in the CATALLIX process is a lactoperoxidase, i.e. a peroxidase extracted from milk. It is used to reproduce the LP system, a natural protection system against micro-organisms.

   Main micro-organisms
killed and/or inhibited
by the Eau Activée®
     

 

 Scientific additional information

Peroxidase's specificity is a metal ion called heme. Located in the center of the molecule, it is surrounded by proteins and functional glycoproteins.

The molecule has then nucleophile properties. According to its level of reduction, it can transform into various ionic shapes, with slightly different properties.

Thanks to these particular properties, these molecules are omnipresent in our body defense mecanisms. Their self-regulated actions vary according to the level of bacterial aggression.
 A half molecule of myeloperoxidase
Z. Zeng & R.E. Fenna (1992)
J. Mol. Biol. 226, 185-207		  

 
   
 
The Lactoperoxidase system  
  A peroxidase has no antimicrobial activity by itself. It is generated in the presence of co-factors.  
 

In the presence of specific substrates, lactoperoxidase constitutes the key element of a strong non-specific defense system against the invasion of the mucous membranes and biological fluids by :
- bacteria (L.M WOLFSON,1993),
- some viruses (E.MELVIN and al, 1992),
- pests (RJ. MC RIPLEY and al. 1967)
- and lots of microscopic fungi (R.I. LEHRER and al, 1969 ; R.I. LEHRER and al, 1970).

 Main micro-organisms
killed and/or inhibited
by the Eau Activée®

In order to catalyse the reaction, the LP system needs the simultaneous presence of the enzyme together with two substrates : hydrogen peroxide and thiocyanate ions (M.N MICKELSON, 1979).

The oxidation reaction catalysed by the lactoperoxidase produces very mildly oxidative ion, as shown by the next reaction scheme :

SCN- + H2O2 OSCN- + H2O
llllllll Lactoperoxidase

These oxidative ions are hypothiocyanite ions (OSCN-). They are responsible for the destruction or/and inhibition of the bacteria (B. REITER, 1978).

  
   
LPS in a natural environment  
  Raw milk is naturally protected from infection by the Lactoperoxidase System, in proportion to the quantity of microorganisms which contaminate it (Y. VAN COILLIE and al.1986).
Bacterial metabolism generates hydrogen peroxide and then regulates the biocatalytic reaction it creates.

For example, in cattle's various stages of lactation, the presence of the LP System plays a paramount role against the infection of the udders. The system could be used to fight mastitis, avoiding the addition of antibiotics, which are undesirable in cheese manufacturing (V. VOBIS and al, 1995).

As for human beings, the LP system has first been found in buccal cavity (K.M PRUITT and al, 1986) and its activity was demonstrated on tooth hygiene.

It has also been highlighted in tears (N.J VAN HAERINGEN and al, 1979), cervical mucus (J.S SHINDLER, W.G BARSLEY, 1975), maternal milk (L. GOTHEFORS and al., 1975), nasal glands (A. VIRION and al, 1981)...