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VOL. 10, ISSUE 12 (2025)
Isolation and characterization of novel antimicrobial peptides from the hemolymph of the U.P. Forest Cockroach (Princisella spp.)
Authors
Dr. Jay Prakash Singh, Dr. Subhashish Tripathy, Rajkumar, Neha Gupta, Smita Khare
Abstract
The global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis necessitates the
discovery of novel therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs),
particularly those from insects, represent a promising alternative due to their
broad-spectrum activity and membrane-disrupting mechanisms. This study
investigates the U.P. Forest Cockroach (Princisella spp.), an unexplored
species from a unique ecological niche, as a potential source of novel AMPs.
Haemolymph was collected from immune-challenged cockroaches, and a crude
heat-stable extract was prepared, demonstrating significant antimicrobial
activity. A potent peptide, designated Princisella Antimicrobial
Peptide-1 (Pap-1), was isolated and purified using solid-phase extraction and
reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Structural
characterization revealed Pap-1 has a molecular mass of 4,528.7 Da and an
N-terminal sequence rich in cationic and hydrophobic residues, including four
cysteines, suggesting a defensin-like structure. Pap-1 exhibited potent,
broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive bacteria (including
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]),
Gram-negative bacteria, and the fungus Candida albicans. Crucially,
Pap-1 showed minimal haemolytic activity against human red blood cells,
indicating high selectivity for microbial cells. This study is the first to
report AMP production in the genus Princisella, identifying Pap-1
as a promising candidate for further development as a novel therapeutic agent
against drug-resistant pathogens.
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Pages:105-111
How to cite this article:
Dr. Jay Prakash Singh, Dr. Subhashish Tripathy, Rajkumar, Neha Gupta, Smita Khare "Isolation and characterization of novel antimicrobial peptides from the hemolymph of the U.P. Forest Cockroach (<i>Princisella spp.</i>)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 12, 2025, Pages 105-111
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