Some Metal Activators of Peroxidase from Peel of Watermelon in the Oxidation of Guaiacol

Aim: To identify some activators of peroxidase from the peel of watermelon in the oxidation of guaiacol.

Study Design: In vitro enzyme assay.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was done in the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria in November 2023.

Methodology: The effects of some metallic chloride on the activity of peroxidase from peel of watermelon in the oxidation of guaiacol was done in the absence and presence of varying concentrations of the chloride salts of Cu, Fe, K and Mg using standard procedures.

Results: Results showed that the optimum salt concentration for enzyme activation for chlorides of Cu, Fe, K and Mg were 0.5 mM, 0.5 mM, 1.5 mM and 1 mM respectively within a salt concentration range of 0.5 mM to 2 mM.

Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that chlorides of Cu, Fe, K and Mg are activators of peroxidase from peel of watermelon. However, chlorides of Cu and Fe are better activators of the enzyme since they activate the enzyme at a comparatively lower concertation when compared with chlorides of K and Mg. The Chloride of K had the least activation potential. The identification of chlorides of Cu, Fe, K and Mg as activators of peroxidase from peel of watermelon is of great importance as the search for cheaper and alternative sources of peroxidases for various applications continues.