Peptone

Peptone is a water-soluble product that is formed by the partial hydrolysis of a protein by the action of an enzyme. It is used in culture media for bacteria and other microorganisms, in the preparation of vaccines and toxoids, and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.

History

The term "peptone" was first used in 1860 by the German chemist Ernst H. Salkowski. He derived it from the Greek word "pepton", which means "cooked" or "digested".

Production

Peptone is produced by the enzymatic digestion of animal or vegetable proteins. The process involves the breakdown of proteins into their constituent amino acids, which are then further broken down into smaller peptides and free amino acids. This is achieved by the action of proteolytic enzymes, such as pepsin, trypsin, and papain.

Uses

Peptone is widely used in microbiology for the preparation of culture media. It provides a source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. It is also used in the production of vaccines and toxoids, and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.

See also

• Protein hydrolysate
• Culture media
• Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical industry

References

Peptone Resources
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