Acidic glycoproteins of buffalo colostrum and their influence on the growth of Bifidobacterium bifidus

Acidic glycoproteins were isolated from buffalo colostrum at pH 4.6 and their yields were highest in the first day colostrum, but decreased drastically in the third to fifth day samples. They were purified on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose columns and exhibited complex nature. The concentrations of carbohydrates and proteins varied from 2.1-13.9% and 80-96%, respectively, on dry weight basis. The SDS-PAGE analysis showed the heterogeneous nature of the fractions and some of the bands also stained positive with periodate-Schiff's reagent indicating their glycoprotein nature. The compositional analysis of the glycans revealed the presence of L-fucose, D-galactose, D-mannose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and N-acetyl neuraminic acid in different proportions. Some of the isolated fractions were found to enhance the growth of Bifidobacterium bifidus var. Pennsylvanicus significantly at low concentrations. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.