Sigma-Aldrich Lysostaphin from Staphylococcus staphylolyticus ≥500 units/mg protein

Sigma-Aldrich Lysostaphin is a zinc-dependent glycyl-glycine endopeptidase enzyme isolated from Staphylococcus staphylolyticus. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder containing 50–70% protein (by biuret) with a specific activity of ≥500 units/mg protein.

Lysostaphin specifically cleaves pentaglycine cross-links in the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall of Staphylococcus species, making it a highly effective reagent for cell wall lysis, protoplast preparation, and antimicrobial research. It is commonly used in diagnostic assay manufacturing, protein extraction, and microbial cell wall characterization.

Key Features

• High-specific-activity enzyme (≥500 U/mg protein) for efficient lysis of Staphylococcus species.
• Microbial source: Staphylococcus staphylolyticus.
• Zinc endopeptidase with a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa.
• pH optimum ~7.5 for peak enzymatic activity.
• Supplied as a lyophilized powder, easily soluble in water (2.0–2.1 mg/mL).
• Effective against Gram-positive bacteria with selective activity on Staphylococcus aureus.
• Suitable for diagnostic assay manufacturing, microbiological research, and antimicrobial studies.

Chemical and Biochemical Information

Biochemical/Physiological Actions

Lysostaphin acts as a zinc metalloenzyme endopeptidase, hydrolyzing the glycyl-glycine bonds in the cross-links of the peptidoglycan layer in Staphylococcus cell walls. This action leads to rapid bacterial lysis, enabling the preparation of protoplasts and release of intracellular components.

It is particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and is used as:

• A cell lysis reagent in DNA, RNA, and protein extraction workflows.
• A potential antimicrobial agent in experimental studies.
• A diagnostic enzyme for assay development targeting Gram-positive organisms.

Unit Definition:

One unit reduces the turbidity (A620) of a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus cells from 0.250 to 0.125 in 10 min at pH 7.5 and 37°C in a 6.0 mL reaction mixture.

Applications

• Bacterial cell wall lysis and protoplast formation.
• Preparation of cell-free extracts for protein or nucleic acid isolation.
• Antimicrobial and bacteriolytic studies involving Staphylococcus species.
• Diagnostic assay manufacturing (enzyme component).
• Biochemical studies of peptidoglycan structure and enzymatic degradation.

Packaging and Ordering Information

Storage & Stability

• Routine Storage: –20°C (long-term).
• Shipping: Wet ice.
• Stable under dry conditions; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Sigma-Aldrich Lysostaphin from Staphylococcus staphylolyticus is a high-purity, zinc-dependent endopeptidase ideal for selective lysis of Staphylococcus species, diagnostic enzyme manufacturing, and biochemical studies. With a specific activity ≥500 U/mg protein, it delivers consistent, efficient cell wall degradation and reliable performance in microbiological, molecular biology, and assay development workflows.