Factors affecting bacteriolysis using lysozyme in dual enzyme systems

Abstract

Dual-enzyme systems, in which lysozyme was present with papain or trypsin, were found to lyse heated cells of several species of bacteria normally resistant to either enzyme alone. The extent of lysis was often much greater than could be accounted for on the basis of additive action, and was considered a true synergism. Trypsin or papain, with lysozyme, were most active in this respect. The response was much greater with the combination of trypsin and lysozyme. Ribonuclease or pepsin when acting with lysozyme gave intermediate lysis, while catalase, lipase, and urease were ineffective either alone or in combination with lysozyme. Factors influencing the degree of synergism were ( a) the extent of heat treatment given cells before enzymes were added, ( b) the temperature of incubation, ( c) the order of addition of the enzymes, and ( d) the species of bacterium serving as substrate.