摘要 |
A method for producing an oligomeric form of alpha-lactalbumin which is in the molten globule-like state is described. The method suitably comprises exposing a source of alpha-lactalbumin in which the alpha-lactalbumin is preferably in the molten globule-like state, to an ion exchange medium which has been pre-treated with casein or an active component thereof, such as oleic acid, and recovering alpha-lactalbumin in an oligomeric form therefrom. Pre-treatment of the ion exchange medium, particularly with casein derived from human milk, has been found to significantly improve yields of the oligomeric form of alpha-lactalbumin and means that it can be readily isolated from readily available sources such as bovine alpha-lactalbumin. This form of alpha-lactalbumin is useful therapeutically, in particular as an antibacterial agent and also as an anti-cancer therapeutic.
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