Aim To induce and express the T4 lysozyme in Pichia pastoris and test the antibacterial activity of the protein. Methods T4 lysozyme gene was inserted into expression vector pPIC9K of Pichia pastoris with the fusion at N terminal. The recombinant plasmid was digested by Sal I and then introduced into prepared GS115 competent cells by electroporation. Positive clone and multiple inserts were screened. The secreted proteins in the supernatants were tested. In the agar holes diffusion assay, our expressed protein showed significant antibacterial circles. Results T4 lysozyme protein inhibited the growth of staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus Pneumoniae. There was no difference in the bactericidal activity and the amount of protein expression between the single and multiple copies. The antibacterial activity of expressed protein remained the same during the heat stability test. Conclusion T4 lysozyme was successfully induced and expressed in Pichia pastoris. There is no relationship between copy number and expression. T4 lysozyme protein is heat stable.
