T7638

Thaumatin from Thaumatococcus daniellii

• Synonym(s): Thaumatin Protein
• UNSPSC Code: 12352202
• NACRES: NA.56

Properties

• biological source: plant (Thaumatococcus daniellii)
• form: powder
• mol wt: ~22 kDa
• storage temp.: 2-8°C

Description

General description

Thaumatin is a super sweet protein extracted from the African plant katemfe, Thaumatococcus daniellii Benth. This non-toxic protein is a member of the broad family of pathogenesis-related proteins (group PR5). Thaumatin exists in five isoforms namely thaumatin I, II, III, a, and b.

Application

Thaumatin from Thaumatococcus daniellii has been used:

• as a positive control/standard to detect the amount of recombinant thaumatin in the milk of transgenic mice using western blot
• as a standard to compare its retention time with Vitis vinifera thaumatin-like proteins (VVTL1) occurring in free-run juice and determine the pathogenesis-related protein content in grape juices
• as a model protein to study its interaction with free and ligated decavanadate

Biochem/physiol Actions

Recently it was shown the over expression of the thaumatin gene from Thaumatococcus daniellii in tomatoes caused the fruit to have a sweeter taste, suggesting that thaumatin could be used to enhance the taste of various foods.

Thaumatin is a zero-calorie sweetener and flavor enhancer that finds its use in food industries. It has antifungal activity and elicits protective functions in plants. Thaumatin is useful in pharmaceutics as it is a constituent of special low-calorie diets.

Quality

A mixture of thaumatin I and thaumatin II with traces of other sweet proteins.

Safety Information

• Storage Class Code: 11 - Combustible Solids
• WGK: WGK 3
• Flash Point(F): Not applicable
• Flash Point(C): Not applicable
• Personal Protective Equipment: dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves