Abstract：Objective:To comparatively evaluate the performance of several antimicrobial peptide activity assays. Methods:Using Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Bacillus subtilis as experimental strains, the antimicrobial activity of the antimicrobial peptide nisin at different concentrations was determined by Oxford cup method, punching method, filter paper method, microtiter plate assay and viable count method, respectively. Results: Among three agar-diffusion methods, punching method was the most sensitive, which provided clear and regular inhibition rings. Our comparison of two quantitative activity assays indicated that viable count method, showing high sensitivity and intuitive results, was better than microtiter plate assay. Conclusion: Combined application of punching method and viable count method allows comprehensive and accurate measurement of antimicrobial peptide activity.
2014, Vol. 28 
