Biotic potential of mucus extracts of giant mudskipper Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Pallas, 1770) from Pichavaram, southeast coast of India

Abstract Background The epidermal mucus of fish contains various bioactive compounds, which play a crucial role in the animal defense mechanisms. However, the mucus from giant mudskipper is not well characterized for its biochemical and pharmacological effects. This study for the first time analyzed the mucus extracts of this species for antimicrobial (against human pathogen) and hemolytic activities. Fourier-transform infrared spectrum analysis (FT-IR) and SDS-PAGE of mucus extracts were also carried out. Results The protein content in Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Gobiidae: Oxudercine) mucus extracts was 0.66 ± 0.04 mg/ml. The mucus extracts of P. schlosseri showed antibacterial activity against all eight human pathogenic bacteria and four fungal strains tested in this study. The hemolytic activities against chicken and human blood cells were observed with maximum activity for dichloromethane extracts. The FT-IR spectrum of mucus extract of P. schlosseri showed the presence of functional groups, evident protein bands of various molecular weights ranging from 14 kDa to 97 kDa. Conclusion The obtained results suggested that the mucus of this species has proteinaceous compounds responsible for antimicrobial and hemolytic activities.