Properties of polyphenol oxidase in mango (Mangifera indica) kernel

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of filtered extract of ground mango kernel suspension (400 g litre⁻¹) was studied spectrophotometrically at 420 nm using catechol as substrate. The enzyme was most active at pH 6·0 and 25°C. Activity was reduced by 50% at pH values of 5·0 and 7·1, and also at temperatures of 14°C and 30°C. The calculated activation energy and the Michaelis constant (K_m) were 21·4 kcal mol⁻¹ °C⁻¹ and 24·6 mM , respectively. The V_max value was 2·14 units g⁻¹ mango kernel. The time to heat inactivate PPO decreased rapidly to < 10 min with increasing temperature of ⩾ 70°C at 50% activity. © 1998 SCI.