Seed Oil Bodies from Gevuina avellana and Madia sativa

In this study, oil bodies (OBs) from Gevuina
avellana (OBs-G) and Madia sativa (OBs-M)
were isolated and characterized. Microscopic inspection revealed that
the monolayer on OB-G was thinner compared to that on OB-M. Cytometric
profiles regarding size, complexity, and staining for the two OB sources
were similar. Fatty acid to protein mass ratio in both OBs was near
29, indicating high lipid enrichment. OBs-G and OBs-M showed a strong
electrostatic repulsion over wide ranges of pH (5.5–9.5) and
NaCl concentration (0–150 mM). Proteins displaying highly conserved
sequences (steroleosins and aquaporins) in the plant kingdom were
identified. The presence of oleosins was immunologically revealed
using antibodies raised against Arabidopsis thaliana oleosins. OBs-G and OBs-M exhibited no significant cytotoxicity
against the cells. This is the first report about the isolation and
characterization of OBs-G and OBs-M, and this knowledge could be used
for novel applications of these raw materials.