About the Zymox® Three Point Enzyme System
ZYMOX products employ a potent enzyme system called the ZYMOX Three Point Enzyme System to effectively destroy bacterial, viral and fungal microorganisms.
Each enzyme has its own unique properties and when combined, pack a powerful antimicrobial punch. These 3 enzymes are derived naturally from milk products so they are 100% safe and gentle. For years, it has been known that milk has a natural ability to kill bacteria, viruses and yeast. Only recently has the protein and enzyme system responsible been identified and reproduced. The three most effective are Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme and Lactoferrin. Their antimicrobial activities are briefly listed below:
Lactoperoxidase
A known milk peroxidase which when combined together with hydrogen peroxide, thiocyanate and/or iodide produce a potent antibacterial system known as the Lactoperoxidase System. The hypohalous ions produced are either the hypothiocyanate ion or the hypoiodite ion. Both are bactericidal substances. Hypoiodite is also a known fungicidal agent. The antibacterial property of the Lactoperoxidase System is based upon inhabitation of vital bacterial metabolic enzymes brought on by their oxidation by hypothiocyanate or hypoiodite.
Lysozyme
An enzyme present in milk and egg whites. It kills bacteria by disrupting the formation of a glycosidic bond between the two components of peptidoglycan, a constituent of the bacterial cell wall. Its effective against a number of bacteria including Escherichia coli and Salmonellae.
Lactoferrin
An iron binding protein. It's found naturally in cow and human milk, tears, saliva, seminal fluid and in some white blood cells. It's only partially saturated with iron (5 to 30 percent) so it has a high affinity towards iron. Lactoferrin is bacteristatic against a wide range of microorganisms including gram-negative (coliforms) and gram-positive (staphylcoccus) bacteria. It has the potential to inhibit the growth of bacteria and kill them by depriving them of iron, which is vital for bacterial growth.
Conclusion
Antimicrobial proteins and enzymes naturally present in milk have the ability to kill and inhibit a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses and fungi. This system is suitable for a variety of veterinary uses.