Anti-Listerial Activity of Bacteriocin-like Inhibitory Substance Produced by Enterococcus lactis LBM BT2 Using Alternative Medium with Sugarcane Molasses

Author(s)

de Oliveira, Taciana Freire ; Kuniyoshi, Tais Mayumi ; Frota, Elionio Galvao ; Bermudez-Puga, Sebastian ; Sakaue, Leticia Naomy ; Cassiano, Luara Lucena ; Tachibana, Leonardo ; Piccoli, Rosane Aparecida Moniz ; Converti, Attilio ; Oliveira, Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL; v. 13, n. 3, p. 20-pg., 2024-03-01.

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that contaminates food-processing environments and persists within biofilms on equipment, thus reaching final products by cross-contamination. With the growing demand for clean-label products, the search for natural antimicrobials as biopreservants, such as bacteriocins, has shown promising potential. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-listerial action of bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus lactis LBM BT2 in an alternative medium containing sugarcane molasses (SCM). Molecular analyses were carried out to characterize the strain, including the presence of bacteriocin-related genes. In the kinetic study on SCM medium E. lactis, LBM BT2 showed biomass and bacteriocin productions similar to those observed on a sucrose-based medium (control), highlighting the potential of the sugarcane molasses as a low-cost substrate. Stability tests revealed that the molecule remained active in wide ranges of pH (4-10) and temperature (60-100 degree celsius). Furthermore, the proteolytic treatment reduced the biomolecule's antimicrobial activity, highlighting its proteinaceous nature. After primary purification by salting out and tangential flow filtration, the bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) showed bacteriostatic activity on suspended L. monocytogenes cells and against biofilm formation at a concentration of 0.625 mg/mL. These results demonstrate the potential of the produced BLIS as a biopreservative in the food industry. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/25511-1 - Bioprospecting of bacteriocin-producing bacteria: from culture optimization to the application in animal production systems
• Grantee: Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/13487-7 - Production and use of bacteriocinogenic probiotic bacteria: application in the zootechnical sector
• Grantee: Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International