Antibacterial Mechanism of Garviecin LG34 Against S. Aureus and L. Monocytogenes and its Application in Milk Preservation

Abstract

The objective of this study was to reveal the antibacterial mode of action of garviecin LG34 against S. aureus CICC 21600 and L. monocytogenes CICC 21633 and measure the inhibitions on these two foodborne pathogenic bacteria in milk. Antibacterial mechanism of garviecin LG34 was ascertained by its effect on the efflux of Potassium (K+) ions, extracellular electrical conductivity, UV-absorbing substances, potential across the membrane (ΔΨ), and cell permeability. The inhibition of garviecin LG34 against S. aureus CICC 21600 and L. monocytogenes CICC 21600 in milk was studied by viable counting method. Supplementation with 160 AU/ml of garviecin LG34 had a bactericidal effect on S. aureus CICC 21600 and L. monocytogenes CICC 21633. A total of 80, 160, and 320 AU/ml of garviecin LG34 resulted in the effusion of potassium ion and UV-absorbing substances, the leakage of cellular electrolytes, and the dissipation of electrical potential across the membrane of these two food-borne bacteria and showed a dose-dependent. Moreover, the increase in cell permeability of both strains was observed by flow cytometer after cells treated with 160 AU/ml of garviecin LG34. Garviecin LG34 significantly inhibited the growth of these two food-borne bacteria in milk, especially in skimmed milk. Garviecin LG34 could cause pore formation, intracellular materials release, and permeability increase of S. aureus CICC 21600 and L. monocytogenes CICC 21633, and could be applied to milk as bio-preservative.

Keywords

• Bacteriocins
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Milk
• Mode of action
• Preservation
• Staphylococcus aureus