This study undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the impact of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) on Listeria monocytogenes, a common foodborne pathogen, with a particular focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state. Given the widespread application of SAEW as an effective disinfectant in the food industry, uncovering these molecular pathways is crucial for improving food safety measures. We employed tandem mass tags (TMT), labeling proteomic techniques and LC-MS/MS to identify differentially expressed proteins under two doses of SAEW conditions. We indicated 203 differential expressed proteins (DEPs), including 78 up-regulated and 125 down-regulated DEPs. The functional enrichment analysis of these proteins indicated that ribosomes, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis were enriched functions affected by SAEW. Further, we delved into the role of protein chlorination, a potential consequence of reactive chlorine species generated during the SAEW production process, by identifying 31 chlorinated peptides from 22 proteins, with a dominant sequence motif of Rxxxxx[cY] and functionally enriched in translation. Our findings suggest that SAEW might prompt alterations in the protein translation process and trigger compensatory ribosome biosynthesis. However, an imbalance in the levels of elongation factors and AARSs could hinder recovery, leading to the VBNC state. This research carries substantial implications for food safety and sanitation, as it adds to our understanding of the SAEW-induced VBNC state in L. monocytogenes and offers potential strategies for its control.
Keywords: Listeria monocytogenes; chlorinated protein; quantitative proteomics; slightly acidic electrolyzed water; viable but non-culturable state.