Reverse micelles as nanocarriers of nisin against foodborne pathogens

Food Chem. 2018 Jul 30:255:97-103. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.02.053. Epub 2018 Feb 12.

Abstract

Reverse micelles (RMs) as nanocarriers of nisin were optimized for the highest water and bacteriocin content. RMs formulated with either refined olive oil or sunflower oil, distilled monoglycerides, ethanol, and water were effectively designed. Structural characterization of the RMs was assessed using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Small Angle X-ray Scattering in the presence and absence of nisin. No conformational changes occurred in the presence of nisin for the nanocarriers. To assess efficacy of the loaded systems, their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes was tested in lettuce leaves and minced meat, respectively. Antimicrobial activity was evident in both cases. Interestingly, a synergistic antimicrobial effect was observed in lettuce leaves and to a lesser extent in minced meat between nisin and some of the nanocarriers' constituents (probably ethanol). Our findings suggest complex interactions that take place when RMs are applied in different food matrices.

Keywords: Antimicrobial; Bacteriocins; EPR; Food matrices; Lettuce; Listeria monocytogenes; Minced meat; SAXS; Staphylococcus aureus; W/O microemulsions.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteriocins
  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Emulsions / chemistry
  • Food Microbiology / methods*
  • Lactuca / microbiology
  • Listeria monocytogenes / drug effects
  • Listeria monocytogenes / pathogenicity
  • Meat / microbiology
  • Micelles
  • Monoglycerides / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / administration & dosage
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nisin / administration & dosage*
  • Nisin / chemistry
  • Nisin / pharmacology
  • Plant Oils / chemistry
  • Scattering, Small Angle
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacteriocins
  • Drug Carriers
  • Emulsions
  • Micelles
  • Monoglycerides
  • Plant Oils
  • Nisin