Expanding the spectrum: Modified bacteriocin nisin as a Trojan horse
against Gram-negative SalmonellaTyphimurium and Escherichia
coli
Abstract
Nisin is an antimicrobial peptide widely used as a biopreservative to
extend shelf life and control foodborne pathogens, particularly
Gram-positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes. However, its
efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria is limited due to its inability
to penetrate their outer membrane and reach its target, lipid II, in the
inner membrane. Agents that alter the outer membrane’s permeability can
overcome this limitation, enabling nisin to access the periplasm and
expand its antimicrobial spectrum. In this study, we aimed to extend
nisin’s spectrum of action towards Gram-negative bacteria by fusing it
with salmochelin, a siderophore produced by
Salmonella.Siderophores capture extracellular iron and enter
cells through specific receptors. The nisin-salmochelin conjugate was
synthesized through an external chemical reaction, yielding a compound
with activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Among
the Gram-negative bacteria, notable strains include S. enterica
Newport, S. entericaTyphimurium, E. coli O157, E.
coli EC3 (uropathogenic isolate), and Providencia rettgeri. This
novel conjugate exhibits broad-spectrum activity against foodborne
pathogens, significantly enhancing nisin’s potential as a food
biopreservative and expanding its clinical applications.