Work

Endolysins as Effective Agents for Decontaminating S. typhimurium, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes on Mung Bean Seeds

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Seeds are a major source of contamination by foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, significantly increasing the risk of foodborne diseases associated with fresh produce like sprouts. In this study, we described novel endolysins and the engineered variants that exhibited potent bactericidal activity against these pathogens. These endolysins demonstrated strong bactericidal effects independently of outer membrane permeabilizers, effectively killing S. typhimurium, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes to undetectable levels (>4-log kill) at concentrations as low as 12.5 μg/mL. The enzymes retained their activity in complex environments, such as a wide range of temperatures (4–100 °C), pH values (4–10), serum concentrations (0–50%), and sodium chloride concentrations (0–500 mM). Furthermore, their rapid bactericidal kinetics, excellent storage stability (>18 months), and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity enhanced their potential for application. These endolysins remained effective against stationary-phase bacteria and biofilm-forming bacteria, achieving more than 99% biofilm eradication at 200 μg/mL. Notably, at concentrations as low as 50 μg/mL, these enzymes completely decontaminated foodborne pathogens in a mung bean seed model contaminated with 4–5 log CFU of bacteria. This study is the first to report the successful use of lysins to control both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens on mung bean seeds.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms26052047

Authors: Fangfang Yao, Jiajun He, Raphael Nyaruaba, Hongping Wei, Yuhong Li

Institutions: Wuhan University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology

Language: English

Topic: Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499