Work

Virtual screening unearths baicalin as a promising inhibitor of Pseudomonas fluorescens cold defense mechanism

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The psychrotrophic spoilage bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens poses a challenge to seafood preservation through the action of functional cold-defense proteins. This study aimed to identify natural inhibitors targeting this mechanism in P. fluorescens PF08. Through virtual screening, potential inhibitory compounds were identified, with baicalin being further evaluated. The effects of baicalin were validated using bacterial growth assays conducted at 4°C and room temperature, biofilm quantification, and the analysis of key protein expression, including RpoS, AlgK, and RelA. Baicalin selectively inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of P. fluorescens PF08 at 4°C, while exhibiting minimal activity at room temperature. It significantly downregulated the expression of cold-defense proteins RpoS, AlgK, and RelA, thereby disrupting their function. These findings suggest that baicalin specifically interferes with the cold-adaptation mechanism of P. fluorescens at refrigeration temperatures, presenting a novel approach for mitigating seafood spoilage.

Source: LWT

DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2025.118232

Authors: Congnan Cen, Wenlu Li, Chen Jian, Song Miao, Yanbo Wang

Institutions: State Administration for Market Regulation, China Jiliang University, Beijing Technology and Business University, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Teagasc - The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240