Work

Impact of Nisin on Growth Inhibition and Biofilm Formation Capacity of Listeria monocytogenes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The effects of nisin on growth inhibition and biofilm formation were studied in two Listeria monocytogenes strains, LM_ATCC 19115 and LM_18, at concentrations ranging from 14 to 450 µg/mL. The maximum rate of OD600 increase (μmax) showed no significant concentration-dependent change in LM_ATCC 19115, whereas LM_18 exhibited a downward trend. Maximum OD600 dropped progressively and significantly at 225 and 450 µg/mL in both strains. Although concentrations of 14–56 µg/mL supported gradual growth that paralleled the control, the highest nisin concentrations significantly prolonged the lag phase of both strains and eventually decreased biomass by 64% and 51% for LM_ATCC 19115 and LM_18, respectively. Consequently, nisin reduced biofilm formation, with no biofilm observed for LM_ATCC 19115 at 450 µg/mL. However, both strains retained biofilm-forming capacity at 14–113 µg/mL concentrations. In LM_ATCC 19115, biofilm formation decreased independently of growth, along with significantly increased expression of the motility gene flaA and quorum sensing regulator agrA. In contrast, for LM_18, biofilm reduction corresponded to growth inhibition, with significant downregulation of the virulence gene hly. The observed strain-specific patterns of growth and biofilm formation warrant further investigation with a broader range of strains to better define and address the limitations of nisin application.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms27167355

Authors: Sandra Smoter, Joanna Gajewska, Magdalena A. Olszewska

Institution: University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Language: English

Topic: Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499