Effect of Coenzyme Q0 on biofilm formation and attachment-invasion efficiency of Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a highly pathogenic microorganism that could cause foodborne diseases and a series of infections. Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0) has been reported as antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory compound, but its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against L. monocytogenes has scarcely been studied. In this study, antimicrobial activity of CoQ0 against L. monocytogenes was determined. The efficacy of CoQ0 in inhibiting L. monocytogenes biofilm formation on three surfaces (polystyrene, stainless steel, and glass), inactivating and removing formed biofilm, as well as reducing adhesion to and invasion of human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells by L. monocytogenes were investigated. Moreover, real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was carried out to evaluate the effect of CoQ0 on expression of genes involved in biofilm formation, adhesion, and invasion. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CoQ0 against L. monocytogenes strains ranged from 25 to 50 μg/ml. CoQ0 was effective in preventing biofilm development on three different surfaces, as confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. In addition, CoQ0 inactivated and removed mature biofilm formed by L. monocytogenes, reduced adhesion to and invasion of Caco-2 cells, and down-regulated transcription levels of related genes. These findings suggest that CoQ0 has the potential to be a new strategy to control L. monocytogenes.