Synergistic Role of Reuterin in Combination with Nisin against Food Borne Pathogens in Milk at Refrigerated Condition

Abstract

The effect of reuterin alone and in combination with nisin on different Gram-positive and Gram-negative foodbornepathogens in milk as a model system was investigated. Reuterin (16 AU/mL) exhibited bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes, whereas its bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus at refrigeration temperature was more pronounced. Higher bactericidal activity was also detected against Escherichia coli O157: H7, Pseudomanasaeruginosa, Salmonella typhi. The synergism of reuterin and nisin (100 IU/mL) against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus was also found at refrigeration temperature, where the pathogens were completely inactivated. The combination of reuterin with nisin, however, did not enhance the antimicrobial effect of reuterin against Gram-negative pathogens. Refrigerated milk and milk products treated with both natural antimicrobials would mean a feasible system to control pathogenic contaminants.