Collapse of the proton motive force in Listeria monocytogenes caused by a bacteriocin produced by Pediococcus acidilactici

D. P. Christensen, R. W. Hutkins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effect of pediocin JD, a bacteriocin produced by Pediococcus acidilactici JD1-23, on the proton motive force and proton permeability of resting whole cells of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A was determined. Control cells, treated with trypsin-inactivated bacteriocin at a pH of 5.3 to 6.1, maintained a pH gradient and a membrane potential of approximately 0.65 pH unit and 75 mV, respectively. However, these gradients were rapidly dissipated in cells after exposure to pediocin JD, even though no cell lysis had occurred. The pH gradient and membrane potential of the producer cells were also unaffected by the bacteriocin. Whole cells treated with bacteriocin were twice as permeable to protons as control cells were. The results suggest that the inhibitory action of pediocin JD against L. monocytogenes is directed at the cytoplasmic membrane and that inhibition of L. monocytogenes may be caused by the collapse of one or both of the individual components of the proton motive force.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3312-3315
Number of pages4
JournalApplied and environmental microbiology
Volume58
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
  • Ecology

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