Comparative assessment of antibacterial activity of Matricaria chamomilla L. extract, nisin and of its combination against Alicyclobacillus spp

• Published in: Food microbiology 2024-12, Vol.124, p.104597, Article 104597
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Pablo Ricardo Sanches, Pretes, Natalia Santos, Ribeiro, Anna Carla, Castro, Juliana Cristina, Garcia, Francielle Pelegrin, Nakamura, Celso Vataru, Bona, Evandro, Mikcha, Jane Martha Graton, Junior, Miguel Machinski, de Abreu Filho, Benício Alves
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alicyclobacillus; Alicyclobacillus - drug effects; Alicyclobacillus - growth & development; Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Antioxidants - chemistry; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Matricaria - chemistry; Matricaria chamomilla L; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nisin; Nisin - pharmacology; Orange juice; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Spores
• ISSN: 0740-0020; 1095-9998; 1095-9998
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104597

Alicyclobacillus spp. is a potential spoiling agent of acidic products and citrus drinks, leading to sensory alterations in contaminated products and consequent economic losses. Treatments such as pasteurization eliminate vegetative cells, but also create a favorable atmosphere for spore germination. To guarantee quality and safety, the application of natural substances as bioconservatives is a considerable and promising alternative for the food industry. This study evaluated the effect of hexane extract of Matricaria chamomilla L. (HE), Nisin (N) and their combination (HE + N). These compounds are present in some studies describing their antibacterial action, but no studies were found on the association of these compounds against the species Alicyclobacillus spp. This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant activity (AA) for the DPPH• (0,23 μmol Trolox/mg) and ABTS (27.93 μmol Trolox/mg), the Checkboard test revealed synergism between HE and N with a fractional inhibitory index (FIC) of 0.068., and to study the antibacterial and sporicidal effect. The antibacterial and sporicidal activity was satisfactory against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris with MIC and MBC of 1.95 μg/mL and MSC of 7.81 μg/mL in analyzes using HE + N. The application in orange juice proved to be effective, with an MBC of 0.007 μg/mL. The MIC results served as a parameter for other tests carried out in this study, such as flow cytometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and for the evaluation of sensory characteristics with Electronic Nose (E-nose). [Display omitted] •Alicyclobacillus spp. are sensitive to the treatment.•The checkboard test showed synergism between the compounds (FIC = 0.068).•The treatment helps maintain the microbiological quality of orange juice.•The treatment showed potential reduction of vegetative cells of Alicyclobacillus spp.•The treatment showed potential reduction of A. acidoterrestris spores.