Preparation and characterization of nisin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract

Nisin is a known bacteriocin approved as a food additive for food preservation. It exhibits a wide spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Nisin is produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis. It is a small cationic peptide composed of 34 amino acid residues. Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and determined by XRD as Fe2O3 phase (Maghemite-C). Magnetic nanoparticles were stabilized by citrate, ascorbate, gallic or glucuronic acid coating. Nisin loading on the particles was acquired by the adsorption method and confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The size of nisin-loaded magnetic particles was characterized by AFM and DLS methods. The antimicrobial activity of developed magnetic nanoparticles was evaluated on the model Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis by applying microbiological techniques. Nisin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles could find their application in innovative and emerging technologies as antimicrobials.