Lysozyme and Lipase Alter Unfrozen and Frozen/Thawed Cells of Listeria monocytogenes.

Unfrozen and frozen/thawed cells of Listeria monocytogenes strains Scott A, V7, and California were treated with lipase and/or lysozyme. Cells of strain Scott A were more susceptible to the lytic action of lysozyme than were cells of strains V7 and California. Treatment of unfrozen cells with lipase before exposure to lysozyme enhanced cellular lysis. This also was true for cells held frozen for up to 6 weeks before they were thawed and treated with enzymes. Some variation existed among strains of L. monocytogenes in their susceptibility to effects of lysozyme. Frozen storage of cells of all three strains increased their susceptibility to lysis by lipase, and this was related inversely with the percentage of cells that survived freezing and frozen storage. Transmission electron microscopy showed some enzyme-treated cells formed protoplasts.