Encapsulation of Purified Pediocin of Pediococcus pentosaceus into Liposome Based Nanovesicles and its Antilisterial Effect.

Aims: To encapsulate a purified bacteriocin into a nanovesicles and check its antibacterial effect.

Background: Although the use of nano-encapsulated bacteriocins in food matrices is poorly reported, encapsulated nisin can reduce L. monocytogenes counts in whole and skimmed milk and in soft cheese.

Objective: The present study deals with the extraction and purification of a bacteriocin from an isolated strain Pediococcus pentosaceus KC692718. A comparative study of the effect of free pediocin and liposome encapsulated pediocin against Listeria sp. was performed.

Methods: The purification of the extracted cell free supernatant was subjected to ammonium sulphate precipitation, cation exchange chromatography followed by gel permeation chromatography. The bacteriocin activity and protein concentration were determined using Lowry's method. The characterization of the pure pediocin was done. Liposome like nanovesicle was constructed and the stability of the liposome encapsulated pediocin was checked. Finally, the antibacterial effect was comparatively studied of the free pediocin, liposome, and liposome encapsulated pediocin simultaneously.

Results: The pediocin of 3.6kDa was purified with a specific activity of 898.8. AU/mg. It remained stable from pH 2.0-8.0 was found to be moderately stable above 80°C and remain stable for one month when stored at -20°C. The encapsulated pediocin showed stability since it retained 50% of its initial activity. The encapsulated pediocin showed 89% of encapsulation efficiency.

Conclusion: The encapsulated pediocin not only improved pediocin stability but also enhanced the controlled release of the antimicrobial substances, enough for inhibiting the foodborne pathogen L. monocytogenes.