A novel ESKAPE-sensitive peptide with enhanced stability and its application in controlling multiple bacterial contaminations in chilled fresh pork. (1st July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zeng, Ping; Zhang, Pengfei; Yi, Lanhua; Wong, Kwok-Yin; Chen, Sheng; Chan, Kin-Fai; Leung, Sharon Shui Yee
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 413(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-07-01
• Subjects: Helical peptide -- Broad-spectrum antibacterial -- Proteolytic stability -- Membrane targeting -- Foodborne pathogen; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: An engineered peptide zp80r showed bioactivity against all ESKAPE strains. d -arginine substitution increased proteolytic stability of the synthetic peptide. Peptide zp80r suppressed growth of persisters and cellular swarming. Peptide zp80r inhibited bacterial contamination in chilled fresh pork. Abstract: The co-existence of various pathogenic bacteria on the surface of pork products exacerbates difficulties in food safety control. Developing broad-spectrum and stable antibacterial agents that are not antibiotics is an unmet need. To address this issue, all l -arginine residues of a reported peptide (IIRR)4 -NH2 (zp80 ) were substituted with the corresponding D enantiomers. This novel peptide (IIrr)4 -NH2 (zp80r ) was expected to maintain favourable bioactivity against ESKAPE strains and have enhanced proteolytic stability compared with zp80 . In a series of experiments, zp80r maintained favourable bioactivities against starvation-induced persisters. Electron microscopy and fluorescent dye assays were used to verify the antibacterial mechanism of zp80r . Importantly, zp80r reduced bacterial colonies in chilled fresh pork contaminated with multiple bacterial species. This newly designed peptide is a potential antibacterial candidate to combat problematic foodborne pathogens during storage of pork.