Anti-E. coli cellulose-based materials

Abstract

This work aimed to study Microcin J25(G12Y) (MccJ25(G12Y)) sorption to fibrous and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) films for setting up anti-E. coli materials. The Freundlich model showed the best fit for both films, suggesting a physisorption process, and similar affinity between the peptide and both cellulose-based matrices, which in turn appeared to be equally heterogeneous. Migration studies showed complete release of MccJ25(G12Y) from the fibrous film after contact with water; meanwhile, the MFC film retained some activity after the experiment. Contact with fatty simulant had no impact on antimicrobial activity of fibrous film, whilst MFC showed a small decrease in its activity. However, MccJ25(G12Y) was not detected in the fatty simulant after active films contact. Fibrous and MFC films remained fully active during storage (3 weeks at 30 °C). Finally, MccJ25(G12Y) activated fibrous film showed controlled release in conditions simulating critical steps in salami production. The results obtained suggest that fibrous and MFC films activated with MccJ25(G12Y) have a significant potential for their use as anti-E. coli materials in food settings.