Study of genotoxicity and citotoxicity of MccJ25 (G12Y)

Abstract

MccJ25 (G12Y) is an antimicrobial peptide active against E. coli O157 H: 7 and other diarrheagenic E. coli strains. MccJ25(G12Y) presents advantageous properties as a food preservative: it resists toextreme temperatures, it?s stable in a wide range of pH and exerts antimicrobial activity in food samples (egg yolk and milk). Our long-term aim is to develop a food preservative based on MccJ25 (G12Y).Therefore, we were interested in studying MccJ25 (G12Y) safety for humans. For this, we evaluated MccJ25 (G12Y)?s cytotoxicity on Artemia salina and Galleria mellonella, and its acute toxicity in BALB-cmice. In addition, we performed Ames test in order to test the peptide?s mutagenic potential. Results obtained confirmed the absence of genotoxic effects of MccJ25 (G12Y) on S. typhimurium.Furthermore, the assay performed in Artemia salina revealed that 0.31, 0.62, 1.25, 2.25 and 3 mg/ml of MccJ25 (G12Y) did not significantly affect their viability. In fact, the LD50 was not reached with anyof the MccJ25 (G12Y) concentrations tested. When MccJ25 (G12Y) citotoxicity was evaluated in Galleria mellonella, low toxicity was observed with the studied concentrations (1500 and 2500 mg/kg).Finally, acute toxicity was studied in female BALB-c mice. Neither death nor symptoms of toxicity in animals were observed. In addition, macroscopic pathological studies showed that the organs of MccJ25(G12Y)-treated animals did not present any morphological alteration. Taken together, results indicate that MccJ25 (G12Y) could be safe for humans. This finding is relevant in view of its application as anatural preservative to extend foods? shelf-life.