Antimicrobial efficacy of nisin-loaded bacterial cellulose nanocrystals against selected meat spoilage lactic acid bacteria

This study aimed to explore the potential of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNs) loaded with nisin against selected meat spoilage lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in vitro. BCNs were produced by H2SO4 hydrolysis, and nisin-loaded BCNs were produced through the complexation method. All nanocrystals were assessed for their zeta-potential, encapsulation efficiency and antimicrobial activity. Different nisin concentrations were tested and the most effective nanocrystals were further characterised. BCNs had an average zeta-potential of - 43 mV and all nisin-loaded BCNs produced with 5 mg/ml BCNs suspension had zeta-potential values >= - 30 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of nisin varied from 80.5 to 93.3 % and crystallinity of BCNs was not influenced by nisin encapsulation. Microbial inactivation was achieved by BCN loaded with 2.0 and 2.5 mg/ml nisin. Therefore, nisin-loaded BCNs may be used as antimicrobial agents in active food packaging.