Antimicrobial Activity of Lactoperoxidase System Incorporated into Cross-Linked Alginate Films

ABSTRACT:  In this study, the antimicrobial effect of lactoperoxidase (LPS) incorporated alginate films was investigated on Escherichia coli (NRRL B-3008), Listeria innocua (NRRL B-33314), and Pseudomonas fluorescens (NRRL B-253) in presence of different concentrations of H₂O₂ (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mM) and KSCN (1, 2, and 4 mM). The incorporation of 70 nmol ABTS/min/cm² LPS into alginate films gave 0.66 to 0.85 nmol ABTS/min/cm² enzyme activity at 0.2 to 0.8 mM H₂O₂ concentration range. The antimicrobial activity of LPS system on target bacteria changed according to the concentrations of KSCN and H₂O₂. The growth of all tested bacteria was prevented for a 6-h period by applying LPS system in presence of 0.4 or 0.8 mM H₂O₂ and 4 mM KSCN. At 0.8 mM H₂O₂ and 4 mM KSCN, the LPS system also inhibited growth of L. innocua and P. fluorescens for a 24-h incubation period, whereas E. coli growth could not be inhibited for 24 h under these conditions. At 0.2 mM H₂O₂ and 1 to 4 mM KSCN, a considerable inhibitory effect was obtained only on P. fluorescens . The decreasing order of the resistance of studied bacteria to LPS system is as follows: E. coli , L. innocua , and P. fluorescens . The developed antimicrobial system has a good potential for use in meat, poultry, and seafood since alginate coatings are already used in these products. Further studies are needed to test the LPS incorporated edible films in real food systems.     

Incorporation of the Antilisterial Bacteriocin-like Inhibitory Substance from Pediococcus parvulus VKMX133 into Film-forming Protein Matrices with Different Hydrophobicity

ABSTRACT: The antilisterial bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) produced by Pediococcus parvulus VKMX133 was incorporated into protein film matrices of ethanol-soluble corn zein (CZ), and water-soluble whey protein isolate (WPI). Various BLIS concentrations were added to film-forming solutions (FFS), cast, dried, and cut in circular sections (28.27 mm²). Antimicrobial activity of films was evaluated by measuring inhibition zones against Listeria innocua ATCC 33090 on tryptic soy broth (TSB) agar. BLIS released from films into water at 10 °C was determined. Film effectiveness was evaluated by measuring the reduction of L. innocua population (10⁸ colony-forming units [CFU]/mL) in peptone water where film sections were immersed. Film topography was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The minimum BLIS concentration in FFS to generate films with antimicrobial activity was 833 and 3333 arbitrary units per milliliter (AU/mL) for CZ and WPI, respectively. BLIS released into water was detected only for CZ films. Antimicrobial CZ films were more effective in reducing L. innocua population than WPI films at the same BLIS concentrations. SEM showed that surface topography was porous for CZ and more closed and compact for WPI films. BLIS can be entrapped into film protein matrices to produce edible antimicrobial packaging. However, BLIS inhibitory action against L. innocua and release were dependent on film nature and topography, and probably on hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions arising between the protein matrices and BLIS. High concentration of bacteriocin in films does not necessarily improve their effectiveness against L. innocua.     

Antimicrobial edible packaging based on cellulosic ethers, fatty acids, and nisin incorporation to inhibit Listeria innocua and Staphylococcus aureus

Edible cellulosic films made with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) have proven to be inadequate moisture barriers. To improve its water vapor barrier properties, different hydrophobic compounds were incorporated into the HPMC matrix. Some fatty acids and derivatives were included into the film-forming solution prior to film formation. Stearic acid was chosen because of its high capacity to reduce significantly the water vapor transmission rate. Antimicrobial activity of edible HPMC film was obtained by the incorporation of nisin into the film-forming solution. Nisin is an antimicrobial peptide effective against gram-positive bacteria. The inhibitory activity of this bacteriocin was tested for inhibition of Listeria innocua and Staphylococcus aureus. The use of stearic acid was observed to reduce the inhibitory activity of active HPMC film against both selected strains. This phenomenon may be explained by electrostatic interactions between the cationic nisin and the anionic stearic acid. Further studies showed that antimicrobial activity of film varied with the nature of the hydrophobic compound incorporated, in decreasing order: film without lipid, methylstearate film, and stearic acid film. This corroborated the idea of electrostatic interactions.     

Antimicrobial activity of whey protein isolate edible films with essential oils against food spoilers and foodborne pathogens

The use of antimicrobial edible film is proposed as a means of improving food safety and extending the shelf-life of food systems by controlling the release of antimicrobials on food surfaces. In this work we first selected and studied 8 different essential oils (EOs) from plants, namely, oregano, clove, tea tree, coriander, mastic thyme, laurel, rosemary, and sage as natural antimicrobials against 2 gram-positive bacteria (Listeria innocua and Staphylococcus aureus) and 2 gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomona fragi) by using the agar disk diffusion method. EOs from oregano, clove, and tea tree produced the largest surfaces of inhibition against the growth of the 4 bacterial strains tested. Second and following the assessment of compatibility, stable antimicrobial edible films based on whey protein isolate (WPI) with increasing concentrations (0.5% to 9%) of the 8 EOs were developed and tested for antimicrobial activity against the same gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. WPI-edible films incorporating oregano or clove EO were found to have the most intense inhibitory effect of microbial growth. The bacterial strain gram-negative P. fragi presented the less susceptibility to the effect of those films. Moreover, only the edible films based on these 2 EOs were active against all 4 studied microorganisms. On the other hand, the edible films incorporating tea tree, coriander, mastic thyme, laurel, rosemary, or sage EOs even at high concentrations (7% to 9%) did not cause any antimicrobial effect against the pathogens S. aureus or S. enteritidis. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Potential applications of this technology can introduce direct benefits to the food industry by improving safety and microbial product quality. The results of this research have direct application in the food industry with potential applications in various foodstuffs, including meat and poultry products where the control of spoilage bacteria such as P. fragi throughout their chilled storage or the improvement of food safety by controlling pathogens such as S. enteritidis are topics of particular interest for the industry.     

INHIBITION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND OTHER BACTERIA BY A PLANT ESSENTIAL OIL (DMC) IN SPANISH SOFT CHEESE

The inhibitory effects of a mixture of plant essential oils (DMC) were tested in culture media and Spanish soft cheese. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined in plate count agar and tryptose broth, with pH adjusted to 6.5, against Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus brevis, Micrococcus luteus, Salmonella cholerasuis, Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The mixture of essential oils inhibited all Gram-positive bacteria tested at 40 ppm, but higher concentrations were needed to inhibit Gram-negative bacteria, and no inhibitory effect was found against Ps. fluorescens. The effects of DMC against L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 were evaluated in Spanish soft cheese (Queso Fresco, pH=6.5) stored at 7C. DMC had a bacteriostatic effect against L. monocytogenes at concentrations of 2500 ppm but was ineffective to control the growth of E. coli O157:H7 .     

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic knotwood extracts and related pure compounds and their effects on food-associated microorganisms

Knotwood or bark extracts prepared from 30 species of hard and soft wood trees as well as selected pure compounds (lignans, stilbenes and flavonoids) were assayed for their antimicrobial activity against a battery of both gram positive and negative bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Lactobacillus plantarum, Escherichia coli, Salmonella infantis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium brevicompactum). By far the most consistent antibacterial and antifungal properties were associated with extracts of Pinus species. These extracts showed also cytotoxicity against a mouse hepatoma cell line. Both antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties correlated with the stilbene content of the extracts. Purified stilbenes showed the most consistent antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, while purified lignans had marginal effects, only. The results suggest that stilbenes account both for the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of Pinus knotwood extracts.     

Trout skin gelatin-based edible film development

Edible biopolymer films were developed from gelatin extracted from trout skin (TSG) using thermal protein denaturation conditions and plasticizer (glycerol) concentration as variables. The amino acid composition of the TSG, elastic modulus, viscous modulus, and the viscosity of film-forming solutions, and tensile properties, water vapor permeability, solubility in water, and color of TSG-based films were determined. A 6.8% (w/w, wet basis) trout skin-extracted gelatin solution containing 9, 17, or 23% (w/w, dry basis) glycerol was heated at 80, 90, or 100 °C for 30, 45, or 60 min to prepare a film-forming solution. TSG can be characterized as a gelatin containing high contents of methionine and aspartic acid. The gelation temperature of the film-forming solution was 7 °C and the solution was subjected to heating to form a stable matrix for a film. Increased heating time of the film-forming solution reduced the film solubility (P < 0.05). Heating at 90 °C for 30 min was suggested as the requirement for film formation. As the concentration of glycerol in the film increased, film strength and moisture barrier properties decreased, while film stretchability increased (P < 0.05). Trout skin by-products can be used as a natural protein source for fabricating biopolymer films stable at ambient conditions with certain physical and moisture barrier properties by controlling thermal treatment conditions and glycerol concentrations. Practical Application: The fishing industry produces a significant amount of waste, including fish skin, due to fish processing. Trout skin waste has potential value as a protein source that can be used to form biopolymer edible films for packaging low and intermediate water activity food products, and thus may have practical applications in the food industry, which could be one way to cut waste disposal in the trout processing industry.     

宣木瓜粗提物抑菌作用的研究

为了研究宣木瓜粗提物的抑菌作用以及紫外光和温度对其抑菌作用的影响,以95%乙醇和蒸馏水作为溶剂,采用水浴振荡法对宣木瓜粗提物进行提取。采用平板打孔法测定宣木瓜不同粗提物对荧光假单胞菌、大肠杆菌、枯草芽孢杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌和四联球菌的抑菌作用以及最低抑菌浓度和最低杀菌浓度。结果表明,宣木瓜95%乙醇粗提物和蒸馏水粗提物对5种有害菌都有明显的抑制作用,而且95%乙醇粗提物的抑菌作用优于蒸馏水粗提物,两种粗提物均有较好的紫外光稳定性和热稳定性。     

Antimicrobial activity of extracts of edible wild and cultivated mushrooms against foodborne bacterial strains

The antimicrobial activity of aqueous, methanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate extracts from edible wild and cultivated mushrooms against nine foodborne pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Enteritidis, Shigella sonnei, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus) was screened with a disk diffusion assay. Twenty-nine of the 48 species tested had antimicrobial activity. Methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts accounted for 92.8% of the positive assays, whereas the hexane extracts accounted for only 7.2%. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive than gram-negative bacteria to fungal extracts, and C. perfringens was the most sensitive microorganism. Aqueous extracts from Clitocybe geotropa and Lentinula edodes had the highest antimicrobial activity against all the bacterial strains tested.     

苯乳酸对荧光假单胞菌基于细胞膜损伤和DNA破坏的双靶位抑菌机制

荧光假单胞菌是导致冷藏食品腐败变质常见的嗜冷菌,抑制荧光假单胞菌的生长繁殖对延长冷藏食品货架期和提高食品安全性具有重要意义。本实验通过测定最小抑菌浓度（minimum inhibitory concentration,MIC）和时间-抑菌曲线考察苯乳酸对荧光假单胞菌的抑菌活性,从细胞膜电势、细胞膜渗透性和完整性、细胞超微结构、蛋白质表达和DNA结构等方面研究苯乳酸对荧光假单胞菌的抑菌机制。结果表明：苯乳酸对荧光假单胞菌的MIC为1.25 mg/mL;苯乳酸可导致细胞膜电势消散,且消散程度呈剂量依赖性;苯乳酸可导致细胞内钾离子显著泄漏（P＜0.05）,增加细胞膜的渗透性;MIC苯乳酸处理菌体0.5 h后,流式细胞术分析结果显示,碘化丙啶沾染率为57.6%,扫描电子显微镜结果显示,部分菌体破裂,表明苯乳酸可以破坏细胞膜完整性;十二烷基硫酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳结果表明苯乳酸对蛋白质表达无明显影响;凝胶阻滞电泳与荧光光谱结果显示苯乳酸可以破坏DNA结构。结论：苯乳酸可以通过损伤细胞膜和破坏DNA发挥双靶位抑菌作用,苯乳酸对荧光假单胞菌抑菌机制的阐释结果可为冷藏食品中嗜冷菌的控制以及苯乳酸在食品中的应用提供理论依据。     

Lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal dry sausages: characterization of antibacterial compounds and study of the factors affecting bacteriocin production

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from artisanal dry sausages sampled from north-eastern region of Chaco, Argentina. Among 141 isolates, 27 showed antimicrobial activity against Listeria innocua, Staphyloccus aureus or Brochothrix spp. One isolate, identified as Lb. curvatus/sakei, produced bacteriocin like substances (BLIS). These BLIS were heat stable, effective after refrigerated storage and freeze/thaw cycles and even active against pathogens when produced under refrigeration at 3% NaCl concentration. The influence of several factors on production of BLIS was assessed in MRS broth added with: EDTA, ascorbic acid, KCl, potassium sorbate, sodium citrate, 3 and 6% NaCl, Tween 20 or Brij 35. These additives showed different effects towards the effectiveness of the bacteriocin produced by Lb. sakei/curvatus against L. innocua and S. aureus. Conditions that provided high cell density favored high bacteriocin production. BLIS production by this LAB strain was greatly influenced by NaCl concentration and the presence of surfactants.     

Efficacy of polyethylene-based antimicrobial films containing principal constituents of basil

The feasibility of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-based films containing linalool or methylchavicol as antimicrobial (AM) packages to retard microbial growth on food surfaces was investigated. The AM LDPE-based films were tested for inhibition against selected microorganisms. Both compounds retained their AM activity, after an extrusion film-blowing process, against Escherichia coli in solid medium. Cheddar cheese was wrapped with the AM films and the packaged cheese samples were stored at 4 °C. The changes in the mesophilic aerobic bacteria and coliform, as well as yeast and mould counts were monitored. In addition, cheese samples inoculated with E. coli or Listeria innocua were wrapped with the AM films, stored at refrigerated (4 °C) or at abuse (12 °C) temperatures and the count of these microorganisms was monitored as a function of time. The results showed an inhibitory effect of these AM films against microbial growth in naturally contaminated cheese and in inoculated samples. The effect on suppression of E. coli and L. innocua growth was more pronounced at the abuse temperature. Methylchavicol-LDPE-based film exhibited a higher efficacy of inhibition than that of linalool-LDPE-based film. In addition, a sensory evaluation was performed with regards to possible taint in the flavour of the cheese. Taint in flavour as affected by linalool or methylchavicol was not significantly detectable by the panelists at the end of the storage period of 6 weeks. This study shows the potential use of polymeric films containing the principal constituents of basil as the AM components for enhancing quality and safety of cheeses.     

两种兔耳草提取物的体外抑菌作用

短管兔耳草(Lagotis brevituba Maxim)和短穗兔耳草(Lagotis brachystachy Maxim)在传统藏药中具有抑菌消炎的功效。采用琼脂孔扩散法和96孔培养板对倍稀释法测定了这两种植物不同极性溶剂逐级提取物对4种采后真菌和4种腐败细菌的体外抑菌率和最低抑制浓度。结果表明:在供试真菌中,短管兔耳草提取物对F.semitectum和P.expansum具有抑菌活性,短穗兔耳草提取物对P.expansum和A.alternate具有抑菌活性。两种植物的提取物对供试细菌的抑菌活性整体上较强,短管兔耳草提取物对S.aureus和P.fluorescence有抑菌活性,而短穗兔耳草提取物对S.aureus,E.coli,B.subtilis和P.fluorescence都有抑菌活性。提取物对细菌的最低抑菌浓度最低可达0.05g/mL。结论:这两种植物的提取物具有较广的体外抑菌谱和较强的抑菌活性。     

Natural compounds to preserve fresh fish burgers

Natural antimicrobial compounds to control the quality decay of a fresh fish burger were studied. In particular, thymol, lemon extract and grape fruit seed extract (GFSE), at 20, 40 and 80 ppm, have been tested against the main spoilage microorganisms inoculated in fish burgers stored at 5 °C. The evolution of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria was also monitored. The sensorial quality decay was determined by means of a panel test, which assessed odour, colour, texture, drip loss and general appearance during the storage period. Results show that all the active substances efficiently slowed down the growth of the spoilage microorganisms. In particular, GFSE was the most efficient against Photobacterium phosphoreum , Shewanella putrefaciens and mesophilic bacteria, whereas thymol was the most efficient against both psychrotrophic bacteria and Pseudomonas fluorescens . Microbial growth was the factor limiting fresh fish burger acceptability.     

Effects of specific egg yolk antibody (IgY) on the quality and shelf life of refrigerated Paralichthys olivaceus

BACKGROUND: The spoilage of fishery food has been attributed to limited types of microorganisms called specific spoilage organisms (SSO). Unlike traditional food‐preserving techniques which usually exploit broad‐spectrum antimicrobial agents, here, based on the specific antimicrobial activity of egg yolk antibodies (IgY) against two SSO in refrigerated fish (Shewanella putrefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens), a novel strategy for fish preservation was suggested and evaluated. RESULTS: During storage of Paralichthys olivaceus fillets at 4 ± 1 °C, the bacteria growth (including total microorganisms and the two SSO) in test groups was significantly inhibited in comparison to that of controls (P < 0.05). This antibacterial activity of the specific IgY was also confirmed by chemical analysis (pH, total volatile base nitrogen and 2‐thiobarbituric acid value) and sensory evaluation, and the shelf life of samples was extended approximately from 9 days to 12–15 days in the presence of the specific IgY. CONCLUSION: These results indicated a significant antimicrobial activity of the anti‐SSO IgY for refrigerated fish products, which allowed us to suggest its potential as a bio‐preservative for seafood. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Impedance measurements to study the antimicrobial activity of essential oils from Lamiaceae and Compositae

A wide range of essential oils from sage, mint, hyssop, camomile and oregano were tested for their inhibitory effects against nine strains of gram-negative bacteria and six strains of gram-positive bacteria. Three principles were used in describing the antimicrobial effects of the essential oils: the overall antimicrobial activity determined by use of an impedometric method, the bactericidal effect determined as colony forming units after exposure to the essential oils, and the number of apparent dead cells determined after further enrichment. The data obtained indicate that while the essential oils of sage, mint, hyssop and camomile had generally a bacteriostatic activity, the essential oil from oregano appeared to be bactericidal at concentrations above 400 ppm, probably because of high contents in phenolic compounds. For the other essential oils, the chemical analysis was unable to explain the antimicrobial effect. The bacteriostatic activity was more marked against gram-positive bacteria; in contrast, the bactericidal activity was greatest against gram-negative bacteria. The most sensitive strain was Escherichia coli O157:H7 and, of the gram-positive species even at the lowest oil concentrations, Listeria innocua was the most sensitive. The data obtained from the study of the bactericidal effect of oregano essential oil indicated that the major part of the species was irreversibly inactivated, i.e. they could not be revived by enrichment.     

生何首乌体外抗氧化活性及抗菌活性的研究

研究生何首乌不同提取物的体外抗氧化活性及抗菌活性。在体外化学模拟的条件下,采用比色法,测定了何首乌水提物和醇提物对DPPH自由基的还原能力及抗脂质过氧化能力,羟基自由基的清除能力以及总体抗氧化能力。同时测定了何首乌水提物和醇提物的总酚酸和总黄酮的含量。利用滤纸片扩散法测定了何首乌水提物和醇提物对6种微生物的抗菌活性。何首乌醇提物的体外抗氧化活性强于水提物,具有显著的DPPH自由基和羟基自由基清除能力和较强的抗脂质过氧化能力,具有一定的还原能力,其总体抗氧化能力也比较强。何首乌水提取物和醇提取物的总酚酸和总黄酮含量分别126.52、77.25μg/mg和153.04、126.11μg/mg。另外何首乌的醇提物对金黄色葡萄球菌、四联球菌和大肠杆菌显示出较强的抑制活性,水提物对金黄色葡萄球菌和荧光假单胞菌显示出一定的抑菌活性。何首乌具有强的抗氧化活性与一定的抗菌活性。     

四种药用植物提取物抑菌保鲜活性的研究

应用滤纸片扩散法、微量稀释法等方法研究银杏叶、当归、党参(野生)、藏茵陈4种药用植物水和乙醇提取物抑菌效果以及在食品保鲜方面的应用。结果表明水提取物均无明显的抑菌活性;银杏叶、藏茵陈醇提取物对金黄色葡萄球菌有抑菌活性,对大肠杆菌、酿酒酵母无明显抑菌效果,对金黄色葡萄球菌的最低抑菌浓度分别为450、160μg/mL。发现随着基质pH的改变,2种提取物的最低抑菌浓度随pH的增加而升高,但变化趋势较常用防腐剂山梨酸钾和苯甲酸弱,在pH5～8的范围,2种提取物的最低抑菌浓度均低于山梨酸钾。在模式食品中将提取物与山梨酸钾、苯甲酸进行联合添加具有协同增效抑菌活性,可降低化学防腐剂的用量,尤其是与苯甲酸联合添加,可在一周内完全抑制金黄色葡萄球菌的生长。     

Antimicrobial chitosan-lysozyme (CL) films and coatings for enhancing microbial safety of mozzarella cheese

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the antimicrobial activities of chitosan-lysozyme (CL) composite films and coatings against tested microorganisms inoculated onto the surface of Mozzarella cheese. CL film-forming solutions (FFS) with a pH of 4.4 to 4.5 were prepared by incorporating 0% or 60% lysozyme (per dry weight of chitosan) into chitosan FFS with or without a pH adjustment to 5.2. Sliced cheese was subjected to 3 CL package applications: film, lamination on a multilayer coextruded film, and coating. Cheese was inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes , Escherichia coli , or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10⁴ CFU/g, or with mold and yeast at 10² CFU/g. Inoculated cheese was individually vacuum packaged and stored at 10 °C for sampling at 1, 7, and 14 d for bacteria, and at 10, 20, and 30 d for fungi. Inoculated bacteria survived but failed to multiply in untreated cheese during storage. Treated cheese received 0.43‐ to 1.25‐, 0.40‐ to 1.40‐, and 0.32- to 1.35-log reductions in E . coli , P. fluorescens , and L . monocytogenes , respectively. Incorporation of 60% lysozyme in chitosan FFS showed greater antimicrobial effect than chitosan alone on P. fluorescens and L . monocytogenes . The pH adjustment only affected the antimicrobial activity on L . monocytogenes , with lower pH (unadjusted) showing greater antimicrobial effect than pH 5.2. Mold and yeast increased to 10⁵ CFU/g in untreated cheese after 30 d storage. Growth of mold was completely inhibited in cheese packaged with CL films, while 0.24‐ to 1.90‐ and 0.06‐ to 0.50-log reductions in mold populations were observed in cheese packaged with CL-laminated films and coatings, respectively. All CL packaging applications resulted in 0.01- to 0.64-log reduction in yeast populations.     

Influence of NaCl and NaNO3 on sinigrin hydrolysis by foodborne bacteria

The glucosinolate sinigrin (SNG) is converted by endogenous plant myrosinase or by bacterial myrosinase-like activity to form the potent antimicrobial allyl isothiocyanate. In order to use SNG as a natural antimicrobial precursor in food, it became important to better understand the ability of bacteria to synthesize the enzyme(s) and understand factors influencing this synthesis at a constant SNG concentration. Eight spoilage, pathogenic, or starter culture bacteria were grown separately in medium containing individual or combined salts with SNG. SNG degradation by the bacteria and the formation of its major degradation product, allyl isothiocyanate, were followed for 12 days at 30 or 35°C. The bacterial strains varied in their ability to metabolize SNG, and this was enhanced by NaCl and/or NaNO(3). SNG hydrolysis took place after 4 days, and the greatest amount occurred by day 12. At 12 days, Escherichia coli O157:H7 showed the greatest capacity to hydrolyze SNG (45.3% degradation), followed by Staphylococcus carnosus (44.57%), while Pseudomonas fluorescens was not active against SNG. The ability of tested strains to metabolize SNG, in decreasing order, was as follows: Escherichia coli O157:H7 > Staphylococcus carnosus > Staphylococcus aureus > Pediococcus pentosaceus > Salmonella Typhimurium > Listeria monocytogenes > Enterococcus faecalis > Pseudomonas fluorescens.