Biophysical Characterization of Bacteriocin from Weissella cibaria man1

Abstract

A huge global public health concern is the rise of bacteria and other microorganisms that are resistant to the vast majority of antibiotics  used today in healthcare settings. In 2020, the most recent worldwide disease survey found that antibiotic-resistant diseases were  responsible for half a million annual deaths. If present trends persist, this number is expected to exceed 10 million by 2050. Weissella  cibaria bacteriocins could be the answer to this conundrum. To make its potential usage as a replacement for traditional antibiotics a  reality in the future however, knowledge of its biophysical properties is crucial. Consequently, a study aimed at determining the  biophysical characteristics of bacteriocin from Weissella cibaria man1 was carried out. Agar well diffusion assay was used to determine  antimicrobial activity. The antibacterial activity of bacteriocin from Weissella cibaria man1 was significantly influenced by temperature in a  time-dependent fashion. However, the presence of residual inhibitory activity even at 1000C indicates thermal stability of the  bacteriocin. Bacteriocin from Weissella cibaria man1 had higher antimicrobial activity at low pH values (2 and 4) than at high pH values (6,  8). Moreover, this bacteriocin displayed resistance to treatment with Tween 80 and Sodium dodecyl sulfate indicating its chemical  stability. These discoveries will facilitate the future industrial and clinical applications of bacteriocin from Weissella cibaria man1.