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Application of bacteriocins in postharvest safety Antonio Gálvez*, Hikmate Abriouel, María José Grande and Rubén Pérez Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Edif. B3, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n. 23071-Jaén, Spain Abstract Purpose of review: This review summarises the potential of using bacteriocins or their producer bacterial strains against human pathogenic bacteria in fresh vegetables, fruit and fruit juices. Findings: Only a few bacteriocins have been tested so far as tools for improving postharvest safety. Nisin and enterocin AS-48 show promising results against human pathogenic bacteria in decontamination treatments of raw or slightly processed vegetable foods, as well as whole and sliced fruit. Best results are found when bacteriocins are applied in combination with sanitisers or other antimicrobials, affording extra protection during storage and abuse temperature, and broadening the spectrum of inhibition to Gram-negative bacteria. Some bacteriocin-producing strains isolated from vegetable substrates have shown interesting results as bioprotectants for fruit and vegetable foods without having a negative impact on the food. In unpasteurised fruit juices, nisin and enterocin AS-48 can improve the safety of juices in combination with non-thermal treatments such as high intensity pulsed electric fields, or with other natural antimicrobial substances, decreasing the impact on the organoleptic properties and nutritional value of juices. Directions for future research: To date, only a limited number of bacteriocins and producer strains have been tested for improving postharvest safety. Other bacteriocins (such as some bacteriocins described recently with a high activity against Gram-negative bacteria) or their producer strains may show promising results, but still need to be tested. Combinations of bacteriocins with novel food processing technologies could provide efficient approaches for improving postharvest safety applicable at industrial scale. Keywords: bacteriocins; vegetables; fruit; juices; sanitisers; pathogenic bacteria; safety Stewart Postharvest Review 2010, 3:6 Published online 01 September 2010 doi: 10.2212/spr.2010.3.6 |