Melanin and bacteriocin from marine bacteria inhibit biofilms of foodborne pathogens

Abstract

Biofilms are widespread and a bane in food based industry for being associated with the outbreaks of several food related diseases. Biofilms are also a cause for concern for their resistance to antimicrobial agents. In the present study, the biocontrol of biofilm forming food pathogens was achieved using two bioactive compounds, namely, melanin and bacteriocin, obtained from marine bacteria. Partially purified melanin and bacteriocin BL8 were observed to show great reduction in the biofilm formation of food pathogens, even in minute quantities, and showed high antibiofilm activity. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index showed the multiple resistance of nine food pathogens. FTIR spectrum of the melanin used in the study showed two peaks, which are the characteristic features of standard melanin IR spectrum. Scanning electron micrographs showed the variation in the microbial mass and biofilm formation before and after treatment with the two bioactive compounds, evidently showing their antibiofilm activity.