Modulation of the gut microbiome with nisin

Nisin is a broad spectrum bacteriocin used extensively as a food preservative that was identified in Lactococcus lactis nearly a century ago. We show that orally-ingested nisin survives transit through the porcine gastrointestinal tract intact (as evidenced by activity and molecular weight determination) where it impacts both the composition and functioning of the microbiota. Specifically, nisin treatment caused a reversible decrease in Gram positive bacteria, resulting in a reshaping of the Firmicutes and a corresponding relative increase in Gram negative Proteobacteria. These changes were mirrored by the modification in relative abundance of pathways involved in acetate, butyrate (decreased) and propionate (increased) synthesis which correlated with overall reductions in short chain fatty acid levels in stool. These reversible changes that occur as a result of nisin ingestion demonstrate the potential of bacteriocins like nisin to shape mammalian microbiomes and impact on the functionality of the community.

Automated summary

Nisin, a broad spectrum bacteriocin, can survive intact through the pig gastrointestinal tract and affect the composition and functioning of the microbiota. It leads to reversible changes in the abundance of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, as well as the synthesis pathways of short chain fatty acids. These findings demonstrate the potential of bacteriocins like nisin to shape mammalian microbiomes and impact the functionality of the community.