Antimicrobial activity of enterocin EJ97 on Bacillus coagulans CECT 12

Enterocin EJ97 showed a concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against vegetative cells of Bacillus coagulans CECT 12. Highest activity was obtained at incubation temperatures of 37degreesC and 15degreesC, but almost no activity was detected during incubation of cells at 4degreesC. Enterocin EJ97 showed highest activity against B. coagulans CECT 12 at pH 7.0. Some decrease of activity was detected at pH 5.0, and a very low activity was detected during incubation of cells at pH 9.0. Enterocin activity was not modified by sodium benzoate or by sodium chloride, but it was enhanced to some extent by sodium tripolyphosphate, and was highly potentiated by sodium nitrite at concentrations above 50 mug/ml. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.