Effect of enterocin CRL35 on Listeria monocytogenes cell membrane

The antimicrobial peptide Enterocin CRL35, a class II bacteriocin, produces at high concentrations (8 mug ml(-1)) localized holes in the wall and cellular membrane of Listeria monocytogenes, reflected in the efflux of macromolecules such as proteins and other ultraviolet-absorbing materials. At lower concentrations (0.5 mug ml(-1)), neither ultra structural changes nor macromolecules efflux were observed, however potassium and phosphate ions were released, dissipating the proton motive force. As a result the bacteria were killed. (C) 2000 Federation of European microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.