Researchers from the University of Chicago have found that the widely used preservative nisin can affect beneficial gut bacteria. The findings appeared in a peer reviewed issue of a scientific journal associated with the ASC Chemical Biology field, underscoring a nuanced balance between food preservation and gut ecology.
Nisin is a lantipeptide, a type of molecule produced by certain microbes to compete with rivals. Lantipeptides are also called lantibiotics due to their potent antibacterial effects. Known as E234 in some applications, nisin is utilized in a range of foods including beer, sausages, sauces, and other processed products to inhibit unwanted microbial growth.
In their study, the team analyzed a public database containing human gut bacterial genomes. They identified genes responsible for producing six different lantibiotics that resemble nisin in structure and activity, suggesting shared pathways and similar modes of action within the gut environment.
The researchers then engineered versions of these lantibiotics to assess their impact on both harmful pathogens and beneficial gut microbes. Across the variants, the results showed that certain lantibiotics can suppress a broad spectrum of bacteria, including strains that contribute to health and digestion. While the specific effects varied among the compounds, the overarching finding highlighted how these molecules can diminish bacterial populations that play a protective role in the gut.
Moving forward, the scientific aim is to discover strategies that shield the human body from any negative impacts of lantibiotics while preserving their antibacterial capabilities. The goal is to retain the beneficial aspects of nisin like food safety and shelf life, without compromising the balance of the gut microbiome.
Earlier investigations have raised concerns about the emergence of new challenges, such as the potential creation of bacterial strains with enhanced infectious properties or antibiotic resistance. These considerations guide current research toward safer applications and rigorous monitoring of how antimicrobial peptides interact with human-associated microbial communities, ensuring benefits do not come at the expense of health.