Mechanisms of nisin resistance in Gram-positive bacteria

Abstract

Nisin is the most prominent lantibiotic and is used as a food preservative due to its high potency against certain Grampositive bacteria. However, the effectiveness of nisin is often affected by environmental factors such as pH, temperature, food composition, structure, as well as food microbiota. The development of nisin resistance has been seen among various Grampositive bacteria. The mechanisms under the acquisition of nisin resistance are complicated and may differ among strains. This paper presents a brief review of possible mechanisms of the development of resistance to nisin among Gram-positive bacteria. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg and the University of Milan 2013.