Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802 inactivation by using methylcellulose films containing encapsulated bacteriophages

Abstract

In the present study, it was aimed to inactivate Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802, which is an important human pathogen, by making use of edible methylcellulose films containing encapsulated bacteriophages. For this purpose, the bacteriophages used as biocontrol agents specific for V. parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802 were isolated from raw bonito fishes (Sarda sarda) and then purified, and finally the stabilities of isolated bacteriophages were determined. The pure bacteriophage filtrates were encapsulated with sodium alginate by employing an extrusion method and the edible methylcellulose films were prepared. The bacteriophage stabilities of the prepared films were analyzed on the 0th, 4th, 7th, and 14th days of storage in a refrigerator (4°C) under darkness and in illuminated room (22°C) conditions. The methylcellulose films were determined to release bacteriophages to the environment and into raw fish fillets and antimicrobial effects of these films were detected against V. parahaemolyticus. In conclusion, a specific antimicrobial effect on V. parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802 was achieved by using edible methylcellulose films containing encapsulated bacteriophages. The results of microbial growth analysis showed an approximately 2.65 log difference in microbial levels between the control and the treatment samples. By maintaining the bacteriophage stability of prepared films, a new film that reinforces bacteriophage release was developed.