Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) Adsorbed in Oyster Shell on Food-borne Bacteria

Abstract

Oyster shells are a waste product from mariculture that creates a major disposal problem in coastal regions of southeast Korea. To make practical use of unused oyster shells, calcined oyster shell (COS) collected from a local company was allowed to adsorb AITC (allyl isothiocyanate), and then tested the powder's ability to inhibit the growth of some potential food borne disease-causing bacteria. COS powder showed bacteriostatic effect that inhibited cell growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium from 3 to 5 log10 CFU/mL at concentrations around 1%. The MIC of pure AITC was found as 1 mg/mL, 0.8 mg/mL and 0.7 mg/mL for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium, respectively. The calcined powder adsorbed about 225 mg of AITC per gram of shell, indicating porous material was created by calcination. FTIR data confirmed the adsorption of AITC by COS. Characterization of particle data showed very fine particle size and highly convoluted surface. AITC adsorbed calcined oyster shell (ACOS) completely inhibited bacterial cell at 1% concentration. ACOS showed better antibacterial effect than COS, indicating synergistic effect of AITC and calcined oyster shell powder on bacteria.