Thermal stability of bacteriocin nisin in polylactide-based films.

Abstract This work investigates the thermal stability of bacteriocin nisin in polylactide (PLA) and polylactide/polyethylene glycol (PLA/PEG) blends at temperatures of 90 °C–180 °C. The samples were prepared by solvent cast technique and characterized according to their mechanical and thermal properties. Research on the thermal stability of nisin in the PLA and PLA/PEG systems was carried out by exposing the given films to various temperatures (90 °C, 120 °C, 160 °C, and 180 °C) for a duration of up to 48 h. Assessment of the antibacterial activity of the samples was carried out by the agar diffusion method against Micrococcus luteus , while structural analysis involved the use of high-performance liquid chromatography with mass detection. Structural changes in the polymer matrix were evaluated by gel permeation chromatography and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that nisin retained almost 70% of its antimicrobial activity in the PLA matrix, even after treatment at 160 °C for 15 min. The presence of PEG significantly enhanced the degradation of nisin above 120 °C. Highlights • The issue related to natural based bacteriocin, nisin, as antibacterial modifier of polymers is discussed. • Nisin stability and antibacterial activity in PLA was investigated at temperatures simulating the thermoplastic processing. • Nisin incorporated in PLA matrix sustain its antibacterial activity even after exposure to temperatures corresponding to PLA melting point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]