Nisin Manufacturers, Different from Antibiotics

Nisin and Antibiotics have differences and connections in many aspects. Below is a detailed analysis of these two:

I. Differences

From the perspective of source and nature, nisin is a natural antimicrobial peptide produced by lactic acid bacteria (especially Lactococcus and Streptococcus), belonging to the class of bacteriocins. It is a peptide with 34 amino acids, having cationic and hydrophobic characteristics, with a molecular weight of 3500 Da, and belongs to the lantibiotic family. On the other hand, antibiotics are a class of secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) or higher plants and animals during their life processes, having the ability to interfere with the development functions of other living cells. Antibiotics are diverse in types, including natural antibiotics and semi-synthetic antibiotics.

From the perspective of mechanism of action, nisin primarily works by forming pores in the cytoplasmic membrane of target bacteria, disrupting proton motive force and pH balance, leading to ion leakage and ATP hydrolysis, thereby causing cell death. It has a strong inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria, including Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, etc. Different antibiotics have different mechanisms of action, such as inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, interacting with cell membranes, interfering with protein synthesis, and inhibiting the replication and transcription of nucleic acids. The antibacterial spectrum of antibiotics also varies, with some being effective against Gram-positive bacteria, some against Gram-negative bacteria, and some having a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect.

From the perspective of safety and side effects, nisin, as a natural antibacterial agent, has advantages such as being naturally non-toxic, having no side effects, and low residue. It does not pose a threat to human health like some chemically synthesized food preservatives or antibiotics, and it does not lead to antibiotic resistance and bacterial drug resistance. Although antibiotics play an important role in treating infectious diseases, long-term use or misuse of antibiotics may lead to the development of bacterial resistance, reducing or even nullifying their effectiveness. Additionally, antibiotics may cause a series of side effects, such as allergic reactions, liver and kidney damage, etc.

From the perspective of application fields, nisin is mainly used in the field of food preservation, especially in the preservation and processing of perishable foods such as meat products and fish products. It can serve as a substitute for food preservatives, extending the shelf life of food. Moreover, it has potential biomedical applications, such as antimicrobial treatment and immune modulation. Antibiotics are mainly used in the medical field to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Additionally, antibiotics can be used in the livestock and agricultural fields to prevent and treat animal diseases and promote animal growth.

II. Connections

Both nisin and antibiotics have antimicrobial effects, capable of inhibiting or killing pathogenic microorganisms, which is a very direct connection between them. Both have certain biological activities and can exert specific physiological or pharmacological functions in living organisms.

Nisin and antibiotics have significant differences in terms of source, nature, mechanism of action, safety, side effects, and application fields. However, there is a connection between them, namely, they both have antimicrobial effects and can exert specific physiological or pharmacological functions in living organisms.