Nisin, a natural biopreservative, is produced by lactic acid bacteria through ribosomal synthesis during metabolism. It offers a safe and efficient preservation solution for the modern food industry due to its high efficacy, non-toxicity, lack of residues, and biodegradability.
Nisin exhibits strong inhibitory effects against a variety of Gram-positive bacteria, including many bacteria that cause food spoilage such as Listeria and Staphylococcus aureus. Its antibacterial mechanism primarily involves disrupting the permeability of the cell membrane, leading to the leakage of cellular contents, thereby exerting a bactericidal effect. This mechanism allows nisin to effectively inhibit bacterial growth at very low concentrations, thereby extending the shelf life of food products.
Nisin is internationally recognized as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) preservative and is widely used in various food products. It is non-toxic, has no side effects, does not accumulate in the body, and does not produce resistant strains, making it harmless to human health. Additionally, nisin promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, helping to improve the gut microecological environment.
Nisin can be widely applied in dairy products, meat products, beverages, baked goods, canned foods, and other food types. In dairy products, it effectively prevents spoilage of products like yogurt and cheese. In meat products, it extends the shelf life of items such as sausages and ham. In beverages, it prevents microbial contamination, maintaining the clarity and taste of the drink.
As a natural biopreservative, nisin is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, causing no pollution after use, and aligns with modern green and sustainable development principles.
Nisin provides a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly preservation solution for the food industry. As consumer demands for food safety and quality continue to rise, the application prospects of nisin in food preservation are increasingly promising. With ongoing technological advancements, research into nisin will continue to deepen, potentially expanding its applications to more fields.