Antibacterial effects of the lectin from pomegranate sarcotesta (PgTeL) against Listeria monocytogenes

Aims To investigate the effects of the lectin from Punica granatum sarcotesta (PgTeL) on growth, viability, cell structure, biofilm formation and chitinase activity of Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, the effect of PgTeL on the adhesion and invasion of human cells (HeLa) was determined. Methods and results PgTeL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on the strains Listeria monocytogenes N53-1 and EGD-e, causing morphometric alterations, cell aggregation, strong deformation, and cell disruption. PgTeL inhibited biofilm formation by EGD-e and N53-1 and also interfered with the adhesion and invasion processes of EGD-e and N53-1 in HeLa cells. Finally, the chitinase activity of L. monocytogenes EGD-e was reduced in the presence of PgTeL, which can be involved in the inhibition of adhesion process. Conclusion PgTeL is an antibacterial agent against L. monocytogenes, inhibiting growth and promoting cell death, as well as impairing biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion and invasion into human cells. Significance and impact of the study The results stimulate future investigations on the potential of PgTeL for protection of contamination in food products.