ABSTRACT
Natural biopreservative are as alternative approach for controlling growth of food borne microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes. Essential oils [EOs] possess antibacterial properties. Mentha is one of the most common aromatic plants that widely used as medicinal and biopreservative in food. Nisin a well known antibacterial peptide to effectively antagonize a broad spectrum of bacteria, and is widely used as preservative in food. The aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial efficacies of nisin and Mentha spicata essential oil in combination against Listeria monocytogenes. The effects of different temperatures [4, 9 and 14°C], pH [5, 6 and 7] and NaCl concentrations [0, 1, 2 and 4%] were determinate. Description study. Essential oil content of M. Spicata had 18 components. The dominant active components were carvone [78.76%], limonene [11.50%] and menthol [1%]. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for the essential oil and nisin were 160 micro ml and 320IU/ml, respectively. A synergy of low pH values, high temperatures and high NaCl concentrations was observed. Our results found that the combination effects of M. Spicata and nisin in all experimental concentrations significantly reduced the numbers of L. monocytogenes