The antimicrobial activity of coenzyme Q0 against planktonic and biofilm forms of Cronobacter sakazakii

Abstract

Coenzyme Q₀ (CoQ₀) has demonstrated antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activities. Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen associated with high mortality in neonates. In this study, the antimicrobial activity and possible antimicrobial mechanism of CoQ₀ against C. sakazakii were investigated. Moreover, the inactivation effect of CoQ₀ on C. sakazakii in biofilms was also evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CoQ₀ against C. sakazakii strains ranged from 0.1 to 0.2 mg/mL. Treatment caused cell membrane dysfunction, as evidenced by cell membrane hyperpolarization, decreased intracellular ATP concentration and cell membrane integrity, and changes in cellular morphology. CoQ₀ combined with mild heat treatment (45, 50, or 55 °C) decreased the number of viable non-desiccated and desiccated C. sakazakii cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner in reconstituted infant milk. Furthermore, CoQ₀ showed effective inactivation activity against C. sakazakii in biofilms on stainless steel, reducing the number of viable cells and damaging the structure of the biofilm. These findings suggest that CoQ₀ has a strong inactivate effect on C. sakazakii and could be used in food production environments to effectively control C. sakazakii and reduce the number of illnesses associated with it.

Keywords: Biofilm; Coenzyme Q(0); Cronobacter sakazakii; Reconstituted infant formula.