Dextrin-Derived Polymers for Oral Delivery of Peptide Targeting Gram-Negative Bacteria in Agri-Food Applications

Monica Argenziano – Associate Professor, Università di Torino (Italy); Gjylije Hoti – Resercher, Università di Torino (Italy); Francesco Trotta – Full Professor, Università di Torino (Italy); TIago Antonio de Oliveira Mendes – Professor and Director, Universidade Federal de Viçosa and Associação de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão Biopark - Biopark Educação, (Brazil); Roberta Cavalli – Full Professor, Università di Torino (Italy)

Introduction: Peptides have been investigated in agri-food applications as agents for the control of microorganisms, particularly as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials (1). Nisin is a well-established peptide bacteriocin used in food systems due to its effect against Gram-positive bacteria and favorable safety profile, being classified as GRAS by the FDA in 1988 (2). However, its effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria is limited restricting peptide penetration and target access. This is a challenge for agri-food applications, where Gram-negative bacteria are relevant foodborne bacteria (1). Delivery systems emerge as tools to increase effectiveness and modulate release profiles (3).