Modeling the Effect of Pediocin Application on the Growth and Survival of Listeria monocytogenes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pediocin on Listeria monocytogenes under optimal temperature conditions and to model the bacterial growth and survival dynamics in the presence and absence of pediocin. The susceptibility of 28 L. monocytogenes strains to pediocin was evaluated using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests. To determine the antimicrobial efficacy of pediocin, solutions at concentrations of 7 µg/mL and 12 µg/mL were applied to the strains, including the reference strain, and the inhibitory effect on bacterial growth was assessed at 35 °C. Model parameters were estimated using R-BioXL software, with model performance supported by R², adjusted R², and RMSE values. The results showed that the L. monocytogenes 287-1P strain exhibited higher resistance to pediocin compared to other strains. Although pediocin reduced the growth rate and delayed bacterial proliferation, its effect as a sole treatment was limited. Therefore, it is recommended that pediocin be used in combination with other preservative strategies within a hurdle technology framework. The findings indicate that pediocin has potential as a bioprotective agent for controlling L. monocytogenes in food products, contributing to enhanced microbial safety and public health protection. Furthermore, modeling the effect of pediocin provides a valuable tool for evaluating the growth and survival dynamics of this pathogen.