Pediocin PD-1, a bactericidal antimicrobial peptide from Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832

Pediocin PD-1, produced by Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832, is inhibitory to several food spoilage bacteria and food-borne pathogens. However, pediocin PD-1 is not active against other Pediococcus spp. and differs in this respect to other pediocins produced by Pediococcus acidilactici and Pediococcus pentosaceus. Production of pediocin PD-1 starts during early growth and reaches a plateau at the end of exponential growth. Pediocin PD-1 was partially purified and its size was determined by tricine-SDS-PAGE approximately 3.5 kDa. The isoelectric point (pI) of pediocin PD-1 is approximately 3.5, as determine with the Rotofor electrofocusing cell (BioRad). Pediocin PD-1 is heat-resistant (10 min at 121 degrees C) and remains active after 30 min of incubation at pH 2-10. Pediocin PD-1 is resistant to treatment with pepsin, pepsin, alpha-chemotrypsin and trysin, but not Proteinase K. Pediocin PD-1 is bactericidal against sensitive cells of Oenococcus oeni (previously Leuconostoc oenos).