Characterization of Novel Amylase-Sensitive, Anti-Listerial Class IId Bacteriocin, Agilicin C7 Produced by Ligilactobacillus agilis C7

Abstract Among various biological agents, bacteriocins are important candidates to control Listeria monocytogenes which is a foodborne pathogen. In this study, a novel bacteriocin, named agilicin C7, was isolated from Ligilactobacillus agilis C7 showing inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes. Agilicin C7 biosynthesis gene was characterized by bioinformatics analyses and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli for further study. The anti-listeria activity of recombinant agilicin C7 (r-agilicin C7) was lost by proteases and α-amylase, suggesting that agilicin C7 is a glycoprotein. r-Agilicin C7 has wide pH and thermal stability and is also stable in various organic solvents. It destroyed L. monocytogenes by damaging the integrity of the cell envelope. These properties of r-agilicin C7 indicate that agilicin C7 is a novel amylase-sensitive anti-listerial Class IId bacteriocin. Physicochemical stability and inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes of r-agilicin C7 suggest that it can be applied to control L. monocytogenes in the food industry, including dairy and meat products.