Impact of Hydrogen Peroxide on Growth and Survival of Listeria Monocytogenes Biofilms

Abstract

The present study aimed to understand the survival strategies adapted by Listeria monocytogenes to combat oxidative stress in planktonic and biofilm cells with response to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The sensitivity of L. monocytogenes to H₂O₂ (oxidative stress) was found to vary in growth cycle. Early log phase cells were found to be sensitive to 100 μM H₂O₂ when compared to stationary phase. Biofilm population was found to be resistant to the oxidative stress induced at 4% of H₂O₂ when compared to their planktonic counterpart at 3.5%. This adaptive behavior allows the pathogen to overcome food preservation and safety barriers, which pose a potential risk to human health. The overall results suggest that, H₂O₂ at a concentration of 6% could be used as a potent sanitizer for the elimination of listerial biofilms.