Studies of the highly potent lantibiotic peptide nisin Z in aqueous solutions of salts and biological buffer components

The lantibiotic nisin, usually used as a 2.5%w/w in NaCl and milk solids, has activity against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, especially food-borne pathogens, and has been used as a food preservative for decades without the development of significant resistance. It has been reported that the high purity (>95%) nisin Z form has activity against the Gram-negative speciesE. coli, which is significantly reduced in the presence of NaCl. This...