Nisin

Introduction 

Nisin is a natural food preservative (Bacteriocin), with high efficiency, high stability, safety, and without side effects. It is regarded as natural because nisin is polypeptide produced naturally by certain strains of the food-grade lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis, during fermentation. Nisin has good antibacterial ability against a wide range of Gram positive bacteria and their spores, especially for heat resistant bacilli, such as B. Stearothermophilus, Cl. Butyricum and L. Monocytogenes. It shows little or no activity against Gram negative bacteria, yeasts, and moulds. Nisin was awarded the Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) designation in the U.S. Federal Register and is approved as a natural food preservative in the U.S., the FAO/WHO and the E.U.