Inhibition of foodborne pathogens by Hf-1, a novel antibacterial peptide from the larvae of the housefly (Musca domestica) in medium and orange juice

Antibacterial molecules from edible insects may serve as a potentially significant group of food preservatives. Hf-1, a novel peptide from larvae of housefly (Musca domestica) with molecular weight approximately 8.0 KD, inhibited food pathogens Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27553, Salmonella typhimurium 50013, Shigella dysenteriae 51302, Staphylococcus aureus 6538 and Bacillus subtilis 9372 with MIC ranging from 18 to 72 μg/ml. The presence of EDTA can enhance Hf-1 activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Hf-1 was bactericidal in orange juice, showing an antibacterial activity approximately equivalent to sodium benzoate. The mode of action of Hf-1 involved decreasing the cell surface hydrophobicity and damaging the cell membrane. The results suggested Hf-1 has the potential to be used as the food preservative.