Related Experiment Videos
Nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis strains isolated from human milk
Shea S Beasley1, Per E J Saris
1Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, Biocenter 1, Viikinkaari 9, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|August 6, 2004
Summary
Nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis bacteria were found in human milk, suggesting ancient human consumption predates fermented dairy products. This discovery impacts our understanding of early human diets and food preservation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Nutrition
- Food Science
Background:
- Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis.
- Fermented milk products are a traditional source of nisin.
- The historical consumption of nisin is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of nisin-producing bacteria in human milk.
- To determine if human milk consumption predates fermented dairy products as a source of nisin.
Main Methods:
- Partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing
- Ribotyping
- Green fluorescent protein-based nisin bioassay
Main Results:
- 6 out of 20 human milk samples contained nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis.
- The presence of these bacteria suggests a direct source of nisin in human milk.
Conclusions:
- Human milk is a natural source of nisin-producing bacteria.
- The consumption of nisin by humans likely predates the consumption of fermented milk products.
- This finding provides insights into the early history of human food practices and natural antimicrobial use.