Thiamine Demonstrates Bio-Preservative and Anti-Microbial Effects in Minced Beef Meat Storage and Lipopolysaccharide

Anis Ben Hsouna1,2, Alex Boye3, Bouthaina Ben Ackacha1

  • 1Laboratory of Biotechnology and Plant Improvement, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, B.P 1177, Sfax 3038, Tunisia.

Insights

Thiamine (TA) exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by reducing pro-inflammatory factors in cells and acts as a preservative in minced beef, inhibiting bacterial growth and improving meat quality.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Food Science
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Inflammation is a key biological response implicated in various diseases.
  • Food preservation remains a critical challenge to ensure safety and quality.
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is an essential nutrient with potential biological activities beyond its metabolic role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of thiamine (TA) in a cellular model.
  • To evaluate the preservative efficacy of TA in minced beef against microbial contamination.
  • To assess the impact of TA on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of stored minced beef.

Main Methods:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells were used to assess anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Antimicrobial activity of TA was determined using inhibition zone assays and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
  • Minced beef was treated with TA, and its physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed during storage, including Listeria monocytogenes growth.

Main Results:

  • Thiamine demonstrated a concentration-dependent antimicrobial effect, with inhibition zones of 15–20 mm and MICs ranging from 62.5–700 µg/mL.
  • TA significantly reduced pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NF-κB) and inhibited iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated cells.
  • In minced beef, TA inhibited Listeria monocytogenes growth and improved overall physicochemical and microbiological quality compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Thiamine possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties, modulating key inflammatory pathways in vitro.
  • Thiamine serves as an effective natural preservative for minced beef, enhancing microbial safety and extending shelf life.
  • These findings highlight the dual potential of thiamine in both biomedical and food preservation applications.