Preparation and characterization of nisin‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles functionalized with DNase I for the removal of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms

Abstract Listeria monocytogenes biofilms represent a continuous source of contamination, leading to serious food safety concerns and economic losses. This study aims to develop novel nisin‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) functionalized with DNase I and evaluate its antibiofilm activity against L. monocytogenes on food contact surfaces. Nisin‐loaded CSNPs (CS‐N) were first prepared by ionic cross‐linking, and DNase I was covalently grafted on the surface (DNase‐CS‐N). The NPs were subsequently characterized by Zetasizer Nano, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The antibiofilm activity of NPs was evaluated against L. monocytogenes on polyurethane (PU). The DNase‐CS‐N was fabricated and characterized with quality attributes (particle size—427.0 ± 15.1 nm, polydispersity [PDI]—0.114 ± 0.034, zeta potential—+52.5 ± 0.2 mV, encapsulation efficiency—46.5% ± 3.6%, DNase conjugate rate—70.4% ± 0.2). FT‐IR and XRD verified the loading of nisin and binding of DNase I with chitosan. The DNase‐CS‐N caused a 3 log colony‐forming unit (CFU)/cm 2 reduction of L. monocytogenes biofilm cells, significantly higher than those in CSNPs (1.4 log), CS‐N (1.8 log), and CS‐N in combination with DNase I (2.2 log) treatment groups. In conclusion, nisin‐loaded CSNPs functionalized with DNase I were successfully prepared and characterized with smooth surface and nearly spherical shape, high surface positive charge, and good stability, which is effective to eradicate L. monocytogenes biofilm cells on food contact surfaces, exhibiting great potential as antibiofilm agents in food industry. Practical Application Listeria monocytogenes biofilms are a common safety hazard in food processing. In this study, novel nanoparticles were successfully constructed and are expected to be a promising antibiofilm agent in the food industry.