A 34-residue lantibiotic used safely in food for decades that both sequesters lipid II and drills membrane pores.
Also known as: E234
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Nisin is a 34-amino-acid lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis, containing unusual post-translationally modified residues such as lanthionine and dehydroalanine. It uses lipid II both as a docking molecule and to assemble membrane pores, giving broad activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Approved as the food preservative E234, it is one of the most widely used antimicrobial peptides. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis
Primary research or clinical context: Approved food preservative (E234); studied as an antimicrobial
Lantibiotic chemistry
Nisin is ribosomally synthesized and then enzymatically modified to install thioether-bridged lanthionine rings and dehydrated residues. These rings let it clamp onto the pyrophosphate of lipid II, a cell-wall precursor, which both inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis and nucleates stable pores in the membrane.
Use in food and research
Nisin has been added to cheese, processed meats and beverages for decades to suppress spoilage and pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, typically at low parts-per-million levels. Its dual mechanism and long safety record make it a model system for engineering new lantibiotics.
FAQ about Nisin
What is Nisin?+
Nisin is a 34-amino-acid lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis, containing unusual post-translationally modified residues such as lanthionine and dehydroalanine. It uses lipid II both as a docking molecule and to assemble membrane pores, giving broad activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Approved as the food preservative E234, it is one of the most widely used antimicrobial peptides. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Nisin an approved medicine?+
Nisin: Approved food preservative (E234); studied as an antimicrobial. Always follow licensed medical guidance for approved products.
What is the typical length of Nisin?+
Nisin is commonly described as approximately 34 amino acids (Lantibiotic (ribosomal antimicrobial peptide)).