Antibacterial Mechanism of 3-Carene against the Meat Spoilage Bacterium Pseudomonas lundensis and Its Application in Pork during Refrigerated Storage

Abstract

<i>Pseudomonas lundensis</i> is the main bacterium responsible for meat spoilage and its control is of great significance. 3-Carene, a natural monoterpene, has been proved to possess antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity and mechanism of 3-carene against the meat spoilage bacterium <i>P. lundensis</i>, and explore its application on pork. After 3-carene treatment, cellular structural changes were observed. Cell walls and membranes were destroyed, resulting in the leakage of alkaline phosphatase and cellular contents. The decreased activity of Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase and Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase showed the imbalance of intracellular ions. Subsequently, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and oxidative respiratory metabolism characteristics indicated that 3-carene inhibited the metabolism of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in <i>P. lundensis</i>. The results of binding 3-carene with the vital proteins (MurA, OmpW, and AtpD) related to the formation of the cell wall, the composition of the cell membrane, and the synthesis of ATP further suggested that 3-carene possibly affected the normal function of those proteins. In addition, the growth of <i>P. lundensis</i> and increase in pH were inhibited in pork during the 5 days of cold storage after the samples were pre-treated with 3-carene. These results show the anti-<i>P. lundensis</i> activity and mechanism of 3-carene, and its potential use in meat preservation under refrigerated conditions.