Thymoquinone as a potent antimicrobial agent against Yersinia enterocolitica: Mechanisms of action and potential food safety applications.

Yersinia enterocolitica (Y. enterocolitica) is a Gram-negative foodborne pathogen associated with potentially fatal diseases. Herein, the antibacterial activity and possible mechanism of thymoquinone (TQ) against Y. enterocolitica were explored. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of TQ against Y. enterocolitica were determined to be 0.10 and 0.20 mg/mL, respectively. Treatment with TQ increased the lag phase period and reduced the growth rate of Y. enterocolitica. TQ was also effective in preventing Y. enterocolitica contamination of pork. Treatment of Y. enterocolitica with TQ caused a decrease in intracellular ATP, membrane depolarization and an increase in the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species. In addition, TQ caused damage to DNA, a reduction in protein content, loss of membrane integrity and abnormal cell morphology. These findings suggest that TQ exhibits antimicrobial activity against Y. enterocolitica and may be a suitable compound to reduce Y. enterocolitica growth in food.