Investigating the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of cinnamaldehyde against <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. using cell surface characteristics

Abstract

Campylobacter species are known as biofilm-forming bacteria in food systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of cinnamaldehyde against Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from chicken meat. The biofilm-forming C. jejuni and C. coli strains from chicken meat were investigated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Campylobacter spp. characteristics. The MIC value was 31.25 µg/mL for the Campylobacter strains tested. Cinnamaldehyde had an inhibition and degradation effect on Campylobacter biofilms at concentrations > 15.63 µg/mL. Campylobacter strains treated with 15.63 µg/mL CA exhibited significantly decreased autoaggregation, motility, exopolysaccharide production, and soluble protein. In addition, Campylobacter biofilms formed on stainless steel were degraded following cinnamaldehyde treatment, as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Taken together, these results suggest that cinnamaldehyde constitutes a potential natural preservative against Campylobacter and a nontoxic biofilm remover that could be applied to control food poisoning in the poultry manufacturing-related food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Cinnamaldehyde was able to effectively remove the biofilm of Campylobacter in the small crack of stainless steel. Cinnamaldehyde has a potential to replace the synthetic antimicrobial and/or antibiofilm agent as well as has a positive influence on consumer concern for the food safety issues of the poultry industries.