RESUMO
The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antibacterial mechanisms of Aronia melanocarpa, Chaenomeles superba, and Cornus mas leaf extracts towards meat spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. The extracts decreased bacterial viability after 24 h and 48 h of incubation. Acting as prooxidants, the extracts induced intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation in bacteria cells, with C. mas having the strongest influence. The leaf extracts increased the release of UV intracellular absorbing components, suggesting a reduction in membrane integrity. They also increased the outer-membrane permeability of the Gram-negative bacteria, with C. superba extract being the most active. Following exposure to the leaf extracts, morphological changes in the bacteria were observed, including the formation of aggregates, EPS synthesis, irregular forms, wrinkled cell surfaces, pores in the cell wall, and shriveling of cells. The leaf extracts inhibited DNA synthesis in E. coli cells by suppressing DNA gyrase activity.