Ferrous sulfate combined with ultrasound emulsified cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion to cause ferroptosis in Escherichia coli O157:H7.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate ferroptosis in Escherichia coli O157H7 caused by ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and to examine the synergistic effectiveness of FeSO4 combined with ultrasound-emulsified cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion (CALNO) on inactivation of E. coli O157H7 in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that FeSO4 could cause ferroptosis in E. coli O157H7 via generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exacerbating lipid peroxidation. In addition, the results indicated that FeSO4 combined with CALNO had synergistic bactericidal effect against E. coli O157H7 and the combined treatment could lead considerable nucleic acids and protein to release by damaging the cell membrane of E. coli O157H7. Besides, FeSO4 combined with CALNO had a strong antibiofilm ability to inhibit E. coli O157H7 biofilm formation by reducing the expression of genes related on biofilm formation. Finally, FeSO4 combined with CALNO exhibited the significant antibacterial activity against E. coli O157H7 in hami melon and cherry tomato.