Leucocins 4010 from Leuconostoc carnosum cause a matrix related decrease in intracellular pH of Listeria monocytogenes.

A mixed culture of single cells of Listeria monocytogenes and the bacteriocin producing Leuconostoc carnosum 4010 showed growth inhibition of L. monocytogenes, although the intracellular pH (pHi) of L. monocytogenes followed by fluorescence ratio imaging microscopy was not affected. Furthermore, L. monocytogenes was exposed to the bacteriocins leucocins 4010 and nisin either in a liquid filled chamber or on the surface of an agar containing bacteriocins. Both bacteriocins caused dissipation of the pH gradient in L. monocytogenes and the effect was clearly dependent on the matrix, as the decrease in pHi occurred much more rapidly in liquid than in agar.