Nonthermal Plasma Induces the Viable-but-Nonculturable State in Staphylococcus aureus via Metabolic Suppression and the Oxidative Stress Response

In recent years, nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology has received a lot of attention as a promising alternative to thermal pasteurization in the food industry. However, little is known about the microbial stress response toward NTP, which could be a potential risk to food safety and impede the development of NTP. A viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state is one of the most common survival strategies employed by microorganisms against external stress. This study investigated the mechanisms of the formation of VBNC Staphylococcus aureus by NTP in a more comprehensive and systematic aspect than had been done before. Our work confirmed that the NTP-generated oxidative stress induced changes in energy allocation as a driving force for the formation of VBNC S. aureus . This study could provide better knowledge for controlling the occurrence of VBNC S. aureus induced by NTP, which could lead to more rational design and ensure the development of safe foods.

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