Elucidating the potential of chlorogenic acid for controlling Morganella psychrotolerans growth and histamine formation

Abstract Aim To investigate the inhibitory impact of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on the growth of Morganella psychrotolerans and its ability to form histamine. Methods and Results The antimicrobial effect of CGA on M. psychrotolerans was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method, revealing an MIC value of 10 mg ml−1. The alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, cell membrane potential, and scanning electron microscopy images revealed that CGA treatment disrupted cell structure and cell membrane. Moreover, CGA treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in crude histidine decarboxylase (HDC) activity and gene expression of histidine decarboxylase (hdc). Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that CGA interacted with HDC through hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, in situ investigation confirmed the efficacy of CGA in controlling the growth of M. psychrotolerans and significantly reducing histamine formation in raw tuna. Conclusion CGA had good activity in controlling the growth of M. psychrotolerans and histamine formation.