Insights into the antibacterial mechanism of ozone water combined with tea polyphenols against Shewanella putrefaciens: membrane disruption and oxidative stress

Summary Shewanella putrefaciens ( S. putrefaciens ) is the main specific spoilage organism (SSO) of marine fish during cold logistic process. To explore the antimicrobial mechanism of ozone water combined with tea polyphenol (TP) against S. putrefaciens , the growth condition, endogenous oxidative stress, changes of membrane integrity and energy metabolism enzyme were evaluated, respectively. As evidenced by the growth curve and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis, bacterial growth was inhibited, and death threat occurred. The increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) suggested intracellular oxidative stress was activated. Additionally, membrane integrity and metabolism functions were destroyed according to the results of alkaline phosphatase (AKPase), β‐galactosidase, transmembrane electrical potential, scanning electron microscope (SEM), adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDHase). In summary, the inactivation of S. putrefaciens could be induced by the combination of ozone water and TP, which provided a theoretical basis for the sterilisation in aquatic products.