Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) juice inhibits foodborne pathogens while promoting probiotic bacterial growth

The antibacterial properties of goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) juice were investigated against foodborne pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. At different time intervals (0, 24, 48, and 72 h), the growth inhibition of these pathogens was assessed in broths, skim milk, and whole milk supplemented with 10% goldenberry juice. The effects of juice on the development of L. plantarum, B. lactis Bb12, B. angulatum DSMZ 20,098, L. rhamnosus TISTR 54, and L. acidophilus 20,552 were investigated. Goldenberry juice reduced the growth of L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli by 1-3 log CFU/mL in both broth and milk. The strength of inhibition varied by bacterial type, with S. aureus and L. monocytogenes showing greater sensitivity than the Gram-negative bacteria. The juice, when added to both MRS broth and milk, increased the growth of probiotic and lactic acid bacterial strains (1-4 log CFU/mL). The data showed that goldenberry extract exhibits antimicrobial and growth-inhibitory effects, which are retained and enhanced when applied in dairy systems, making it a promising natural preservative for improving the microbial safety of milk-based products.