Influence of alanine uptake on Staphylococcus aureus surface charge and its susceptibility to two cationic antibacterial agents, nisin and low molecular weight chitosan

► Staphylococcus aureus resist inversely against nisin and LMWC according to surface charges. ► Alanine uptake reduces surface charge and resistance of S. aureus to nisin. ► The reduced surface net charge can enhance the colonization capacity of S. aureus.