Time to turbidity measurement as a tool for modeling spoilage by Lactobacillus

Abstract

A method has been proposed to obtain growth rate estimates from simple time-to-visible-growth measurements by means of inoculum variation. In case the data are censored an algorithm using a maximum likelihood estimation method is given. Growth rates for Lactobacillus plantarum obtained by this method have been used to develop a model for the prediction of the growth rate as a function of temperature and pH. The model was validated by plate counts. It can be applied in a pH range of 3.2 to 8 and a temperature range of 6 to 21 °C. © 1993 Society for Industrial Microbiology.