Effects of high-pressure homogenization on the survival of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in a laboratory medium

Abstract

Aims: This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. Methods and Results: The susceptibility of three different strains of A. acidoterrestris (DSMZ 2498, Γ4 and c8) to HPH (500-1700 bar) was studied. The experiments were performed in a laboratory medium (malt extract broth) on cells and spores. HPH caused a significant reduction of the initial cell number (1-2 log CFU ml-1 at the highest pressures) in Γ4 and DSMZ 2498 strains, whereas the effect on the spores was less significant. Conclusions: This study showed that the susceptibility of A. acidoterrestris to HPH was strain-dependent: DSMZ 2498 seemed the most susceptible strain, whereas c8 was the most resistant one. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results of our study will provide useful information on the sensitivity of an emerging spoilage micro-organism, such as A. acidoterrrestris, to HPH. © 2007 The Authors.