Thermal inactivation analysis of mesophiles using the Arrhenius and z-value models

Abstract

The Arrhenius and z-value models were compared for thermal inactivation analysis of a mesophilic bacterium. The models produced a linear curve for the thermal inactivation data. Concerning the rate constant of inactivation, the D and k values predicted by the models at a constant temperature were similar. For extrapolated temperatures the z-value model predicted an insignificant decrease in the survival ratio compared to the Arrhenius model. The dynamic temperature survival curves predicted by the models were similar, and the models characterized the results. These results demonstrated that the models can be used for thermal inactivation analysis of mesophiles at various temperatures.