Journal
LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
Volume 52, Issue 2, Pages 104-108Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765X.2010.02970.x
Keywords
bacillus; bacterial spores; dairy
Categories
Funding
- New Zealand Foundation for Research Science and Technology [C08X0409]
- Technology for Industry Fellowship
- Fonterra
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Aim: To investigate the viability, surface characteristics and ability of spores of a Geobacillus sp. isolated from a milk powder production line to adhere to stainless steel surfaces before and after a caustic (NaOH) wash used in clean-in-place regimes. Methods and Results: Exposing sessile spores to 1% NaOH at 65 degrees C for 30 min decreased spore viability by two orders of magnitude. The zeta potential of the caustic treated spores decreased from -20 to -32 mV and they became more hydrophobic. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that caustic treated spores contained breaks in their spore coat. Under flow conditions, caustic treated spores suspended in 0 center dot 1 mol l-1 KCl were shown to attach to stainless steel in significantly greater numbers (4 center dot 6 log(10) CFU cm-2) than untreated spores (3 center dot 6 log(10) CFU cm-2). Conclusions: This research suggests that spores surviving a caustic wash will have a greater propensity to attach to stainless steel surfaces. Significance of Study: The practice of recycling caustic wash solutions may increase the risk of contaminating dairy processing surfaces with spores.
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