Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access

Abstract

DPA Release and Germination of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris Spores under High Hydrostatic Pressure

Porebska I, Sokolowska B, Skapska S, Wozniak L, Fonberg-Broczek M and Rzoska SJ

High thermoresistance combined with the ability to grow under acidic conditions, which are unique among spore formers, make Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris one of the most serious problems for the fruit processing industry. Dipicolinic acid (DPA) is an important factor in spore resistance to many environmental stresses, and in spore stability. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between DPA release and the germination of A. acidoterrestris spores, initiated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). Samples of the spores of two A. acidoterrestris strains suspended in apple juice and pH 4.0 and pH 7.0 McIlvain buffers were treated with pressure of 100-500 MPa, at a temperature of 20-75°C for 15 min. The total amount of DPA in A. acidoterrestris spores was 50.3 μM for the TO-169/06 and 42.7 μM for the TO-117/02 strain. The amount of DPA released in apple juice treated with 300 MPa was 29.3 μM at 50°C and 35.8 μM at 75°C for the TO-169/06 strain, and 24.6 μM at 50°C and 27.8 μM at 75°C for the TO-117/02 strain. DPA release in the pH 7 buffers and at 20°C was inhibited. The amount of DPA released correlated to the amount of the germinated A. acidoterrestris spores.