Evaluation of the effect of cleaning regimes on biofilms of thermophilic bacilli on stainless steel

Control of bacterial biofilms in red meat - A systematic review

Biofilm formation is a serious threat in the meat industry, mainly since it aids food-borne pathogen survival. Biofilms are often difficult to eliminate, and it is essential to understand the best possible deployable measures to remove or inactivate biofilms. We systematically reviewed the published in vitro studies that investigated various methods for removing biofilms in red meat. Publicly available databases, including Google Scholar and PubMed, were queried for relevant studies. The search was restricted to articles published in the English language from 2010 to 2021. We mined a total of 394 studies, of which 12 articles were included in this review. In summary, the studies demonstrated the inhibitory effect of various methods, including the use of bacteriophages, dry heat, cold atmospheric pressure, ozone gas, oils, and acids, on red meat extract or red meat culture. This systematic review suggests that in addition to existing sanitation and antibiotic procedures, other methods, such as the use of phage cocktails and different oils as nanoparticles, yield positive outcomes and may be taken from the in vitro setting to industry with prior validation of the techniques.

Enzymatic Disruption of Biofilms During Cheese Manufacturing: A Mini Review

Bacteria are capable of colonizing industrial processing surfaces creating biofilms on them which may adversely affect the quality and safety of products. Traditional cleaning-in-place (CIP) treatments using caustic and nitric acid solutions have been known to exhibit variable efficiency in eliminating biofilm bacteria. Here, we introduce enzymes as an alternative to traditional CIP treatments and discuss their mechanism of action against bacterial biofilms in cheese manufacturing. In addition, we discuss research gaps namely thermal stability, substrate specificity and residual activity of enzymes that may play a vital role in the selection of enzymes with optimal effectiveness against multi species biofilms. The outcome of this mini review will aid in the development of a novel and sustainable enzyme-based CIP treatment during cheese manufacturing in the future.

Mathematical Models for the Biofilm Formation of Geobacillus and Anoxybacillus on Stainless Steel Surface in Whole Milk

Biofilm formation of Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, Geobacillus thermoglucosidans and Anoxybacillus flavithermus in milk on stainless steel were monitored at 55°C, 60°C, and 65°C for various incubation times. Although species of Geobacillus showed a rapid response and produced biofilm within 4 h on stainless steel, a delay (lag time) was observed for Anoxybacillus. A hyperbolic equation and a hyperbolic equation with lag could be used to describe the biofilm formation of Geobacillus and Anoxybacillus, respectively. The highest biofilm formation amount was obtained at 60°C for both Geobacillus and Anoxybacillus. However, the biofilm formation rates indicated that the lowest rates of formation were obtained at 60°C for Geobacillus. Moreover, biofilm formation rates of G. thermodenitrificans (1.2–1.6 Log₁₀CFU/mL·h) were higher than G. thermoglucosidans (0.4–0.7 Log₁₀CFU/mL·h). Although A. flavithermus had the highest formation rate values (2.7–3.6 Log₁₀CFU/mL·h), this was attained after the lag period (4 or 5 h). This study revealed that modeling could be used to describe the biofilm formation of thermophilic bacilli in milk.

Biofilm-Forming Ability and Effect of Sanitation Agents on Biofilm-Control of Thermophile Geobacillus sp. D413 and Geobacillus toebii E134

Geobacillus sp. D413 and Geobacillus toebii E134 are aerobic, non-pathogenic, endospore-forming, obligately thermophilic bacilli. Gram-positive thermophilic bacilli can produce heat-resistant spores. The bacteria are indicator organisms for assessing the manufacturing process’s hygiene and are capable of forming biofilms on surfaces used in industrial sectors. The present study aimed to determine the biofilm-forming properties of Geobacillus isolates and how to eliminate this formation with sanitation agents. According to the results, extracellular DNA (eDNA) was interestingly not affected by the DNase I, RNase A, and proteinase K. However, the genomic DNA (gDNA) was degraded by only DNase I. It seemed that the eDNA had resistance to DNase I when purified. It is considered that the enzymes could not reach the target eDNA. Moreover, the eDNA resistance may result from the conserved folded structure of eDNA after purification. Another assumption is that the eDNA might be protected by other extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and/or extracellular membrane vesicles (EVs) structures. On the contrary, DNase I reduced unpurified eDNA (mature biofilms). Biofilm formation on surfaces used in industrial areas was investigated in this work: the D413 and E134 isolates adhered to all surfaces. Various sanitation agents could control biofilms of Geobacillus isolates. The best results were provided by nisin for D413 (80%) and α-amylase for E134 (98%). This paper suggests that sanitation agents could be a solution to control biofilm structures of thermophilic bacilli.

Naringin inhibits the biofilms of metallo-β-lactamases (MβLs) producing Pseudomonas species isolated from camel meat

Food producing animals harbouring bacteria carrying drug resistance genes especially the metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) pose high risk for the human population. In addition, formation of biofilm by these drug resistant pathogens represents major threat to food safety and public health. In this study, metallo-β-lactamases (MβLs) producing Pseudomonas spp. from camel meat were isolated and assessed for their biofilm formation. Further, in vitro and in silico studies were performed to study the effect of flavone naringin on biofilm formation against isolated Pseudomonas spp. A total of 55% isolates were found to produce metallo-β-lactamase enzyme. Naringin mitigated biofilm formation of Pseudomonas isolates up to 57%. Disturbed biofilm architecture and reduced the colonization of bacteria on glass was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The biofilm related traits such as exopolysaccharides (EPS) and alginate production was also reduced remarkably in the presence of naringin. Eradication of preformed biofilms (32–60%) was also observed at the respective 0.50 × MICs. Molecular docking revealed that naringin showed strong affinity towards docked proteins with binding energy ranging from −8.6 to −8.8 kcal mol⁻¹. Presence of metallo-β-lactamase producers indicates that camel meat could be possible reservoir of drug-resistant Pseudomonas species of clinical importance. Naringin was successful in inhibiting biofilm formation as well as eradicating the preformed biofilms and demonstrated strong binding affinity towards biofilm associated protein. Thus, it is envisaged that naringin could be exploited as food preservative especially against the biofilm forming food-borne Pseudomonas species and is a promising prospect for the treatment of biofilm based infections.

Optimization and Modeling of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water for the Clean-in-Place Process in Milking Systems

To find an environmentally friendly and energy efficient alternative to acidic detergent for a milking system clean-in-place (CIP) process, this study investigated the feasibility of applying slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) alone to wash the system by cleaning soiled stainless steel (304) pipes, rubber gaskets, and PVC milk hoses, which were used in the milking system. The results showed that SAEW with appropriate parameters could achieve the same or even better hygienic effects compared with commercial detergent. Using response surface models, the SAEW parameters required to clean stainless steel were optimized at 9.9 min for the treatment time, 37.8 °C for the water temperature, and 60 mg/L for the available chlorine concentration; and were 14.4 min, 29.6 °C, and 60 mg/L for rubber gasket and PVC samples, respectively. After washing with the optimized parameter combination, bacteria and adenosine triphosphate on the three materials were almost non-detectable, indicating that SAEW has the potential to replace acidic detergents in CIP milking systems.

Biofouling and me: My Stockholm syndrome with biofilms

Biofouling is the undesired deposition and growth of microorganisms on surfaces, forming biofilms. The definition is subjective and operational: not every biofilm causes biofouling - only if a given a subjective "threshold of interference" is exceeded, biofilms cause technical or medical problems. These range from the formation of slime layers on ship hulls or in pipelines, which increase friction resistance, to separation membranes, on which biofilms increase hydraulic resistance, to heat exchangers where they interfere with heat transport to contamination of treated water by eroded biofilm cells which may comprise hygienically relevant microorganisms, and, most dangerous, to biofilms on implants and catheters which can cause persistent infections. The largest fraction of anti-fouling research, usually in short-term experiments, is focused on prevention or limiting primary microbial adhesion. Intuitively, this appears only logical, but turns out mostly hopeless. This is because in technical systems with open access for microorganisms, all surfaces are colonized sooner or later which explains the very limited success of that research. As a result, the use of biocides remains the major tool to fight persistent biofilms. However, this is costly in terms of biocides, it stresses working materials, causes off-time and environmental damage and it usually leaves large parts of biofilms in place, ready for regrowth. In order to really solve biofouling problems, it is necessary to learn how to live with biofilms and mitigate their detrimental effects. This requires rather an integrated strategy than aiming to invent "one-shot" solutions. In this context, it helps to understand the biofilm way of life as a natural phenomenon. Biofilms are the oldest, most successful and most widely distributed form of life on earth, existing even in extreme environments and being highly resilient. Microorganisms in biofilms live in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which allows them to develop emerging properties such as enhanced nutrient acquisition, synergistic microconsortia, enhanced tolerance to biocides and antibiotics, intense intercellular communication and cooperation. Transiently immobilized, biofilm organisms turn their matrix into an external digestion system by retaining complexed exoenzymes in the matrix. Biofilms grow even on traces of any biodegradable material, therefore, an effective anti-fouling strategy comprises to keep the system low in nutrients (good housekeeping), employing low-fouling, easy-to-clean surfaces, monitoring of biofilm development, allowing for early intervention, and acknowledging that cleaning can be more important than trying to kill biofilms, because cleaning does not cut the nutrient supply of survivors and dead biomass serves as an additional carbon source for "cannibalizing" survivors, supporting rapid after growth. An integrated concept is presented as the result of a long journey of the author through biofouling problems.

Role of Bacillus species in biofilm persistence and emerging antibiofilm strategies in the dairy industry

Biofilm-forming Bacillus species are often involved in persistent contamination and spoilage of dairy products. They therefore present a major microbiological challenge in the field of dairy food quality and safety. Due to their substantial physiological versatility, Bacillus species can survive in various parts of dairy manufacturing plants, leading to a high risk of product spoilage and potential dissemination of foodborne diseases. Furthermore, biofilm and heat-resistant spore formation make these bacteria challenging to eliminate. Thus, some strategies have been employed to remove, prevent, or delay the formation of Bacillus biofilms in the dairy industry, but with limited success. Lack of understanding of the Bacillus biofilm structure and behavior in conditions relevant to dairy-associated environments could partially account for this situation. The current paper reviews dairy-associated biofilm formation by Bacillus species, with particular attention to the role of biofilm in Bacillus species adaptation and survival in a dairy processing environment. Relevant model systems are discussed for the development of novel antimicrobial approaches to improve the quality of dairy food. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bactéries sporulées et biofilms : un problème récurrent dans les lignes de production de lait reconstitué ou recombiné pasteurisé

In the dairy industry, bacterial contaminants persist on equipment surfaces due to spore and biofilm formation. These are involved in cross-contamination problems that affect the quality of processed products and limit their life. The pasteurization process, in which milk is submitted to moderate heat treatment, is inefficient against bacterial spores. The most prevalent sporulated bacteria belong to Bacillus and related genera. The situation is more complicated in countries where pasteurized milk is derived from imported milk powder originally contaminated by bacterial spores. Studies have shown biofilm formation on dairy equipment by mesophilic strains from the group Bacillus cereus and thermophilic strains from the genus Geobacillus. These biofilms are resistant to cleaning procedures and are sources of chronic contamination of pasteurized milk. This review analyzes the dairy situation in Algeria exposed to sporulated flora and derived biofilm problems, with the aim of proposing efficient solutions in the light of current knowledge. [Journal translation].

Interactions between spoilage bacteria in tri-species biofilms developed under simulated meat processing conditions

The formation of biofilms in the food industry is a major issue, as they are a frequent source of contamination of products, which can result in significant economic losses for processors through spoilage of foods or pose serious health concerns for consumers when foodborne pathogens are present. In this study, experiments were carried out using CDC Biofilm Reactors to produce biofilms on two test surfaces (polystyrene and stainless steel coupons) under a regimen for simulated meat processing conditions (SMPC). This entailed a 12 day regimen of daily cycles of filling the reactors with a meat slurry and letting stand for 16 h, followed by draining and refilling with water for an 8 h period in order to mimic a possible scenario of fluctuating periods of nutrient availability and starvation in a meat processing facility. Strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides were used for mono and mixed cultures biofilms as they are relevant spoilage bacteria in the meat processing industry. In monoculture, the viable cell densities (CFU/cm²) of the two lactic acid bacteria species tested were higher for biofilms grown on polystyrene as compared to those obtained on stainless steel, whereas viable cell numbers in P. fluorescens monoculture were surface-independent. Synergistic interactions were demonstrated during growth of multi-species biofilms. Results from experiments where one of the 3 strains was inoculated 24 h before introduction of the other two strains showed increased levels of L. plantarum within biofilms grown on both test surfaces. The model developed here serves as a baseline to study the interactions between potential spoilage bacteria during biofilm development.

Production and analysis of a Bacillus subtilis biofilm comprised of vegetative cells and spores using a modified colony biofilm model

Bacillus subtilis is a spore-forming soil bacterium that is capable of producing robust biofilms. Sporulation can occur in B. subtilis biofilms and it is possible that the spores embedded in the protective matrix could present a significant challenge to disinfecting agents or processes. This article describes a method for the growth and quantification of a reproducible B. subtilis ATCC 35021 biofilm comprised of vegetative cells and spores using a modified colony biofilm model. In this method, membranes were inoculated and incubated for a total of 8 days to promote biofilm formation and subsequent sporulation within the biofilm. Representative samples were taken over the course of the incubation period to evaluate the biofilms using enumerative, microscopic, and spectrometric methods. At various time points, the total numbers of cells and spores were quantified. A Congo red agar (CRA) method was utilized to detect the TasA matrix protein, a primary component of the B. subtilis biofilm matrix. The presence of TasA was also confirmed using mass spectrometry. The biofilm morphologies were correlated to the enumeration data with a variety of correlative imaging techniques: confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At the end of the incubation period, the biofilm contained >7 logs total colony forming units with spores comprising approximately 10% of the biofilm. The biofilm generated using this method allows researchers to use a new, more robust challenge for efficacy testing of chemical and physical antimicrobial treatments such as antibiotics, disinfectants, or heat.

Biofilm characteristics and evaluation of the sanitation procedures of thermophilic Aeribacillus pallidus E334 biofilms

The ability of Aeribacillus pallidus E334 to produce pellicle and form a biofilm was studied. Optimal biofilm formation occurred at 60 °C, pH 7.5 and 1.5% NaCl. Extra polymeric substances (EPS) were composed of proteins and eDNA (21.4 kb). E334 formed biofilm on many surfaces, but mostly preferred polypropylene and glass. Using CLSM analysis, the network-like structure of the EPS was observed. The A. pallidus biofilm had a novel eDNA content. DNaseI susceptibility (86.8% removal) of eDNA revealed its importance in mature biofilms, but the purified eDNA was resistant to DNaseI, probably due to its extended folding outside the matrix. Among 15 cleaning agents, biofilms could be removed with alkaline protease and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The removal of cells from polypropylene and biomass on glass was achieved with combined SDS/alkaline protease treatment. Strong A. pallidus biofilms could cause risks for industrial processes and abiotic surfaces must be taken into consideration in terms of sanitation procedures.

Removal of Listeria monocytogenes dual-species biofilms using combined enzyme-benzalkonium chloride treatments

The effects of pronase (PRN), cellulase (CEL) or DNaseI alone or combined with benzalkonium chloride (BAC) against Listeria monocytogenes-carrying biofilms were assayed. The best removal activity against L. monocytogenes-Escherichia coli biofilms was obtained using DNaseI followed by PRN and CEL. Subsequently, a modified logistic model was used to quantify the combined effects of PRN or DNaseI with BAC. A better BAC performance after PRN compared to DNaseI eradicating L. monocytogenes was observed. In E. coli the effects were the opposite. Finally, effects of DNaseI and DNaseI-BAC treatments were compared against two different L. monocytogenes-carrying biofilms. DNaseI-BAC was more effective against L. monocytogenes when co-cultured with E. coli. Nonetheless, comparing the removal effects after BAC addition, these were higher in mixed-biofilms with Pseudomonas fluorescens. However, a high number of released viable cells was observed after combined treatments. These results open new perspectives of enzymes as an anti-biofilm strategy for environmental pathogen control.

Predictive modeling for hot water inactivation of planktonic and biofilm-associated Sphingomonas parapaucimobilis to support hot water sanitization programs

Hot water sanitization is a common means to maintain microbial control in process equipment for industries where microorganisms can degrade product or cause safety issues. This study compared the hot water inactivation kinetics of planktonic and biofilm-associated Sphingomonas parapaucimobilis at temperatures relevant to sanitization processes used in the pharmaceutical industry, viz. 65, 70, 75, and 80°C. Biofilms exhibited greater resistance to hot water than the planktonic cells. Both linear and nonlinear statistical models were developed to predict the log reduction as a function of temperature and time. Nonlinear Michaelis-Menten modeling provided the best fit for the inactivation data. Using the model, predictions were calculated to determine the times at which specific log reductions are achieved. While ≥80°C is the most commonly cited temperature for hot water sanitization, the predictive modeling suggests that temperatures ≥75°C are also effective at inactivating planktonic and biofilm bacteria in timeframes appropriate for the pharmaceutical industry.

Bacillus cereus Biofilms-Same, Only Different

Bacillus cereus displays a high diversity of lifestyles and ecological niches and include beneficial as well as pathogenic strains. These strains are widespread in the environment, are found on inert as well as on living surfaces and contaminate persistently the production lines of the food industry. Biofilms are suspected to play a key role in this ubiquitous distribution and in this persistency. Indeed, B. cereus produces a variety of biofilms which differ in their architecture and mechanism of formation, possibly reflecting an adaptation to various environments. Depending on the strain, B. cereus has the ability to grow as immersed or floating biofilms, and to secrete within the biofilm a vast array of metabolites, surfactants, bacteriocins, enzymes, and toxins, all compounds susceptible to act on the biofilm itself and/or on its environment. Within the biofilm, B. cereus exists in different physiological states and is able to generate highly resistant and adhesive spores, which themselves will increase the resistance of the bacterium to antimicrobials or to cleaning procedures. Current researches show that, despite similarities with the regulation processes and effector molecules involved in the initiation and maturation of the extensively studied Bacillus subtilis biofilm, important differences exists between the two species. The present review summarizes the up to date knowledge on biofilms produced by B. cereus and by two closely related pathogens, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus anthracis. Economic issues caused by B. cereus biofilms and management strategies implemented to control these biofilms are included in this review, which also discuss the ecological and functional roles of biofilms in the lifecycle of these bacterial species and explore future developments in this important research area.

The Prevalence and Control of Bacillus and Related Spore-Forming Bacteria in the Dairy Industry

Milk produced in udder cells is sterile but due to its high nutrient content, it can be a good growth substrate for contaminating bacteria. The quality of milk is monitored via somatic cell counts and total bacterial counts, with prescribed regulatory limits to ensure quality and safety. Bacterial contaminants can cause disease, or spoilage of milk and its secondary products. Aerobic spore-forming bacteria, such as those from the genera Sporosarcina, Paenisporosarcina, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, Geobacillus and Bacillus, are a particular concern in this regard as they are able to survive industrial pasteurization and form biofilms within pipes and stainless steel equipment. These single or multiple-species biofilms become a reservoir of spoilage microorganisms and a cycle of contamination can be initiated. Indeed, previous studies have highlighted that these microorganisms are highly prevalent in dead ends, corners, cracks, crevices, gaskets, valves and the joints of stainless steel equipment used in the dairy manufacturing plants. Hence, adequate monitoring and control measures are essential to prevent spoilage and ensure consumer safety. Common controlling approaches include specific cleaning-in-place processes, chemical and biological biocides and other novel methods. In this review, we highlight the problems caused by these microorganisms, and discuss issues relating to their prevalence, monitoring thereof and control with respect to the dairy industry.

Coexistence of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Potential Spoilage Microbiota in a Dairy Processing Environment

Microbial contamination in food processing plants can play a fundamental role in food quality and safety. In this study, the microbiota in a dairy plant was studied by both 16S rRNA- and 26S rRNA-based culture-independent high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Environmental samples from surfaces and tools were studied along with the different types of cheese produced in the same plant. The microbiota of environmental swabs was very complex, including more than 200 operational taxonomic units with extremely variable relative abundances (0.01 to 99%) depending on the species and sample. A core microbiota shared by 70% of the samples indicated a coexistence of lactic acid bacteria with a remarkable level of Streptococcus thermophilus and possible spoilage-associated bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Psychrobacter, with a relative abundance above 50%. The most abundant yeasts were Kluyveromyces marxianus, Yamadazyma triangularis, Trichosporon faecale, and Debaryomyces hansenii. Beta-diversity analyses showed a clear separation of environmental and cheese samples based on both yeast and bacterial community structure. In addition, predicted metagenomes also indicated differential distribution of metabolic pathways between the two categories of samples. Cooccurrence and coexclusion pattern analyses indicated that the occurrence of potential spoilers was excluded by lactic acid bacteria. In addition, their persistence in the environment can be helpful to counter the development of potential spoilers that may contaminate the cheeses, with possible negative effects on their microbiological quality.

The Control of Microbiological Problems∗∗Some excerpts taken from Bajpai P (2012). Biotechnology for Pulp and Paper Processing with kind permission from Springer Science1Business Media

Methods used to control microbiological problems are discussed. Good housekeeping and regular inspection of all areas, effective boilouts, and regularly scheduled washups reduce slime development. Conventional slime control methods generally employ combinations of biocides. Alternative control measures use enzymes, biodispersants, bacteriophages, competing organisms, and biological complex formers. Using enzymes for slime control is expected to bring important benefits to the pulp and paper industry. Enzymes represent a clean and sustainable technology: they are nontoxic, readily biodegradable, and are produced using renewable raw materials. Use of enzymes in combination with biodispersants appears to be a promising method for slime control.

The dual role of microbes in corrosion

Corrosion is the result of a series of chemical, physical and (micro) biological processes leading to the deterioration of materials such as steel and stone. It is a world-wide problem with great societal and economic consequences. Current corrosion control strategies based on chemically produced products are under increasing pressure of stringent environmental regulations. Furthermore, they are rather inefficient. Therefore, there is an urgent need for environmentally friendly and sustainable corrosion control strategies. The mechanisms of microbially influenced corrosion and microbially influenced corrosion inhibition are not completely understood, because they cannot be linked to a single biochemical reaction or specific microbial species or groups. Corrosion is influenced by the complex processes of different microorganisms performing different electrochemical reactions and secreting proteins and metabolites that can have secondary effects. Information on the identity and role of microbial communities that are related to corrosion and corrosion inhibition in different materials and in different environments is scarce. As some microorganisms are able to both cause and inhibit corrosion, we pay particular interest to their potential role as corrosion-controlling agents. We show interesting interfaces in which scientists from different disciplines such as microbiology, engineering and art conservation can collaborate to find solutions to the problems caused by corrosion.

Synergistic effect of steam and lactic acid against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel

This study was designed to investigate the individual and combined effects of steam and lactic acid (LA) on the inactivation of biofilms formed by Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stainless steel. Six day old biofilms were developed on PVC and stainless steel coupons by using a mixture of three strains each of three foodborne pathogens at 25°C. After biofilm development, PVC and stainless steel coupons were treated with LA alone (immersed in 0.5% or 2% for 5s, 15s, and 30s), steam alone (on both sides for 5, 10, and 20s), and the combination of steam and LA. The numbers of biofilm cells of the three foodborne pathogens were significantly (p<0.05) reduced as the amount of LA and duration of steam exposure increased. There was a synergistic effect of steam and LA on the viability of biofilm cells of the three pathogens. For all biofilm cells of the three foodborne pathogens, reduction levels of individual treatments ranged from 0.11 to 2.12 log CFU/coupon. The combination treatment of steam and LA achieved an additional 0.2 to 2.11 log reduction compared to the sum of individual treatments. After a combined treatment of immersion in 2% LA for 15s or 30s followed by exposure to steam for 20s, biofilm cells of the three pathogens were reduced to below the detection limit (1.48 log). From the results of this study, bacterial populations of biofilms on PVC coupons did not receive the same thermal effect as on stainless steel coupons. Effectiveness of steam and LA may be attributed to the difference between Gram-negative and Gram-positive characteristics of the bacteria studied. The results of this study suggest that the combination of steam and LA has potential as a biofilm control intervention for food processing facilities.

Advances in nonfouling materials: perspectives for the food industry

Fouling of complex food components onto food-processing materials affects food quality, food safety, and operating efficiency. Developments in nonfouling and fouling-release materials for biomedical and marine applications enable the potential for adaptation to food applications; however, challenges remain. The purpose of this review is to present different strategies to prevent fouling and/or facilitate foulant removal with a critical point of view for an application of such materials on food-processing surfaces. Nonfouling, self-cleaning, and amphiphilic materials are reviewed, including an explanation of the mechanism of action, as well as inherent limitations of each technology. Perspectives on future research directions for the design of food processing surfaces with antifouling and/or fouling release properties are provided.