High pressure destruction kinetics of Clostridium botulinum (Group I, strain PA9508B) spores in milk at elevated temperatures

Abstract

Milk inoculated with Clostridium botulinum spores (PA9508B) (107 CFU/mL) was subjected to high-pressure high-temperature treatment (HPHT) (700–900 MPa; 90–110 °C for 0–24 min) using an insulated sample chamber, as well as in a water bath (90–100 °C) (conventional) and surviving spores were enumerated. Destruction kinetics were well described by a first order kinetic model. Conventional heating D values ranged from 156 to 12 min with a z value of 7.8 °C. During HPHT, higher pressures and temperatures resulted in accelerated spore destruction rates. At 900 MPa, the associated D values were 14.5, 1.8 and 0.35 min at 90, 100 and 110 °C, respectively, much lower than the conventional D values. The pressure dependent ZT values were 11.2, 12.3, 12.4 °C at 700, 800, 900 MPa respectively, increasing with pressure. The temperature dependent ZP values were 470, 630, and 800 MPa at 90, 100, and 110 °C, respectively. By comparing ZT with ZP values, it was clear the spores were relatively more sensitive at higher temperatures than at higher pressures in this temperature-pressure range. D value trends beyond 120 °C indicated thermal inactivation was the principal mode of spore destruction and high pressure can protect spores under these conditions.