Characterization of germination of Clostridium estertheticum spores

• Author / Creator

  Rajagopal, Suraksha

• ABSTRACT
  The germination of Clostridium estertheticum, the primary organism responsible for early blown pack spoilage, was investigated. Presence of C. estertheticum in blown packages was confirmed. The effect of pH, temperature and oxygen on germination of spores was established. Germination rate of spores increased as pH approached neutrality, with an optimal germination rate at pH 7.0. Temperatures between -1.5 and 10C did not affect germination of spores. Spores germinated equally well in aerobic conditions as they did in anaerobic conditions. A fraction of heat activated C. estertheticum spores germinated and died when heated in meat juice medium at 80C for 10 min. Amino acids and lactate were screened for possible germinants of C. estertheticum. C. estertheticum spores germinate in meat with lactate as the potential germinant. This information can be used to design intervention methods for prevention of blown pack spoilage.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Blown pack spoilage
  • Vacuum package
  • Germination
  • Spores
  • Clostridium estertheticum

• Graduation date

  Spring 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R36688R7C

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.