Biocontrol and anti-biofilm potential of aerosols sprayed slightly acidic electrolyzed water against Cronobacter sakazakii in infant food industry. (15th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Pianpian; Chen, Xiuqin; Chelliah, Ramachandran; Jo, Kyoung hee; Shan, Lingyue; Shin, HyunSoo; Kim, SunPyo; Oh, Deog Hwan
• Is Part Of: Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft + Technologie =. Volume 178(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03-15
• Subjects: Microbial contamination -- Slightly acidic electrolyzed water -- Biofilm -- Cronobacter sakazakii -- Aerosolization; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2023.114598
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-6438

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to assess microbial contamination of the processed rice product, food contact surface, and air at workplaces in the infant rice food industry. Further, the effectiveness of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) against Cronobacter sakazakii airborne and biofilm was evaluated. C. Sakazaki was detected in the grinding steps, dry room, and dry chamber, which can live in a low-water activity environment. After steaming, pathogenic bacteria counts were found immediately in the samples collected from the dry room. Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, C. sakazakii could be found on contact surfaces in the dry room process, pointing out these facilities as potential sources for cross-contamination. Air movement in the closed drying room enhanced the level and spread of aerosol transmission. The total bacterial count was reduced from 94.67 to 115.33 CFU/m 3 to 36.00–46.67 CFU/m 3 in the dry room under SAEW aerosolization at 30 ppm. SAEW spray (30 ppm) completely eliminated C. sakazakii bacterial in the laboratory-scale clean booth. In addition, SAEW at 30 ppm effectively eradicates C. Sakazakii biofilm (54.55% reduction ratio). Scanning electron microscopy assays showed that the SAEW treatment effectively inactivated C. Sakazakii biofilm cells by disrupting the biofilm matrix and damaging the cell membrane. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Indoor air is a vector of microbial contamination in the infant dry snack industry. The airborne bacteria in the dry room was 94.67–115.33 CFU/m 3 . Pathogenic bacteria could be found on the food contact surface and rice processed sample in the dry room. Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) spryer at 30 ppm treatment inactivated airborne bacteria and C.sakazakii. SAEW at 30 ppm inactivated C. Sakazakii biofilm cells by disrupting the biofilm matrix and damaging the cell membrane.