Effect of NaOH (caustic wash) on the viability, surface characteristics and adhesion of spores of a Geobacillus sp. isolated from a milk powder production line
2011
Aim: To investigate the viability, surface characteristics and ability of spores of a Geobacillus sp. isolated from a milk powder production line to adhere to stainless steel surfaces before and after a caustic (NaOH) wash used in clean-in-place regimes. Methods and Results: Exposing sessile spores to 1% NaOH at 65°C for 30 min decreased spore viability by two orders of magnitude. The zeta potential of the caustic treated spores decreased from −20 to −32 mV and they became more hydrophobic. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that caustic treated spores contained breaks in their spore coat. Under flow conditions, caustic treated spores suspended in 0·1 mol l⁻¹ KCl were shown to attach to stainless steel in significantly greater numbers (4·6 log₁₀ CFU cm⁻²) than untreated spores (3·6 log₁₀ CFU cm⁻²). Conclusions: This research suggests that spores surviving a caustic wash will have a greater propensity to attach to stainless steel surfaces. Significance of Study: The practice of recycling caustic wash solutions may increase the risk of contaminating dairy processing surfaces with spores.
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