Inhibitory effect of high hydrostatic pressure, nisin, and moderate heating on the inactivation of Paenibacillus sp. and Terribacillus aidingensis spores isolated from UHT milk

The sensitivity of Paenibacillus sp. and Terribacillus aidingensis spores to combined action of HP, nisin and moderate heating were investigated for the first time. The results showed that the effect of HP on spores varies with pressure level, treatment temperature, spore species and presence of nisin. T. aidingensis spores were more resistant than Paenibacillus sp., whatever the treatment applied. The inactivation rates of both spore species did not exceed 2.7log (CFU/mL) after HP treatment at 600 MPa/50 degrees C/10 min. However, a high synergistic effect of nisin and HP was observed after a treatment at 500 MPa/10 min/50 degrees C with addition of nisin during HP and into the recovery medium, leading to 6log (CFU/mL) and 4log (CFU/mL) reduction for Paenibacillus and Terribacillus spores, respectively. Finally, the fraction of germinated spores by HP was measured and the results showed that germination induction is not the only underlying mechanisms of nisin sensitization by HP.