Characterisation and biofilm screening of the predominant bacteria isolated from whey protein concentrate 80

Abstract

The source of microbiological contamination of whey protein concentrate (WPC), a quality problem for the dairy industry, has not been thoroughly investigated. The objectives of this study were to identify the bacteria isolated from whey protein concentrate containing 80% protein (WPC 80) and determine their ability to form biofilms as a potential source of contamination in a whey processing line. Six Bacillus species including (percentage of isolates in brackets) Bacillus licheniformis (67%), Bacillus cereus (19%), Bacillus thuringensis (4%), Bacillus subtilis (4%), Bacillus pumilus (4%) and Paenibacillus glucanolyticus (2%) were identified based on BLAST databases in six different WPC80 batches. B. licheniformis was the predominant isolate. B. licheniformis are thermo-tolerant bacteria with the ability to form biofilm. This biofilm is a potential source of microbial contamination of product, resulting in microbial specification limits being exceeded. Spoilage of product may result from the metabolic products, such as enzymes, produced by these biofilms.