Abstract
Acidotermophilic bacteria Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is one of the main contaminants in the fruit industry forming biofilms which are difficult to remove from the production line by conventional methods. An alternative approach aims for the use of essential oils to prevent Alicyclobacillus biofilm development. The effect of clove essential oil on A. acidoterrestris biofilms on glass and polyvinyl chloride surfaces under static and agitated culture conditions was investigated by atomic force microscopy and the plate count method. The medium-flow and the type of technical surface significantly influenced A. acidoterrestris biofilm. The PVC was colonized in a greater extent comparing to glass. Clove essential oil in 0.05% (v/v) caused 25.1–65.0% reduction of biofilms on the technical surfaces along with substantial changes in their morphology by a decrease in the biofilm: height, surface roughness, and surface area difference. The oil also induced alteration in individual bacterial cells length and visible increase of their roughness. Clove essential oil seems to release EPS from biofilm and thus induce detachment of bacteria from the surface. Due to anti-A. acidoterrestris biofilm activity, the clove oil may be used in the juice industry to hinder a development of A. acidoterrestris biofilms on production surfaces.
Highlights
Bacteria are reported to grow on both biotic and abiotic surfaces in the form of matrix-enclosed homogenous and/or heterogeneous populations recognized as biofilms
According to our previous research, the minimum inhibitory concentration of clove essential oil for both tested A. acidoterrestris strains in the planktonic form was 0.05% (v/v) and, this concentration was used in the antimicrobial testing on mature A. acidoterrestris biofilms
The results indicated that the agitation has more effect on development of biofilm on the surface of polyvinyl chloride than glass irrespective of the clove oil presence
Summary
Bacteria are reported to grow on both biotic and abiotic surfaces in the form of matrix-enclosed homogenous and/or heterogeneous populations recognized as biofilms. Biofilm formation is considered as a multistep process in which cells adhesion and colonization of a particular surface occur [1,2]. Specific structure and nature of biofilms stimulate a constant up- and down-regulation of certain genes, followed by metabolism reduction and diversification of bacterial cells functioning. High density of biofilm enhances cells detachment, their mitigation, and the colonization of new locations. Despite a wide knowledge and a variety of elimination techniques, biofilms still remain a great concern for the food industry [5,6,7,8]. Biofilm composition varies depending on the particular branch of industry; little is known about biofilms formed by Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
