Hydrogen Sulfide-producing Bacteria Research Articles

Gut microbiota and immune profiling of microbiota-humanised versus wildtype mouse models of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis

Mounting evidence of the occurrence of direct and indirect interactions between the human blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni, and the gut microbiota of rodent models raises questions on the potential role(s) of the latter in the pathophysiology of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. However, substantial differences in both the composition and function between the gut microbiota of laboratory rodents and that of humans hinders an in-depth understanding of the significance of such interactions for human schistosomiasis. Taking advantage of the availability of a human microbiota-associated mouse model (HMA), we have previously highlighted differences in infection-associated changes in gut microbiota composition between HMA and wildtype (WT) mice. To further explore the dynamics of schistosome-microbiota relationships in HMA mice, in this study we (i) characterize qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbiota composition of a distinct line of HMA mice (D2 HMA) infected with S. mansoni prior to and following the onset of parasite egg production; (ii) profile local and systemic immune responses against the parasite in HMA as well as WT mice and (iii) assess levels of faecal inflammatory markers and occult blood as indirect measures of gut tissue damage. We show that patent S. mansoni infection is associated with reduced bacterial alpha diversity in the gut of D2 HMA mice, alongside expansion of hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. Similar systemic humoral responses against S. mansoni in WT and D2 HMA mice, as well as levels of faecal lipocalin and markers of alternatively activated macrophages, suggest that these are independent of baseline gut microbiota composition. Qualitative comparative analyses between faecal microbial profiles of S. mansoni-infected WT and distinct lines of HMA mice reveal that, while infection-induced alterations of the gut microbiota composition are highly dependent on the baseline flora, bile acid composition and metabolism may represent key elements of schistosome-microbiota interactions through the gut-liver axis.

Randomised clinical trial: Faecal microbiota transplantation for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea.

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to improve symptoms in a proportion of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We performed a randomised trial to assess the efficacy of FMT in patients with IBS. We randomised 56 patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS 1:1 to FMT or placebo via the duodenal route at baseline and week 4. The primary outcome was > 50 points decrease in IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) score at week 12. Secondary outcomes were improvement in bloating and change in gut microbiota at week 12. After 12-week follow-up, those in the placebo group were assigned to receive open-label FMT. At week 12, 57.1% in the FMT group and 46.4% in the placebo group achieved the primary endpoint (p = 0.42). More patients receiving FMT than placebo had improvement in bloating (72% vs 30%; p = 0.005). In an open-label extension, 65.2% and 82.4% of patients achieved, respectively, the primary endpoint and improvement in bloating. Faecal microbiome of patients in the FMT group showed a reduction in bacteria like Ruminococcus gnavus and enrichment of bacteria such as Lawsonibacter at week 12, while no change in the placebo group. Functional analyses showed that the hydrogen sulphide-producing pathway decreased in patients who had FMT (p < 0.05) accompanied by a reduction in contributing bacteria. There were no serious adverse events related to FMT. FMT performed twice at an interval of four weeks did not significantly reduce IBS-SSS score. However, more patients had improvement in abdominal bloating, which was associated with a reduction in hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03125564).

Effect of Vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Shelf Life and Quality of Gutted Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during Refrigerated Storage.

The quality changes of gutted rainbow trout in vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with 40% CO2 + 60% N2 (MAP1), 60% CO2 + 40% N2 (MAP2), and 90% CO2 + 10% N2 (MAP3) were evaluated. The samples were stored at 3 ± 0.5 °C, and on days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16 of storage, microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing was performed. The aerobic plate count (APC) and psychrotrophic bacteria count (PBC) in VP fish exceeded the conventional limit of 7 log cfu/g on day 10, and in MAP1 and MAP2 fish on day 16, whereas in MAP3 fish, their number remained below that limit during the experiment. MAP significantly slowed down the growth of Enterobacteriaceae in trout, and the degree of inhibition increased with increasing CO2 concentration in the gas mixture. The lowest lactic acid bacteria numbers were detected in VP fish, whereas the highest numbers were determined in trout packaged in MAP2 and MAP3. Significantly lower numbers of hydrogen sulfide-producing (H2S) bacteria were detected in fish packed in MAP. Distinct patterns were observed for pH among treatments. The lowest increase in TBARS values was detected in VP and MAP3 fish, whereas in MAP1 and MAP2 fish, the TBARS values were higher than 1 mg MDA/kg on day 16 of storage when a rancid odor was detected. MAP inhibited the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content of trout compared to trout packaged in a vacuum. The sensory attributes of trout perceived by the sensory panel changed significantly in all experimental groups during storage. Based primarily on sensory, but also microbial, and chemical parameters, MAP has great potential for preserving fish quality and extending the shelf life of gutted rainbow trout from 7 days in VP to 13 days in MAP1 and MAP2, and to 16 days in MAP3.

Microbial Evaluation of Ozone Water Combined with Ultrasound Cleaning on Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).

The effects of ozone water (OW) and ultrasound cleaning (UL) on microbial community diversity of crayfish were studied through microbial viable count and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that compared with the control (CK), the ozone water combined with ultrasound cleaning (OCU) showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in total viable count (TVC), psychrophilic viable count (PVC), mesophilic viable count (MVC), Pseudomonas, hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria (HSPB), molds and yeasts. Concretely, the TVC of the CK, OW, UL and OCU were 5.09, 4.55, 4.32 and 4.06 log CFU/g, respectively. The dominant bacterium in untreated crayfish was Chryseobacterium, and its relative abundance was reduced by combined treatment. Color measurement and sensory evaluation suggested that a satisfactory sensory experience could be obtained on the crayfish applied with OCU. In brief, OCU could be used as a cleaning strategy to control the microbial quality of crayfish and have no influence on its quality.

Cooking and pasteurizing evaluation of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) meats subjected to an emerging microwave-assisted induction heating (MAIH) technology

Microwave-assisted induction heating (MAIH) is a complex heating process characterized by rapid and uniform heating based on a combination of microwave heating (power: 1000 W; frequency: 2450 MHz) applied from above and electromagnetic induction heating (power: 1500 W) applied from below. In this study, we assessed the utility of MAIH in processing the flesh of barramundi (Lates calcarifer), an important aquaculture species in Asian countries. To determine the effects of different heating conditions on the microbial contamination and physicochemical qualities of barramundi meat, fresh barramundi meats (100 g) were sealed in heat-resistant crystallized polyethylene terephthalate containers containing 150 mL of saline solution, and were subsequently heated in MAIH to 90 °C or 70 °C and held to different time. The results revealed that in response to an increase in the duration of heating, there were reductions in the aerobic plate count, psychrotrophic bacteria count, hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria count, and coliform count, along with lower contents of total volatile basic nitrogen, in treated samples. Conversely, with a prolongation of the time exposed to heat, we detected increases in the L* (lightness),W (whiteness), ΔE(colour difference), and texture (hardness and chewiness) of fish meat, whereas there was a reduction of a* (redness). When the samples were heated for at least 110 s to 90 °C or for at least 130 s to 70 °C, the barramundi meats obtained appeared to be fully cooked with microbial counts below the limits of detection. In addition, under both heating conditions, thermal imaging revealed a uniform distribution of temperature within treated samples. Furthermore, monitoring of temperature profiles at central points in fish samples revealed that maximum temperatures of 97 °C and 79 °C were reached in response to MAIH processing at 90 °C for 110 s and 70 °C for 130 s, respectively. Thus, on the basis of the quality considerations of appearance, microbial count, and texture, the recommended optimal heating conditions for barramundi meats produced using MAIH are 90 °C for 110 s and 70 °C for 130 s. Industrial relevanceThe MAIH equipment is a novel thermal processing technology and allows food to be heated and pasteurized simultaneously after the package is sealed, eliminates issues of secondary contamination due to the need for subsequent packaging, and extends the shelf life. MAIH technology, therefore, serves as a viable future alternative for thermal processing of manufacturing refrigerated ready-to-eat seafood.

Effects of Ozone Water Combined With Ultra-High Pressure on Quality and Microorganism of Catfish Fillets (Lctalurus punctatus) During Refrigeration.

This study described the quality and microbial influence on ozone water (OW) and ultra-high pressure (UHP) processing alone or in combination with refrigerated catfish fillets. The analysis parameters included total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), chromaticity, microbial enumeration, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, electronic nose (E-nose), and sensory score. The study found that compared with the control (CK), ozone water combined with ultra-high pressure (OCU) delayed the accumulation of TVBN and TBARs. The results of sensory evaluation illustrated that OCU obtained a satisfactory overall sensory acceptability. The counting results suggested that compared to CK, OCU significantly (p < 0.05) delayed the stack of TVC, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria (HSPB) during the storage of catfish fillets. The sequencing results reflected that the dominant were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria at the phylum level, and the dominant were Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Lelliottia, Serratia, Shewanella, Yersinia, and Aeromonas at the genus level. The dominant was Acinetobacter in initial storage, while Pseudomonas and Shewanella were in anaphase storage. Based on the TVC and TVBN, the shelf life of catfish fillets was extended by at least 3 days compared to the control. In short, the combination of ozone water and ultra-high-pressure processing is a favorable strategy to control microbial quality and delay lipid oxidation during catfish storage.

Impact of gelatin nanogel coating containing thymol and nisin on the microbial quality of rainbow trout fillets and the inoculated Listeria monocytogenes

This study aimed to assess the effects of edible gelatin nanogel coating containing thymol and nisin on the inhibition of microbial flora and inoculated Listeria monocytogenes in fish fillets during a 12-day storage period at the temperature of 4°C. Data were collected and analysed on several factors of microbiological change, including total viable count, total psychrophilic count, lactic acid bacteria and hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria count, and the inhibitory effects of the coating on inoculated Listeria monocytogenes were determined during 3-day intervals. The highest reduction rate of total viable bacteria (0.95 log CFU/g), total psychrophilic (0.92 log CFU/g), Hydrogen sulfide producing bacteria (0.66 log CFU/g), lactic acid bacteria (0.95 log CFU/g) and L. monocytogenes count (0.65 log CFU/g) were observed in gelatin nanogel containing thymol and nisin in comparison with control samples. Furthermore, the separate use of these compounds led to the significant growth inhibition of the bacteria compared with the control. Therefore, it was concluded that the gelatin nanogel coating without an antimicrobial agent could not be effective in bacterial growth control, and the added thymol and nisin would be beneficial in the preservation of foods such as fish and its products.

Adaptogenic flower buds exert cancer preventive effects by enhancing the SCFA-producers, strengthening the epithelial tight junction complex and immune responses

Microbiome therapy has attracted a keen interest from both research and business sectors. Our lab has been applying this “second genome” platform to assess the functionality of herbal medicines with fulfilling results. In this study, we applied this platform to assess the potential cancer-preventive effects of three selected adaptogenic plants. The flower buds from these plants were used to constitute Preparations SL and FSP according to the receipts of two commonly consumed Chinese medicinal decoctions for gastrointestinal discomfort. Preparation SL contains Sophorae japonica and Lonicerae Japonicae, and Preparation FSP contains Sophorae japonica and Gardenia Jasminoides. SL and FSP extracts significantly (p < 0.001) lowered the polyp burden, as well as the expressions of oncogenic signaling molecules, such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and STAT3 in ApcMin/+ mice. The inflamed gut was alleviated by shifting M1 to M2 macrophage phenotypes and the associated immune cytokines. The other remarkable change was on the extracellular tight junction protein complex, where the occludin, ZO-1, ICAM-1, E-cadherin were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated while the N-cadherin and β-catenin were downregulated in the treated mice. The above physiological changes in the gut epithelial barrier were companied with the changes in gut microbiome. The 16S Sequencing data revealed a marked decrease in the potential pathogens (especially Helicobacter species and hydrogen sulfide producing-bacteria) and the increase in beneficial bacteria (especially for species from the genera of Akkermansia, Barnesiella, Coprococcus, Lachnoclostridium, and Ruminococcus). The majority of which were the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producers. Meanwhile SCFAs-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109a were also significantly upregulated. In a recent report, we proved that the bacteria-derived SCFAs plays an essential role to the anti-cancer effects of the mushroom polysaccharides and saponins in ApcMin/+ mice. In this study, we further demonstrated that butyrate treatment could enhance the extracellular tight junction protein complex as effective as the treatments with SL and FSP to the ApcMin/+ mice. Our findings provide strong evidence of the vital role of the SCFA-producers and their metabolites to the cancer-preventive properties of the SL and FSP preparations.

Alginate coarse/nanoemulsions containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil as edible coatings and the impact on microbial quality of trout fillet

In this study, the effect of edible coarse/nanoemulsions of alginate as coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) on the microbial quality of fish fillets was investigated at three concentrations (i.e. 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% [w/v]) in 16 days of storage at 4°C. Moreover, a comparison was made between the fabricated coarse emulsion and nanoemulsion coatings by particle size and polydispersity index analyses. Sample analysis was performed with regard to total viable count (TVC), total psychrophilic count (TPC), hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria count (HSC) and Enterobacteriaceae count (ENC) on days 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. According to the findings, all the samples showed increased microbial counts during the storage periods. The highest reduction rates of TVC (about 2 log CFU/g), TPC (about 1 log CFU/g), HSC (about 1.5 log CFU/g) and ENC (about 3 log CFU/g) were observed in the nanoemulsion of alginate containing 1% w/v ZEO (NE 1%) samples, compared with alginate and control samples. The microbial growth was significantly inhibited in all treatments, compared with that in the control (p < .05). Accordingly, it can be concluded that nanoemulsion coating was more effective than coarse emulsion to prolong the durability of fish fillets and revealed a faster and greater inhibition of microbial flora, compared with coarse emulsions during the storage time.

The Effect of Organic Acid, Trisodium Phosphate and Essential Oil Component Immersion Treatments on the Microbiology of Cod (Gadus morhua) during Chilled Storage

Spoilage is a major issue for the seafood sector with the sale and exportation of fish limited by their short shelf-life. The immediate and storage effects of immersion (30 s at 20 °C) with 5% (w/v) citric acid (CA), 5% (v/v) lactic acid (LA), 5% (w/v) capric acid (CP) and 12% trisodium phosphate (TSP) (experiment 1) and essential oil components (EOC) (1% (v/v) citral (CIT), 1% (v/v) carvacrol (CAR), 1% (w/v) thymol (THY) and 1% (v/v) eugenol (EUG)) (experiment 2) on the concentrations of indicator (total viable counts (TVC) (mesophilic and psychrophilic) and total Enterobacteriaceae counts (TEC)), and spoilage organisms (Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Brochothrix thermosphacta, Photobacterium spp. and hydrogen sulphide producing bacteria (HSPB)) on cod (Gadus morhua) (stored aerobically at 2 °C) was investigated. There was no significant reduction for most treatment-bacteria combinations, with the following exceptions; TSP and TVCm (time t = 6), TSP and TVCp (t = 6), CP and LAB (t = 6, 8 and 10), CP and Br. thermosphacta (t = 4, 6, 8, 10, 14 and 16), TSP and Photobacterium spp. (t = 4), CAR and Br. thermosphacta (t = 6) and CAR and HSPB (t = 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18). Although the majority of treatments did not significantly (P > 0.05) reduce bacterial counts, the limited success with CP and CAR warrants further investigation.

Effects of Modified Atmospheric Packaging Conditions on the Quality Changes of Pasteurized Oyster (Crassostrea belcheri) Meat during Chilled Storage

ABSTRACTThe effects of different atmospheric conditions on the quality and the shelf life of pasteurized oyster meat in chilled storage were investigated. The alternatives tested for pasteurized oyster meat were normal air (Control), 75% CO2/25% N2 (MAP-1), 75% CO2/25% O2 (MAP-2), 75% CO2/5% O2/20% N2 (MAP-3), and vacuum packing (VP). The various observations of microbiological (total viable count (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hydrogen sulfide–producing bacteria), physical (color coordinates L*, a*, and b*, and cutting strength), chemical (moisture, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) and sensory properties were performed every 3 days over a total of 27 days. During storage across all the treatments, L*, a*, cutting strength, pH, moisture content, and sensory scores decreased; whereas, b*, TVB-N, PV, TBARS, and microorganisms increased. However, among the various alternatives, MAP-1 had the best retention of oyster quality during storage. Based on sensory and microbiological qualities, the shelf lives in chilled storage were 9 days for control, 15 days for VP, 21 days for MAP-2 and MAP-3, and 24 days for MAP-1-treated cases.

Spoilage indicator bacteria in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stored on ice for 10 days

This study investigated the growth of indicator and spoilage bacteria on whole Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stored aerobically at 2 °C. On days 0, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 10 microbiological analysis was carried out on inner flesh and outer skin samples as well as outer skin swabs (25 cm2 surface areas). Mesophilic total viable counts (TVCm) on skin, flesh and swab samples increased from 1.9, 1.1 and 2.7 log10 CFUcm2 to 6.0, 5.1 and 5.7 log10 CFU/cm2 after 10 days, respectively. Psychrotrophic counts (TVCp), increased from 2.2, 1.8 and 3.1 log10 CFU/cm2 to 6.2, 5.3 and 5.9 log10 CFU/cm2, for skin, flesh and swab samples respectively. Hydrogen sulphide producing bacteria (HSPB), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Pseudomonas spp., Brochothrix thermosphacta and Photobacterium spp. grew well with similar growth rates (mean generation times of 17.2–26 h). It was concluded that the shelf-life of salmon at 2 °C was approximately 10 days and that HSPB, LAB, Pseudomonas spp., Br. thermosphacta and Photobacterium spp. may be a better indicator of fish spoilage rather than TVC growth, with a count of 5–6 log10 CFU/cm2 indicating the end of shelf-life.

Effects of French Pine Bark Extract Chewing Gum on Oral Malodor and Salivary Bacteria.

Frequent or persistent malodor (halitosis) represents a considerable embarrassment to those affected. French pine bark extract, Pycnogenol® (PYC), has displayed antibacterial activity against a broad range of bacterial species. In the present study, anticipated benefits of PYC on diminishing halitosis were investigated. Ten healthy males and 11 females, aged 40.1±12.3 y, were recruited based on threshold breath sulfur compounds presence, diagnosed by portable gas chromatography. Subjects were randomly assigned to either sugar-free gums, or gums bearing an additional 2.5 mg PYC per piece. The subjects were required to consume two pieces of PYC or placebo gum six times daily for 15 min. The levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), measured by OralChromaTM, and tongue-coating score were recorded at baseline, 2, and 4 wk. Hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria in saliva were cultured on Brucella blood agar plates containing 0.05% cysteine, 0.12% glutathione, and 0.02% lead acetate. The group consuming PYC chewing gum reduced exhaled hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide significantly (p<0.01) after 2 wk versus baseline. Continuation of daily PYC-gum consumption for 4 wk remarkably lowered the tongue-coating score and exhaled hydrogen sulfide was significantly decreased compared to the placebo group. PYC chewing gum significantly reduced hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria in saliva after 4 wk (p<0.01), with no effects observed in the placebo control. The results suggest that PYC chewing gum is effective in reducing oral malodor by decreasing the accumulation of tongue coating and the number of hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria in saliva.

Influence of Thawing Methods and Storage Temperatures on Bacterial Diversity, Growth Kinetics, and Biogenic Amine Development in Atlantic Mackerel

Limited knowledge is currently available on the influence of fish thawing and subsequent storage conditions on bacterial growth kinetics, succession, and diversity alongside the production of biogenic amines. This study aimed to address these factors during the thawing and subsequent storage of mackerel. Thawing was either done fast in 18°C water for 2 h or slowly at 30°C overnight. Subsequent storage was at 30°C (ambient) for 36 h and 2 to 5°C (refrigerated) for 12 days. The cultivation methods used were total viable counts, hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria, and Pseudomonas . Maximum growth rate, population density, and lag time were fitted on the counts using the Baranyi model. The bacterial diversity and succession were based on sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons, and biogenic amines were quantified on high-pressure liquid chromatography-UV. The results show that lag time of hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria was significantly affected by both thawing methods, and further, the interaction between thawing and storage significantly affected the maximum growth rate of these bacteria. However, the maximum growth rate of Pseudomonas was higher during refrigerated storage compared with storage at ambient temperature. Total viable counts showed longer lag time and reduced growth rate under refrigerated storage. Higher bacterial diversity was correlated to slow thawing and storage at ambient temperature compared with slow thawing and refrigerated storage. Overall, Acinetobacter and Psychrobacter genera were the dominant bacterial populations. The amine levels were low and could not be differentiated along the thawing and storage approaches, despite a clear increase in bacterial load, succession, and diversity. This corresponded well with the low abundance of biogenic amine-producing bacteria, with the exception of the genus Proteus , which was 8.6% in fast-thawed mackerel during storage at ambient temperature. This suggests that the decarboxylation potential is dependent on both microbial load and microbial community structure.

Effects of dietary fat profile on gut permeability and microbiota and their relationships with metabolic changes in mice.

To distinguish the effects of dietary fat profile on gut parameters and their relationships with metabolic changes and to determine the capacity of n-3 fatty acids to modify gut variables in the context of diet-induced metabolic dysfunctions. Mice received control or high-fat diets emphasizing saturated (HFD-sat), n-6 (HFD-n6), or n-3 (HFD-n3) fatty acids for 8 weeks. In another cohort, mice that were maintained on HFD-sat received n-3-rich fish oil or resolvin D1 supplementation. HFD-sat and HFD-n6 induced similar weight gain, but only HFD-sat increased index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), colonic permeability, and mesenteric fat inflammation. Hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria were one of the major groups driving the diet-specific changes in gut microbiome, with the overall microbial profile being associated with changes in body weight, HOMA-IR, and gut permeability. In mice maintained on HFD-sat, fish oil and resolvin D1 restored barrier function and reduced inflammation in the colon but were unable to normalize HOMA-IR. Different dietary fat profiles led to distinct intestinal and metabolic outcomes that are independent of obesity. Interventions targeting inflammation successfully restored gut health but did not reverse systemic aspects of diet-induced metabolic dysfunction, implicating separation between gut dysfunctions and disease-initiating and/or -maintaining processes.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments on microbiological shelf-life of chilled Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi)

Abstract The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments (450 and 550 MPa for 3 and 4 min at 20 °C) on the microbial behaviour and shelf-life extension of Chilean jack mackerel ( Trachurus murphyi ) during chilled storage at 4 °C was studied. Aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic microorganisms, as well as hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria (mainly Shewanella putrefaciens ) were enumerated immediately after treatment and during subsequent storage at 4 °C. Physicochemical parameters such as pH and TMA-N were also recorded. Results showed that HHP treatments were effective in reducing initial microbial counts and delayed microbial growth during refrigerated storage. HHP treatments were also effective in delaying TMA-N production in the fish during storage. As a result, microbiological shelf-life was significantly (p Industrial relevance Chilean jack mackerel ( T. murphyi ) is recognised as a healthy and nutritious food; however, it is underutilised due to its short microbiological shelf-life as a fresh product. The HHP treatment has been an effective method to control spoilage microorganisms in fish products above 200 MPa and could be considered as an alternative to conventional heating treatments in preparing ready-to-eat or semi-prepared dishes with a minimum loss of micronutrients and extended shelf-life. Thus, HHP treatments were effective in improving microbiological shelf-life of Chilean jack mackerel during chilled storage.

Application of bacteriophages specific to hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria in raw poultry by-products

Hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria (SPB) can spoil raw animal materials and release harmful hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. The objective of this study was to apply a SPB-specific bacteriophage cocktail to control H2S production by SPB in different raw poultry by-products in the laboratory (20, 30, and 37°C) and greenhouse (average temperature 29 to 31°C, humidity 34.8 to 59.8%, and light intensity 604.8 Wm(2)) by simulating transportation and a rendering facility. The amount of H2S production was determined using either test strips impregnated with lead acetate or a H2S monitor. In the laboratory, phage treatment applied to fresh chicken meat inoculated with SPB, spoiled chicken meat, chicken guts, and chicken feathers reduced H2S production by approximately 25 to 69% at temperatures from 20 to 37°C. In the greenhouse, phage treatment achieved approximately a 30 to 85% reduction of H2S yield in chicken offal and feathers. Among all phage treatments, multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100 exhibited the highest inhibitory activities against SPB on H2S production. Several factors such as initial SPB level, temperature, and MOI affect lytic activities of bacteriophages. Our study demonstrated that the phage cocktail is effective to reduce the production of H2S by SPB significantly in raw animal materials. This biological control method can control SPB in raw poultry by-products at ambient temperatures, leading to a safer working environment and high quality product with less nutrient degradation for the rendering industry.

Efficiency evaluation of hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria as an indicator in the assessment of microbial quality of water sources

Aims: The object of this study was to assess the usefulness of the H 2 S test for detection of fecal pollution of water in comparison to fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Materials and Methods: A total of 70 raw water samples were collected from drinking water sources in Isfahan province of Iran, aseptically in sterile containers during May-October 2012.The modified H 2 S test medium of Manja et al. was used except that L-cysteine was added as an additional medium component. Total coliforms (TCs), fecal coliforms (FCs), and fecal streptococci (FS) were also estimated by multiple-tube fermentation method. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 20 at the 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). Results: It was found that out of 70 water samples assessed, 48.3%, 30.0%, 34.6%, and 32.9% of the samples were positive for TCs, FCs, FS, and H 2 S, respectively. Analysis of data showed that 95.6%, 69.5%, and 76.9% of water samples, which were positive for H 2 S test were also positive for TCs, FCs, and FS, respectively. The H 2 S test was found to have the highest accuracy for the detection of FS, but it was not a suitable indicator for the prediction of FCs. Conclusions: Our results showed that H 2 S test is not a suitable alternative approach for routine water quality monitoring. However, the H 2 S test could be used as an easy and economic test to assess the quality of drinking water in communities where manpower and sophisticated equipment are inadequate. More laboratory and field studies are required to assess the reliability of the method as an alternative method of traditional indicators.

Effects of High-Pressure Processing on the Quality of Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Fillets During Refrigerated Storage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) on the quality of fresh sea bass fillets using two pressure levels (250 and 400 MPa; 5 min pressure holding time). Vacuum-packed fillets were used as control samples, and all fillets were stored under refrigerated conditions for 18 days. The microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory parameters were followed. Both HPP treatments increased the microbiological shelf life of sea bass fillets. In day 14, control samples reached the upper acceptability limit (7 log colony-forming units (CFU) g−1), while fillets treated at 250 and 400 MPa had 3.2 and 1.4 log CFU g−1, respectively. In general, hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae loads were below the detection limit in HPP treatments. Results from nucleotide analysis indicate that HPP treatments reduced the conversion of inosine 5′-monophosphate to inosine. HPP also influenced fillet sensory characteristics. The most evident changes in fillets were the increase in whiteness, the loss of translucency, and a firmer consistency. The effect was more pronounced in the treatment at 400 MPa. Lipid oxidation increased in HPP-treated samples, being more accentuated in the treatment at 400 MPa. Instrumental smell intensity increased in both HPP treatments, though the sensory panel did not detect any rancid or other unpleasant odours. No effect was observed in the amount of volatile bases or in pH values. In conclusion, HPP treatments showed potential application for new fish product development with increased microbiological safety and shelf life, longer freshness, and unique characteristics (e.g. firmer and whitish).

Development of a novel antimicrobial film based on chitosan with LAE (ethyl-Nα-dodecanoyl-l-arginate) and its application to fresh chicken

Chitosan (CS) films incorporating the antimicrobial compound ethyl-Nα-dodecanoyl-l-arginate (LAE) were developed for food packaging applications. Cast chitosan films were made with 1, 5 or 10% LAE and 20% glycerol in the film forming solution. Optical properties, release of LAE and antimicrobial activity of developed films was determined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum biocide concentration (MBC) of LAE were determined. CS films with LAE were transparent and uniform, without discontinuities or visible particles and no visual differences could be perceived between CS and CS-LAE films. When in contact with an aqueous food simulant, the agent was fully released following a Fickian behavior in a few hours at 4 and 28°C. Antimicrobial activity of films against mesophiles, psychrophiles, Pseudomonas spp., colifoms, lactic acid bacteria, hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria, yeast and fungi, was evaluated at two, six and eight days for its application on chicken breast fillets. Films were active against bacteria, yeasts and fungi in liquid and solid media. CS films evidenced antimicrobial activity in the range 0.47–2.96 log reductions, while CS-5%LAE film produced 1.78–5.81 log reduction. Results highlighted that LAE incorporation in a chitosan-based packaging structure may provide a relevant antimicrobial activity that could improve the stability of fresh poultry products.