Microbiological Products Research Articles

Maize Response to Chemical and Microbial Products on Two Tanzanian Soils

Low soil fertility has been a major factor to low maize yields in smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa. Technologies have been proposed including inorganic, fertilizers and plant growth promoting microorganisms. A study was conducted under greenhouse and field conditions to evaluate the effects of liquid inorganic fertilizer and microbiological products on growth, nutrient uptake and yield of maize. Products evaluated were Teprosyn (nitrogen, zinc phosphorus), BioSoil Crop Booster (BSCB) (Pseudomonas fluorescens), and Bio Soil Nitro plus (BSN+) (Acetobacter sp.). Treatments were: products alone (low and high rate), product + half rate phosphorus (10 kg P ha-1), half rate P, full rate P (20 kg P ha-1) and Control. All products were analysed for quality. None of the products met the label claims in nutrient/organism concentration. An increase of biomass was observed in the greenhouse for half rate P + BSCB low rate and high rates for BSCB and BSN+ compared to Control. Half rate P + BSN+ low rate gave the highest grain yield which was similar full rate nitrogen and P. BSCB and BSN+ at low rates with P half rate resulted in an increase in biomass yield in the greenhouse. Efficacy of low rate BSN+ + half rate P was demonstrated when applied at the recommended rates and combined with half rates of N and P. A package of inorganic and Bio-fertilizers should be developed based on soil fertility status, and the quality of the inputs verified to ensure that they are conform to the label guarantee analysis.

Struktura plonu ziemniaka jadalnego (Solanum tuberosum L.) w warunkach stosowania preparatu mikrobiologicznego UGmax

Struktura plonu ziemniaka jadalnego (Solanum tuberosum L.) w warunkach stosowania preparatu mikrobiologicznego UGmax

High-Temperature Short-Time Pasteurization System for Donor Milk in a Human Milk Bank Setting.

Donor milk is the best alternative for the feeding of preterm newborns when mother's own milk is unavailable. For safety reasons, it is usually pasteurized by the Holder method (62.5°C for 30 min). Holder pasteurization results in a microbiological safe product but impairs the activity of many biologically active compounds such as immunoglobulins, enzymes, cytokines, growth factors, hormones or oxidative stress markers. High-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization has been proposed as an alternative for a better preservation of some of the biological components of human milk although, at present, there is no equipment available to perform this treatment under the current conditions of a human milk bank. In this work, the specific needs of a human milk bank setting were considered to design an HTST equipment for the continuous and adaptable (time-temperature combination) processing of donor milk. Microbiological quality, activity of indicator enzymes and indices for thermal damage of milk were evaluated before and after HTST treatment of 14 batches of donor milk using different temperature and time combinations and compared to the results obtained after Holder pasteurization. The HTST system has accurate and simple operation, allows the pasteurization of variable amounts of donor milk and reduces processing time and labor force. HTST processing at 72°C for, at least, 10 s efficiently destroyed all vegetative forms of microorganisms present initially in raw donor milk although sporulated Bacillus sp. survived this treatment. Alkaline phosphatase was completely destroyed after HTST processing at 72 and 75°C, but γ-glutamil transpeptidase showed higher thermoresistance. Furosine concentrations in HTST-treated donor milk were lower than after Holder pasteurization and lactulose content for HTST-treated donor milk was below the detection limit of analytical method (10 mg/L). In conclusion, processing of donor milk at 72°C for at least 10 s in this HTST system allows to achieve the microbiological safety objectives established in the milk bank while having a lower impact regarding the heat damage of the milk.

Microbiological quality in convenient ready-to-eat vegetables during shelf life

Minimally processed vegetables and fruits are the main ingredients of ready-to-eat salads, often sold in convenient packaging. The increased consumption of ready-to-eat products is a result of a fast lifestyle and awareness on their nutritional attributes. Additionally, the processing technology is well documented. This study aimed to determine the microbiological quality of shredded Iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata), sliced tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and diced mango (Mangifera indica L.). From each batch, five random units were selected, one of which was analyzed on the day of production (initial sample—IS) and the other four after their shelf life (final sample—FS). The samples were tested for aerobic colony count (ACC) 30 °C, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, molds and yeasts. The results showed that ACC of diced mango and shredded lettuce had a similar median of 6.20 and 6.08 log g−1, respectively, and sliced tomato had the lowest one (5.40 log g−1). The median value found for Enterobacteriaceae was 3.47 log g−1. The FS for Enterococcus of diced mango and shredded lettuce had a similar median (1.00 log g−1) and sliced tomato had the highest (2.54 log g−1). Both IS and FS had higher unsatisfactory rate for Aeromonas hydrophila. All samples revealed acceptable rate for molds and yeasts. This study found high microbial loads in ready to eat vegetables. Data showed that this type of product should be subject to a more stringent quality control, so that the consumers could be provided not only with easy to consume products but also with microbiological quality products during their shelf life.

Optimization of microbiological methods for food control based on the differential-diagnostic media for the isolation and cultivation of bacteria of the genus Campylobacter

А screening study on the detection of campylobacteria in raw food products, semi-finished products and objects in the external environment in the poultry processing industry was conducted. The highest level of detection of campylobacteria is set for raw poultry products, including carcasses of broilers, turkeys and quail. A general accordance of getting Campylobacter in raw materials and food products with inadequate sanitary treatment of separate areas of production has been established: in most cases Campylobacter spp. was extracted from the samples, contaminated with coliform bacteria and Salmonella. It is shown that the frequency of contamination of raw poultry with pathogens is largely dependent on the cooling of the carcasses. When using the immersion method, the conditions for cross contamination with pathogens through water bath cooling are present (45% of samples infected with Campylobacter spp.). Under combined use of super-cooled water and aerosols Campylobacter were also detected quite often in 27% of samples. Contamination by pathogens was the lowest in evaporative cooling method with the use of antimicrobial hydrospray (less than 5% positive samples), allowing to recognize this method as the most promising for the production of microbiological safe products. The work on optimization of nutrient medium composition and adaptation recommended methodological scheme of analysis for detection and species identification of bacteria of the genus Campylobacter was carried out. Formulation of traditionally used growth media was modified, and balanced composition of growth and selective components was matched in accordance with the requirements of existing standards. Given the urgency of increasing the effectiveness of the methods of control of campylobacteria in foods and the lack of domestic analogues of the culture media in the Russian Federation, an optimized method for the production of dry nutrient media for the detection, identification and storage of campylobacteria isolated from food products and clinical material was developed. The conducted study allowed to develop Technical conditions 21.20.23-006-01897222-2016 «Dry culture medium for detection of bacteria of the genus Campylobacter» and «Instruction for use of culture media». Depending on the purpose of the medium produced in the following versions: the selective broth for enrichment of campylobacteria; differential selective agar for isolating and quantifying of Campylobacter spp.; semi-solid nutrient agar for cryostorage of Campylobacter strains. The list of criteria for assessing the quality of commercially available lots of dry media included: solubility, pH, gel strength of agar, the content of amine nitrogen, specificity, selectivity, growth and inhibitory properties. The practical application of these media in terms of the national laboratories will significantly simplify the use of existing standards developed based on international ISO standards, but not adapted to the main range of commercial media and reagents used in routine food control for the presence of campylobacteria.

Quality and Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Tomato Products in the Brazilian Market

The study aimed at evaluating physical, chemical and microbiological quality of tomato products and to investigate the occurrence of Alternaria alternata mycotoxins in tomato pulp, extract and ketchup. Tomato products were evaluated for physical and chemical characteristics, as well as for the occurrence of foreign matter, quality of raw material (using the Howard mold count - HMC), and adequacy of microbiological parameters to the current Brazilian legislation. A. alternata mycotoxins alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) were quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). Mycotoxin contamination was observed in one tomato brand commercialized in Brazil. Pulp sample from brand A presented soluble solids contents lower than 6%. Only tomato extract brand B showed no foreign material. Mycotoxins were not found in pulp and tomato paste in all brands. AOH levels ranging from 1.22 to 8.45 μg/g were found in brand A ketchup samples. Mycotoxin AME was identified in brand C ketchup. All products showed differences in physical and chemical characteristics but within the parameters described in current legislation. Regarding microbiological quality, all brands and products (paste, pulp and ketchup) are also in accordance with the legislation. Insect fragments, mites and rodent hair were identified in almost all brands and products, within acceptable limits. AOH and AME mycotoxins produced by Alternaria alternata were identified only in ketchups.

ECOLOGICALLY BASED DISEASE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN BARLEY CULTIVATION IN THE CENTRAL BLACK SOIL REGION

At present, there are microbiological Bacillus-based products used to preservevaluable micro biota and improving the level of biological soil productivity as wellas sustaining the local environment. The research focuses on discovering how someparticular biological products and autochthonous microorganisms influence theyield capacity of barley grown in the Black-Earth region of Russia. The researchobjectives included a search for autochthonous strains of microorganisms thatimprove resistance to diseases, estimation of how biological products contribute tothe quality of barley seeds, biological products effect on the spread and diseaseresistance and estimation of how biological products enhance the yield capacity ofbarley. The paper describes the results of identification of an autochthonousBacillus strains. PCR diagnostic methods were used to confirm the strain specificorigin of two sample cells extracted from soil (S1 and S2). The study involved theanalysis of micro biota of leached chernozem, which revealed the autochthonousstrain of Bacillus S1 having a germicidal effect. The S1 strain revealed Bacillussubtilis and Bacillus сеreus, while S2 revealed only Bacillus subtilis, as detected bythe method of molecular diagnostics based on using species-specific primers.Biological treatment of the seeds improved their sowing qualities, namely,germination readiness and germination capacity. In addition, it was found out thatsuch treatment improves the resistance to disease affection and spread. Bacillus S1,in particular, reduces the disease affection by 16,5 % and the disease spread 3,5 asmuch. Finally, the experiment demonstrated that biological treatment cancontribute to sustaining healthy environment for the plants and thus increase theiryield capacity.

Microbiological Products for Control of Microdochium nivale on Golf Greens

Microdochium nivale (Fries) Samuels & Hallett is an important turfgrass pathogen on golf courses. Our objective was to evaluate Gliocladium catenulatum Gilman & Abbott and/or Streptomyces species for biological control of M. nivale on golf greens. The microbial agents were tested relative to fungicides and an untreated control in vitro and in five field trials from 2011 to 2014. G. catenulatum (Turf G+/WPG, Verdera OY, Finland) was applied from October to December and in March–April, while Streptomyces species (Turf S+/WPS, same manufacturer) was applied from May to October, both at four week intervals. In vitro, Streptomyces species suppressed the growth of M. nivale at 6 and 16°C, while G. catenulatum suppressed growth of M. nivale at 16°C only. In contrast, neither product, nor their combination, had any consistent effect in the field trials. A statistically significant reduction in Microdochium patch (from 3 to 2% of plot area) was seen in a trial on a green dominated by Festuca rubra L., but this reduction was deemed to be of little practical interest to the greenkeeper. Despite multiple applications over 3 yr to build up an antagonistic microflora, only fungicides reduced M. nivale significantly on greens dominated by Poa annua L. or Agrostis capillaris L., which generally had more disease. In conclusion, this research showed no potential of G. catenulatum or Streptomyces species to replace fungicides for control of M. nivale on northern‐latitude golf greens.

AVALIAÇÃO FÍSICO-QUÍMICA, MICROBIOLÓGICA E SENSORIAL DE QUEIJO MINAS FRESCAL DE LEITE DE CABRA DESENVOLVIDO POR ACIDIFICAÇÃO DIRETA E FERMENTAÇÃO LÁTICA

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da acidificação direta por ácido lático e por adição de cultura starter mesofílica tipo O (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis e Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris) nas propriedades físico-químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais de queijo Minas frescal de leite de cabra. Duas formulações de queijo Minas frescal foram elaboradas por acidificação com ácido lático e com cultura mesofílica tipo O e avaliadas quanto a qualidade microbiológica, quantificando S. aureus, psicrotróficos, bactérias láticas, coliformes termotolerantes e quanto a presença de Salmonella sp. Quanto as análises físico-químicas, foram realizadas determinação de gordura, cinzas, umidade, acidez titulável em ácido lático e pH. As modificações físico-químicas no queijo Minas frescal foram avaliadas durante o período de estocagem de 14 dias e analisada a sua aceitabilidade e intenção de compra por meio da avaliação sensorial. Os resultados revelaram que ambas as formulações do queijo Minas frescal apresentavam-se em boas condições higiênico-sanitárias e de consumo. Quanto aos parâmetros físico-químicos, os teores de gordura, cinzas e umidade dos queijos não diferiram significativamente entre si (p < 0,05). O queijo obtido por acidificação direta por ácido lático foi o que apresentou menor contagem de bactérias láticas totais e acidez, maior valor de pH e maior aceitabilidade sensorial e intenção de compra diferindo do queijo obtido por fermentação lática. Os resultados mostram que a forma de acidificação afeta as características do produto e sua aceitação pelos consumidores. A utilização do leite de cabra para produção do queijo Minas frescal apresenta potencial de aplicação na indústria de lácteos, agrega valor, tornando-o um produto alternativo aos consumidores alérgicos ao leite bovino.

Gas-chromatographic determination of the degree of conversion of microbiological synthesis products into biodiesel

In the development of promising methods for the production of biodiesel from different raw materials, it was proposed to perform the comparative evaluation of the degree of conversion of the source material and the effectiveness of the heterogeneous catalyst used by the gas-chromatographic determination of the resulting amount of glycerol with the direct injection of a reaction mixture (or end products) into the column without derivatization. A Bruker 430 GS gas chromatograph with a flame-ionization detector and a quartz capillary column in the isothermal regime was used for determining the glycerol formed. The degree of conversion was evaluated in a study of the transesterification of sunflower oil and microalgae lipids with the use of the enzyme catalyst Novozym 435. For comparison, the degree of conversion was determined by HPLC–MS based on the triglyceride content of the reaction mixture.

Effect of straw size and microbial amendment of litter on certain litter quality parameters, ammonia emission, and footpad dermatitis in broilers

Abstract. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of litter amendment (microbiological product – Micropan complex) and straw size (unchopped and chopped straw) on pH, moisture level, ammonia emission, and footpad dermatitis in broilers. A total of 1200 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated to four treatments (2 × 2 factorial arrangement), with four replicates per treatment. Each replicate consisted of 75 as-hatched birds per pen. The first factor consisted of wheat straw – chopped (C) or unchopped (U) – and the second factor was the litter amendment with (WM) or without (OM) Micropan® (enzymatic bacterial product – Eurovix, USA). At 4, 5, and 6 weeks of the trial, the levels of ammonia concentration, moisture content, and pH of litter in each pen were measured. The foot pad lesions were evaluated at 21, 35, and 42 days of age. Broilers reared on chopped straw had significantly better leg condition as expressed by a smaller incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis. The pH value of litter was decreased and footpad quality was significantly improved by Micropan application in broilers kept on chopped and unchopped straw in the sixth week of age. There was no significant effect of Micropan application and straw size on ammonia emission in broiler housing.

Effect of fertilization and microbiological bio-stimulators on healthiness and yield of organic potato

Summary The experiment on the assessment of the effects of the two microbial bio-stimulators (EM Farma Plus and UGmax) which were applied to soil, as foliar application or as combined were carried out on the field with organic cultivation of potato variety Ditta. Additional factor that is fertilization of the soil by application of fertilizer Bioilsa Fertil NC at 300 kg/ha was included. The use of combined microbiological treatments (soil treatment before planting and 4 foliar applications during the growing season) significantly contributed to the increase in potato yields and participation in yield of trade tubers. Fertilization of potato plantation contributed to an increase by 19.5% in the yield of potato. Application of fertilization and microbiological treatments also increased the yield by 32.5%. Microbiological treatments, regardless of the used product and the form of their application reduced the symptoms of late blight on no fertilized, average resistant variety. On the fertilized plants a reduction of late blight after treatments with EM Farma Plus was observed, regardless of the form of application compared to controls. The usefulness of both microbiological products in potato crop in both forms of application was confirmed.

레토르트 곡물 두유 내 Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes의 내열특성

This study determined the thermal resistance of Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in multi-grain soymilk and proposes processing conditions that meet the national standard for retort food products in Korea. D and z values were calculated from thermal inactivation kinetic curves after heating at 55, 60, and 65℃. The D value for B. cereus at 55℃ was the highest (22.8 min), followed by that for E. coli O157:H7 (18.8 min) and L. monocytogenes (17.6 min). At 60-65℃, the order was L. monocytogenes (D 60-65°C =3.4-0.9 min), E. coli O157:H7 (3.0-0.3 min), and B. cereus (1.2-0.3 min). The z values for these species were 5.2, 5.5, and 7.7°C, respectively. The Korean national standard for retort food products was achieved by thermal processing at 124±2℃ for 0.3-2.2 min. This study provides useful data for ensuring both the microbiological safety and product quality of multi-grain soymilk products.

Milk and dairy product analyses at the Dairy Chemistry Division in Mauritius: an overview

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Occurrence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Fusarium in TC Banana Rhizosphere Inoculated with Microbiological Products in Different Soils in Kenya

Occurrence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Fusarium in TC Banana Rhizosphere Inoculated with Microbiological Products in Different Soils in Kenya

MICROORGANISMS IN SELECTED CONFECTIONARY PRODUCTS DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

The aim of our study was to evaluate the microbiological quality confectionery products during production. A total of 135 samples were analyzed: 45 samples of the punch balls, 45 Venček samples and 45 samples French cubes from home, school and private production. For microorganism cultivation VRBL agar for the isolation of coliform bacteria, DRBC and DG18 for microscopic fungi and yeasts, Plate Count Agar for total viable count, Meat peptone agar for mesophilic aerobic bacteria, XLD agar for Salmonella sp. and Baird Parker agar for Staphylococcus aureus were used. Following microbiological parameters were tested: total viable count, mesophilic anaerobic microorganisms, coliform bacteria, yeast and microscopic filamentous fungi, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. Products are assessed according to the limit values of the number of microorganisms contained in the Codex Alimentary of the Slovak Republic. The overall assessment of the microbiological quality of the punch balls, we found that two samples from school factory and one sample from private producer did not meet CA SR for the total viable count. Comparing the microbiological quality of Venček with CA SR, we found that one sample of home production did not meet the requirements for this type of product. All the tested samples were Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. negative. Comparing the results of the samples with French cubes CA SR, we found that all the samples satisfy requirements.

Selection of an Effective Stabilizer for the New Liquid-Phase Biological Product

This paper considers the selection of stabilizing/preserving agents for a long-time storage of the liquid-phase biological product (LBP) used in crop production. LBP belongs to microbiological products, so the authors have been challenged to preserve its activity by reaching three objectives: to keep the number of useful microflora close to the original one, prevent the growth of sanitary indicator microorganisms (enterobacteria) and avoid a bad smell caused by active microflora.The work has been performed in three experiment series. Experiment Series 1 and 2, which are different by time (six months and a year), have been devoted to the studying of stabilizing properties of some preservatives such as sodium benzoate, sodium thiosulfate, aminobenzoic acid and sodium chloride. Experiment Series 3 has tested LBP (of different storage durations) in spring wheat germination. It has been found that the best LBP quality is guaranteed by 5% (mass to mass) sodium chloride at low storage temperatures. The storage duration for LBP containing the stabilizer should not exceed six months.

Predictive microbiology for cosmetics based on physicals, chemicals and concentration parameters.

Challenge test (CT) is essential to assure the efficiency of the preservative system in products. A previous study realized by our staff in 2012, carried out to evaluate the influence of three parameters (ethanol, pH and water) on the microbiological cosmetics products conservation. Following this work, a correlation between aw (based on the glycerine concentration) and the selected parameter has been demonstrated. In the present study, smaller limits of ethanol, pH and glycerine were applied to determinate CT necessity. Sixteen stables O/W cosmetics creams with different concentration of ethanol (1-19%), glycerine (3-16%) and different pH (6-11) were formulated. To evaluate the efficiency of the different formulations, CTs were performed according to the International Standard ISO 11930:2012. To determine the influence of the parameters, a D-optimal plan generated by Design Expert(®) was applied. Design of Experiments software offers to plan, estimate and control the statistics and models for factorial and no-factorial designs. Challenge tests results show that 10 formula passed criteria A, two passed criteria B and four are not conform. Mostly, an ethanol concentration higher than 16% exempts products of CT. It has been shown that an ethanol concentration between 10.5% and 16%, and an glycerine concentration >10%; or if the ethanol concentration is between 5% and 10.5%, glycerine is >6% and pH is ≥10, the CT is not required. Ethanol has a significant impact on conservation and especially when it is correlated with glycerine and pH. Finally, a glycerine concentration higher than 16% exempts products of CT. Following the analysis of the different concentration, a correlation between glycerine and ethanol that directly influence microbiological protection of cosmetics products has been established. Indeed, by controlling ethanol, pH and glycerine, many products may be exempted from the CT.

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF MICROBIOLOGICAL PREPARATION BIO–ONE IN SPRING FORAGE PEAS (Pisum SativumL.) UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF ORGANIC FARMING

The microbiological preparation BIO–ONE is a 100% natural liquid concentrated microbiological product providing 20 kg of active nitrogen/decar. It facilitates the absorption of the residual phosphorus and potassium and retains moisture. BIO–ONE does not contain genetically modified organisms. It is recognized by all organizations controlling the organic farming, including OMRI Institute. It could be used both in organic and traditional agriculture. With its gradual application in soil the microbiological preparation BIO–ONE contributes to increasing soil organic matter and also protects it from wind erosion. The application of the microbiological preparation BIO–ONE helps for obtaining the maximum efficiency of the used mineral fertilizers. The microbiological preparation BIO–ONE has a positive impact on the yield of peas seeds. After treatment of the crop with the microbiological preparation BIO–ONE the highest yield was obtained at a dose of treatment of 0.9 g/100 m 2 –185.0 kg/da, followed by the variants treated at a dose of 0.12 g/100 m 2 –167.0 kg/da and 0.6 g/100 m 2 –165.0 kg/da. At the lowest dose of treatment of 0.3 g/100 m 2 and the fertilized control the yield was equal–158.0 kg/da. The lowest yield was obtained from the control variant. It increases the wheat yield as after–effect after treatment of peas at concentration of 0.6 to 0.12 g/100 m 2 as the wheat yield is raised by 43 kg/da compared to the untreated control. The highest yield was obtained for the variant of peas fertilized with N4P8–as the yield exceeded by 57 kg/da the control that was not fertilized and treated. It is noticed also that at lower doses of treatment the quantity of siftings is lower as it goes up at higher doses of treatment.

Chlordioxid zur Reduktion von humanpathogenen Mikroorganismen bei der Salatwäsche

During recent years, the consumption of prepackaged ready-to-eat salads has strongly increased. To facilitate the production of microbiological safe fresh-cut products, the potential of chlorine dioxide for decontamination of iceberg lettuce during washing and its effects on external and internal quality parameters of the produce were investigated. ClO2 application results in 5 to 6 log reduction of microorganisms in the washing water, depending on its chemical oxygen demand (COD). Colour parameters and vitamin C content of leaves were not affected by chlorine dioxide washing. Therefore, chlorine dioxide is an appropriate sanitizer to minimize human pathogens in lettuce washing water.