Resumo (PT):
Abstract (EN):
The knowledge on the microorganisms present in an industrial process is crucial to delineate the best
strategy for their effective control. The aims of the present work were to isolate, identify and characterize
(in terms of production of proteases, gelatinases and siderophores, quorum-sensing inhibition and
biofilm formation) the resident heterotrophic bacteria present in a minimally processed vegetables
(MPV) plant where sodium hypochlorite was used for decontamination. A total of 47 isolates were obtained with 49% belonging to the Pseudomonas genera. Twenty different bacterial species were identified
and the conveyor belt in the high care area was found to be a significant source of contamination. Most of
the isolates were capable of producing virulence related molecules and all isolates were able to form
biofilm. Pseudomonas was the genera with the highest biofilm formation ability, being the predominant
microflora along the process chain. Even if no relevant foodborne pathogen was isolated, the results
clearly propose that improvements in decontamination during processing are required to effectively
control microbial presence in the final product.
Idioma:
Inglês
Tipo (Avaliação Docente):
Científica
Nº de páginas:
8