[Growth kinetics and proteases production of Pseudomonas fluorescens in raw milk at refrigeration]

The general use of refrigeration of raw milk has contributed to maintenance of its quality, but has induced the selection of a psychotrophic bacteria which during its growth produces heat-resistant enzymes responsible, in part, for the deterioration of long-life products. Given the condition of the prolonged refrigeration of the milk before the process, it was necessary to determine the growth curves for bacteria at temperatures between 2 degrees C and 10 degrees C and the kinetics of production of proteases in raw fresh milk, inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens RV1O, using an automatic fermentation system, with minimal agitation under conditions of controlled temperature and pH. The results show a development over 10(5) ufc/mL in the cultures at 6 degrees, 8 degrees and 10 degrees C during the first 30 h and proteasic activities over 30 microM p-NA/2 h getting levels of de 80-180 microM p-NA/2 h over 50 h of cultivation. Only the cultures at 2 degrees C appeared stable with inferior cell counts and without inducing enzymatic activity. At 4 degrees C an intermediate situation occurs.