Solute-specific effects of osmotic stress on Staphylococcus aureus

To determine if cell death from osmotic stress is because of lack of sufficient energy to maintain cell metabolism. Additionally, the solute-specific effect of five humectants on bacterial osmoregulation and cell survival was examined.

Staphylococcus aureus was placed into 84% relative humidity (RH) broth (five humectants used individually). ATP, ADP and cell viability measurements were determined over time. The results indicate that ATP is not the limiting factor for cell survival under excessive osmotic stress. Although the same RH was achieved with various humectants, the rates of cell death varied greatly as did the sensitivities of the cell populations to osmotic stress.

The results from this study provide strong evidence that mechanisms of osmotic inactivation depend on the solute. The molecular mobility of the system may be an important means to explain these differences.

By bringing together an understanding of solute-specific effects, microbial physiology and genetics, the mechanisms of inactivation of micro-organisms by solute-specific osmotic stress may be elucidated, and this knowledge may then be exploited to ensure the production of high quality, safe foods.