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Modeling the Growth and Interaction Between Brochothrix thermosphacta, Pseudomonas spp., and Leuconostoc gelidum in
Emilie Cauchie1, Laurent Delhalle1, Ghislain Baré1
1Department of Food Sciences, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to obtain the growth parameters of specific spoilage micro-organisms previously isolated in minced pork (MP) samples and to develop a three-spoilage species interaction model under different storage conditions. Naturally contaminated samples were used to validate this approach by considering the effect of the food microbiota. Three groups of bacteria were inoculated on irradiated samples, in mono- and in co-culture experiments (n = 1152): Brochothrix thermosphacta, Leuconostoc gelidum, and Pseudomonas spp. (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas fragi). Samples were stored in two food packaging [food wrap and modified atmosphere packaging (CO2 30%/O2 70%)] at three isothermal conditions (4, 8, and 12°C). Analysis was carried out by using both 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and classical microbiology in order to estimate bacterial counts during the storage period. Growth parameters were obtained by fitting primary (Baranyi) and secondary (square root) models. The food packaging shows the highest impact on bacterial growth rates, which in turn have the strongest influence on the shelf life of food products. Based on these results, a three-spoilage species interaction model was developed by using the modified Jameson-effect model and the Lotka Volterra (prey-predator) model. The modified Jameson-effect model showed slightly better performances, with 40-86% out of the observed counts falling into the Acceptable Simulation Zone (ASZ). It only concerns 14-48% for the prey-predator approach. These results can be explained by the fact that the dynamics of experimental and validation datasets seems to follow a Jameson behavior. On the other hand, the Lotka Volterra model is based on complex interaction factors, which are included in highly variable intervals. More datasets are probably needed to obtained reliable factors, and so better model fittings, especially for three- or more-spoilage species interaction models. Further studies are also needed to better understand the interaction of spoilage bacteria between them and in the presence of natural microbiota.
Insights
This study modeled spoilage bacteria growth in minced pork, finding food packaging significantly impacts shelf life. The modified Jameson-effect model better predicted bacterial interactions than the prey-predator model.
Area of Science:
- Food Microbiology
- Predictive Modeling
- Food Science
Background:
- Specific spoilage microorganisms (SSMs) in minced pork (MP) impact food safety and shelf life.
- Understanding microbial interactions and growth kinetics is crucial for predicting spoilage.
- Existing models may not fully capture complex multi-species dynamics in food systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine growth parameters for key spoilage bacteria in minced pork.
- To develop and compare predictive models for three-species spoilage interactions.
- To assess the influence of packaging and storage temperature on bacterial growth and shelf life.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of minced pork with *Brochothrix thermosphacta*, *Leuconostoc gelidum*, and *Pseudomonas* spp. in mono- and co-cultures.
- Storage under different packaging (food wrap, modified atmosphere packaging) and isothermal conditions (4, 8, 12°C).
- Analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and classical microbiology, with Baranyi and square root models for growth parameters.
- Development and validation of interaction models (modified Jameson-effect and Lotka Volterra prey-predator).
Main Results:
- Food packaging demonstrated the most significant impact on bacterial growth rates and subsequent shelf life.
- The modified Jameson-effect model achieved higher accuracy (40-86% in Acceptable Simulation Zone) compared to the Lotka Volterra model (14-48%).
- Experimental data dynamics aligned better with Jameson-type behavior, suggesting limitations in applying complex prey-predator models without extensive data.
Conclusions:
- Food packaging is a critical factor controlling spoilage dynamics in minced pork.
- The modified Jameson-effect model shows promise for predicting spoilage interactions in this food system.
- Further research is needed to refine multi-species interaction models and understand interactions with natural microbiota.
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