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Malate and glucose in milk incubated with psychrotrophic bacteria
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
L-Malate consumption by the natural microflora of milk and a strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens was followed during storage of milk at 7 degrees C. Use of milk malate by somatic cells from mastitic milk was investigated and found to be insignificant. L-Malate seems to be a potential indicator for the growth of psychrotrophic bacteria in refrigerated milk at levels between 10(5) and 10(7) CFU/ml.
Insights
L-Malate is a potential indicator for psychrotrophic bacteria growth in refrigerated milk. Its consumption by milk microflora and Pseudomonas fluorescens was studied during storage.
Area of Science:
- Food Microbiology
- Dairy Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- L-Malate is a component of milk.
- Psychrotrophic bacteria can contaminate milk and affect its quality.
- Understanding microbial metabolism in milk is crucial for food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate L-Malate consumption by milk microflora and Pseudomonas fluorescens during refrigerated storage.
- To assess the role of somatic cells in mastitic milk in L-Malate utilization.
- To determine if L-Malate can serve as an indicator for psychrotrophic bacterial growth in milk.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring L-Malate levels in milk stored at 7°C.
- Inoculating milk with Pseudomonas fluorescens.
- Analyzing L-Malate consumption by somatic cells from mastitic milk.
Main Results:
- L-Malate was consumed by the natural microflora and Pseudomonas fluorescens in milk during storage at 7°C.
- Somatic cells from mastitic milk showed insignificant L-Malate utilization.
- L-Malate consumption correlated with psychrotrophic bacterial levels between 10^5 and 10^7 CFU/ml.
Conclusions:
- L-Malate serves as a potential biomarker for psychrotrophic bacterial contamination in refrigerated milk.
- Pseudomonas fluorescens actively consumes L-Malate in milk.
- Somatic cell activity does not significantly impact L-Malate levels in mastitic milk.