[Inactivation of bacterial spores by high hydrostatic pressure]

Abstract

High pressure biotechnology was developed in Japan in the 90's. This new technology has been used in several domains, including chemical synthesis, food industry, physical chemistry of proteins. Moreover, it could be used instead of heat or chemical treatment for inactivation of pathogenic micro-organisms. Hydrostatic pressures ranging from 100 to 300 MPa cause the inactivation of viruses, parasites, yeast and bacteria. However, bacterial spores are particularly resistant and their inactivation by high hydrostatic pressure can be achieved in combination with synergistic treatments (heat, chemicals and ultrasound).