Biofilm development by Listeria innocua in turbulent flow regimes

• Published in: Food control Vol. 17; no. 11; pp. 875 - 883
• Main Authors: Perni, Stefano, Jordan, Suzanne J., Andrew, Peter W., Shama, Gilbert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2006
• Subjects: Biofilm; Listeria innocua; Reynolds number; Biofilm; Reynolds number; Listeria innocua
• ISSN: 0956-7135; 1873-7129
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2005.06.002

Cells of
Listeria innocua grown in continuous culture were recirculated through stainless steel tubes at Reynolds numbers ranging from 9500 to 16,500 for 7 days. Samples of the tubes were removed by a special method and were examined using SEM. Biofilm formation had occurred after only 1 day at Reynolds numbers of 9500 and 11,500 and the extent of coverage increased with time. At the higher Reynolds numbers (13,000 and 16,500) only individual cells were evident after 1 day, but these were developed to form microcolonies. After 7 days biofilms had become established at all four Reynolds numbers.