7.3. Mechanisms of Microbial Inactivation
A microbial cell subjected to a PEF of sufficient strength undergoes membrane permeabilization. The magnitude of the transmembrane potential (TMP) determines whether the formation of pores is reversible (electrical) or irreversible (mechanical). A correlation between PEF inhibition and membrane permeabilization of Lactobacillus plantarum LA 10 to 11 cells was demonstrated by Wouters et al. (2001b), whereas no relationship was observed between membrane permeabilization and heat inactivation. Results indicated that the ability of PEF treatment to cause membrane permeabilization was the most important factor in determining inactivation.
The exact mode of action for pore formation still remains unclear. Some ...
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