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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #211961
Title: Comparison of Disinfectants for Control of Listeria Biofilms

Author
item KRAMER, S - STERILEX CORP
item ZAMBELLI-WARNER, A - STERILEX CORP
item Arnold, Judy

Submitted to: International Association for Food Protection
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2007
Publication Date: 7/10/2007
Citation: Kramer, S., Zambelli-Warner, A., Arnold, J.W. 2007. Comparison of Disinfectants for Control of Listeria Biofilms. International Association for Food Protection.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction: The generation of protective biofilms by microorganisms that aggregate on food processing equipment surfaces is a major contributing factor to contamination and disinfection failure in meat and poultry processing facilities. Traditional disinfectants and cleaners do not effectively hydrolyze the biofilm matrix and are therefore unable to adequately control pathogens that are embedded within it. There is an urgent need for recognition of the importance of controlling biofilms, including the development and use of novel products that can effectively control Listeria monocytogenes biofilms in food processing environments. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish baseline biofilm removal efficacy of the Sterilex core technology that has shown excellent results in the field and in preliminary studies against L. monocytogenes, as well as to compare biofilm removal efficacy against standard disinfectants and cleaners. Methods: Biofilms of L. monocytogenes (ATCC 19114) were grown on stainless steel coupons in test tubes, treated with a test agent, then stained with the biomass indicator crystal violet. All samples were performed in triplicate, and the experiments were replicated. Percent removal was calculated as 1-[(ODtreated-ODblank)/(ODuntreated-ODblank)]. A threshold of 90% removal indicated good biofilm removal. Results: At the recommended “shock” dose of test compound (1:10), 100% biofilm removal was achieved. At the recommended maintenance treatment of test compound (1:20), 93% biofilm removal was achieved, as well as a 4-log reduction in total counts. At similar percentages of active ingredients, a quaternary ammonium compound alone achieved 78% biofilm removal at the maintenance level, hydrogen peroxide achieved 76% removal, and an alkaline detergent achieved 75% removal. Significance: The test compound had both antimicrobial and biofilm removal efficacy.