INACTIVATION OF ESCHERICHIA-COLI BY CARBON-DIOXIDE UNDER PRESSURE

Thermal inactivation of Escherichia coil was studied under CO2 pressur es of 1.2, 2.5, and 5 MPa at 25, 35, and 45 degrees C. Two phases were observed in the destruction curves. The earlier stage was characteriz ed by a slow rare of inactivation, which increased sharply al the late r stage. An increase of pressure and/or temperature enhanced the antim icrobial effects of CO2 under pressure. The effects on cell structure were studied by scanning electron microscopy and the specific mechanis m of action appeared to be related to enzyme inactivation.