Effect of preheating on high hydrostatic pressure-induced germination of Bacillus subtilis spores

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of preheating on high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)-induced germination of Bacillus subtilis spores. HHP-induced germination at 100 MPa was accelerated by preheating at 50–70 °C and suppressed at 80–100 °C. Conversely, HHP germination induction at 600 MPa was accelerated with increasing preheating temperature from 50 to 100 °C. Additionally, preheating at 90 °C suppressed HHP-induced germination at 100–300 MPa, exerted no effect at 400–500 MPa, and promoted induction at 600 MPa. In conclusion, the impact of preheating on HHP-induced germination varies with both pressure level and preheating temperature.