Work

Resistance of Multispecies Biofilms to Sanitization with Chlorine, Peroxyacetic Acid, and Ozone Nano-bubble−Activated Water

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: • The impact of chlorine, peracetic acid and ozone on biofilms was determined. • Sanitisers were used to treat 12 multi-species biofilms. • The biomass of biofilms formed at 4 °C was higher when compared to 25 °C. • Sanitisers differentially impacted multi-species biofilms. • None of the biofilms resisted all three sanitisers. Microbial communities that permanently persist in food processing facilities challenge food safety and food quality. Sanitization resistance is enhanced by the formation of biofilms but sanitization resistance in multi-species biofilms remains poorly documented. It was therefore the objective of this study to determine the resistance of biofilms formed by 12 microbial communities to 200 ppm chlorine, 40 ppm peracetic acid and nano-bubbles with 7 ppm ozone. The composition of the microbial communities was analyzed by culture and by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The microbial communities, previously isolated from a pork processing facility, consisted of 6 – 19 bacterial strains each and together comprised 130 strains representing 19 genera. All 12 communities formed dense biofilms at 4 °C and, to a lesser extent ( P <0.05), during growth at 25 °C. The resistance of the microbial communities to chlorine, peracetic acid and ozone nano-bubbles was specific for the microbial community and the incubation temperature ( P <0.05). One or more of the microbial communities resisted chlorine, peracetic acid or ozone nano-bubbles but none of the microbial communities was resistant to all three sanitizers. Sanitization altered the composition of microbial communities in a strain-specific manner. Results imply that incorporating a rotation of several different sanitizers as part of routine sanitization protocols may be a practical and effective strategy to improve sanitization outcomes and reduce the persistence of biofilms in meat processing facilities.

Source: Journal of Food Protection

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2026.100719

Authors: Yatong C. Jiang, Michael G. Gänzle

Institution: University of Alberta

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,300