Alicyclobacillus Cultivation

Unique Granulated Culture Media

The genus Alicyclobacillus consists of gram-positive, acidophilic and thermophilic, spore-forming bacteria typically found in soil. Alicyclobacillus spores, often brought into food manufacturing facilities on contaminated fruit, are able to survive typical pasteurization procedures. The non-pathogenic bacteria can cause disinfectant-like off-flavors in the final product, especially affecting fruit juices, concentrates, and preparations as well as tomato products. Most spoilage-related studies concerning Alicyclobacillus focus on the species A. acidoterrestris.

Spoilage of shelf stable fruit juice products by Alicyclobacillus bacteria can be very costly to the fruit juice industry. The spores, often present in fruit concentrates, are heat resistant and can survive many heat processes used by juice manufacturers. It is therefore important that concentrates and other raw materials are screened for spores of these taint producers to reduce the risk of spoilage of processed products.

Appropriate Media for Alicyclobacillus Cultivation

Merck provides unique dehydrated culture media for cultivating Alicyclobacillus. The media’s granules, which cause far less dust than powdered media, dissolve rapidly in water and minimize component separation and clumping, even in warm or humid conditions. Its greater solubility and homogeneity makes it easier to use and more efficient. All of Merck’s dehydrated culture media meet the highest performance standards as laid out in ISO 11133.

Reference Method