Effective Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms on Stainless Steel by Peroxyacetic Acid: Advancing Food Safety Protocols

Netsai  Sriaksorn; Natticha  Tanavichitroek; Sompong  Harichanwong; Nujarin  Jongruja; Chanan Angsuthanasombat

Authors

Netsai Sriaksorn Department of Research and Development, Flussig Chem Co., Ltd., and Nithimai Co., Ltd., Bangkok, 10250 Thailand
Natticha Tanavichitroek Department of Research and Development, Flussig Chem Co., Ltd., and Nithimai Co., Ltd., Bangkok, 10250 Thailand
Sompong Harichanwong Department of Research and Development, Flussig Chem Co., Ltd., and Nithimai Co., Ltd., Bangkok, 10250 Thailand
Nujarin Jongruja Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140 Thailand
Chanan Angsuthanasombat Center for Advanced Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Salaya Campus, Mahidol University, Nakorn Pathom, 73170 Thailand

Keywords:

Listeria monocytogenes, Biofilm, Peroxyacetic acid, Stainless steel

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes biofilms are highly resilient on food-contact surfaces, posing a persistent risk in the food industry. Effective strategies to control these biofilms are essential for ensuring food safety. This study quantitatively evaluated the efficacy of a commercial peroxyacetic acid (PAA) disinfectant in inactivating L. monocytogenes biofilms on stainless steel (SS) surfaces. Biofilms established on SS coupons were visualized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and assessed via culturable cell counts. FESEM revealed that treatment with 240 ppm PAA for 15 min had minimal impact, with regrowth occurring within 48 h, highlighting the higher resistance of biofilm-embedded cells compared to planktonic cells (MIC: 60 ppm). Untreated biofilms exhibited regrowth within 24 h. Higher concentrations (480 and 720 ppm) induced pronounced morphological changes, including visible holes and cell damage. Regrowth occurred at 480 ppm within 72 h, whereas 720 ppm completely prevented bacterial recovery (log reduction >6.0) for up to 168 h (7 days), irrespective of 5- or 10-min exposure. These results demonstrate the dose-dependent efficacy of PAA and support the use of 720 ppm for at least 5 min as an effective strategy to disrupt L. monocytogenes biofilms and prevent regrowth in food-processing environments.

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