Rapid microbiology: Applications of bioluminescence in the food industry a review

Abstract

The bioluminescent assay of ATP is rapid and simple and may be used as an estimate of microbial numbers. It therefore shows great potential as a technique to provide information on the microbiological quality of a food within a few minutes, in comparison with conventional techniques, which provide results retrospectively. However, despite the advantages of speed and sensitivity, no food microbiologists are using the technique for routine quality control and hygiene monitoring. This review seeks to highlight the reasons for this, and to offer some ideas for future research to increase the acceptance of ATP assays within the food industry.

Determination of sterilization effectiveness by measuring bacterial growth in a biological indicator through firefly luciferase determination of ATP

“…This increased sensitivity was achieved by adding a filtration step to concentrate the cells from the liquid prior to ATP determination. In a recent review on application of ATP measurements to the food industry, Stannard and Gibbs (1986) found that most authors reported sensitivities in the range of 10' organisms/ml; these authors concluded that this level of detection would be appropriate only for highly contaminated samples. However, with liquid samples and the addition of a filtration step, Baumgart et al (1980) detected lo" bacterialmi when a litre of mineral water was filtered.…”

Results of Hygiene Education of Kitchen Cutting Board by using ATP Inspection - Comparison of Vegetable Cutting Board and Meat Cutting Board

“…Although there was a statistically significant difference even before hygiene education, the ATP wiping test values for vegetables and meat was not less than 100, so it can say that hygiene is still insufficient. The ATP wiping test reveals the ATP value within 1 minute, and it is possible to know the number of invisible bacteria 6,7) . For a reason, it used in facilities such as hospitals that require hygiene management 8) , this time, focusing on the cutting board of the kitchen.…”

A portable silicon photodiode luminometer

“…7 shows a standard curve for the bioluminescent assay of ATP. This substance is commonly measured as part of the determination of biomass (Stannard and Gibbs, 1986).…”