[Analysis of Maximum Growth Rate and Construction of Predictive Growth Model for Bacillus cereusin Mashed Potato by Calorimetric Method].

The maximum growth rate (µmax) of Bacillus cereus was estimated using a non-destructive isothermal calorimetric method, and a growth prediction model was constructed based on the measurement results. SCD medium and mashed potato were inoculated with serial-diluted inoculum of B. cereus. Heat generation curves were determined using an isothermal calorimeter at 35, 25, and 15℃. The µmax was determined from the relationship between the increase in B. cereus cell number and incubation time, which was detected through the heat generation of the B. cereus biological process. Moreover, the growth prediction model was constructed using Ratkowsky's square-root model. The results of the growth prediction model based on the data of the calorimetric and conventional culture methods for SCD were expressed as √µCalmax=0.0354 (T-4.9)[R2=0.99] and √µCCMmax=0.0335 (T-5.0)[R2=0.99]; a similar equation was provided by both methods. Conversely, the results of the growth prediction model based on the calorimetric method data for mashed potato were given as √µCalmax=0.0390 (T-8.5)[R2=0.99]; the maximum growth rates at 30 and 20℃ were predicted as 0.70 and 0.20 (1/hr), respectively. The maximum growth rates obtained using the conventional culture method were 0.63 and 0.29 (1/hr), respectively, similar to the calorimetric method results. The predictive microbiological analysis using the calorimetric method enabled the rapid provision of a growth prediction equation, and the number of samples could be substantially reduced compared with that for the conventional culture method.

Application of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Evaluating the Quality of Fish Fillets.

Consumption of fish is rapidly increasing worldwide. It is important to evaluate fish fillet quality because fish undergoes physical and chemical changes during frozen storage. Fish fillets exhibit formaldehyde (FA) accumulation from the decomposition of trimethylamine N-oxide. FA is a powerful protein denaturant; thus, it is important to avoid FA buildup during fish processing to preserve fish quality, especially texture. To determine where FA accumulates, in order to maintain the quality of fish fillets, we performed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging, aiming to identify muscle-derived peptides, which reflect conditions such as denaturation and/or aggregation. We used frozen sections from which lipophilic molecules were washed out and detected various peptide peaks. Furthermore, we tried to identify indices to represent fish fillet softening by protease treatment. We could detect characteristic peaks owing to FA and protease treatment; the findings were consistent with the results of texture profiles showing fish fillet's real solidity. These molecules might thus serve as effective markers to evaluate fish fillet quality.