29590 - Diagnostic And Predictive Microbiology

Learning outcomes

To give an overview of the potential application of matematical model and statistical procedures to the forecast of microbial growth in food products.

To define the condition for the application of the most important mathematical models used in food industry

Course contents

Definitions, aims and development of predictive microbiology. Possible applications

Matematical models and microbial kinetics: empirical and mechanicistical models

Strategies for the acquisition of data: traditional techniques and innovative methods.

Primary models: growth microbial curves over time. Gompertz equation, Baranyi model, logistic equation. Death microbial curves: from the linear Bigelow model ti the description of non linear kinetics (loglinear models, Weibull equation and rate models for changing temperature).

Secundary models: Ratkowski equation. Experimental designs for the evaluation of the combined effects of different variables on microbial growth parameters and microbial metabolims. Polynomial equations

Tertiary models: applicative softwares for predictive microbiology and databases:: Pathogen Modelling Program, COMbase

Probabilistic models: from chi-squared to loglinear models. Logit equation.

Future perspective: supervised and unsupervised methods

Application of predictive microbiology in food research and industry. 1. Evaluation of the effects of antimicrobials: the case of aroma compounds. Influence on the growth performance of microorganisms and on their death kinetics when associated with a thermal treatment. Advantages and critical points. 2. Study of the factors affecting biogenic amine production in foods. The case of fermented products. Experimental designs used to exploid decarboxylase activity in vitro and in vivo. 3. Spoilage of acid food. Traditional and innovative strategies to stabilize fruit based product. Evaluation of shelf life.

Readings/Bibliography

Specialistic monographies on the subject

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

Specialistic seminars

Practical training lessons

Assessment methods

Oral examination

Teaching tools

Slides of the lessons

Office hours

See the website of Fausto Gardini