Inactivation of natural microorganisms in litchi juice by high-pressure carbon dioxide combined with mild heat and nisin.

The individual and combined effects of high-pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD), mild heat (MH) and nisin (200 ppm) on the inactivation of natural microorganisms, including aerobic bacteria (AB), yeasts and molds (Y&M), in litchi juice were evaluated. The samples were treated at a pressure of 10 MPa and temperatures of 32, 42 or 52 °C for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 min. Temperature played a prominent role in the inactivation of both AB and Y&M when combined with HPCD, particularly for AB at 52 °C and Y&M at temperatures ≥42 °C. Nisin increased the susceptibility of AB to the combined treatment of HPCD and MH (HPCD + MH). A reduction of 4.19 log cycles was achieved by HPCD + MH at 52 °C for 15 min, and complete inactivation of AB was obtained by combination of HPCD, MH and nisin (HPCD + MH + nisin). No significant effect of nisin was found on the inactivation of Y&M.