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Chapter 1<br />

observation has also been reported previously. Evans et al., detailed how<br />

consecutive outbreaks <strong>of</strong> S. Enteritidis PT4 were traced back to baking<br />

equipment [109]. Stocki et al. hypothesised that Salmonella colonization<br />

and persistence on egg conveyor belts can be attributed to the surface<br />

type (plastic, vinyl, nylon, hemp-plastic) more than the presence <strong>of</strong> the rdar<br />

morphotype (physiological adaptation commonly associated with<br />

Salmonella bi<strong>of</strong>ilm formation) [67].<br />

1.15.4. Methods for Bi<strong>of</strong>ilm analysis<br />

Numerous research projects have focussed on the use <strong>of</strong> the microtitre<br />

plate system for the assessment <strong>of</strong> bi<strong>of</strong>ilm formation due to its high<br />

throughput nature and ease <strong>of</strong> use [56, 86, 96, 110-113]. In brief, the test<br />

organisms are grown in a microtitre plate at optimal temperature in the<br />

presence <strong>of</strong> a nutrition source (usually Tryptic Soy Broth or Luria-Bertani<br />

Broth) for 2-28 days (depending on experimental design). After the bi<strong>of</strong>ilm<br />

has formed on the surface the density <strong>of</strong> cellular attachment is quantified<br />

by reading optical density after indicator dye has been added (such as<br />

crystal violet). This bi<strong>of</strong>ilm method is static (no consistent flow <strong>of</strong> nutrients)<br />

therefore it may not reflect real-life conditions <strong>of</strong> bi<strong>of</strong>ilm in industry where<br />

a bi<strong>of</strong>ilm may generally be in contact with flow <strong>of</strong> liquids and nutrients.<br />

Also, the surface properties <strong>of</strong> the polystyrene microtitre plate systems<br />

may not reflect the stainless steel, glass and concrete surfaces usually<br />

found in many industrial food processing areas [107].<br />

The Minimum Bi<strong>of</strong>ilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) previously<br />

referred to as the Calgary device [114] was designed as a suitable<br />

alternative to the microtitre plate method. The lid <strong>of</strong> the plate is set with<br />

96 individual plugs that can fit into the each well <strong>of</strong> a 96 well microtitre<br />

plate. The plugs can be coated with a particular finish <strong>of</strong> material (i.e.<br />

Page<br />

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