Abstract

Published quadratic equations obtained by response surface methodology (RSM) for high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) inactivation of Bacillus cereus spores, Bacillus subtilis spores and cells, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, all in milk buffer, were used to demonstrate the utility of genetic algorithms (GAs). It was possible to obtain several optimum pressure (P), temperature (T) and time (t) combinations for 5 log₁₀ reductions of the mentioned microorganisms in milk buffer by using GAs. Depending on the properties of HHP equipment (maximum operating pressure) or the type of the food product (heat-sensitive), it could be possible to select the suitable P-T-t trio among the alternatives. This study reveals that GAs could be used to optimize HHP inactivation of microorganisms in foods.

Key words: Genetic algorithms, high hydrostatic pressure, inactivation, optimization.