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To investigate the mechnisms of how the interactions among various Salmonella and STEC serotypes would affect biofilm formation on different solid surfaces, and to analyze the resistance of the single- or multi-species biofilms to various sanitizing reagents commonly used in the meat processing plants.
Approach:
We will test the effects of co-inoculation of Salmonella, STEC O157:H7, and non-O157 strains on biofilm formation. These tests will be performed on materials commonly used in the meat industry, such as stainless steel and plastic. We will further test biofilm formation on solid surfaces with preformed biofilms by different species, which mimics a likely event in commercial production. To study the effect of bacterial coexistence on biofilm resistance to sanitation, sanitizers commonly used in meat processing plants, including VanquishTM, chlorine, and hydrogen peroxide, etc., will be tested to compare their effectiveness against single- or multi-species biofilms. The effects of sanitizers alone and after hot-water pressure washing will be determined to mimic in-plant sanitizing conditions.