Scientific Study & Research: Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Industry (Dec 2018)

PROCESSING SLIME FROM SNAIL (HELIX ASPERSA MAXIMA): A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EFFECT ON MICROBIAL LOAD

  • Raquel Teixeira,
  • Joana Barbosa,
  • Helena Albano,
  • Cláudia Maciel,
  • Joana Silva,
  • Jorge A. Saraiva,
  • Sónia M. Castro,
  • Paula Teixeira

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 4
pp. 361 – 374

Abstract

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Slime from earth snails (Helix aspersa maxima) is a sub-product often used in the cosmetic industry. Due to its origin, a decontamination process ought to be considered. After exposure to UV radiation, no significant (P > 0.05) reduction of the initial microbial load of slime was observed, while treated at 60 °C, a decrease of 4.0 log CFU∙mL-1 was obtained (when compared to non-treated slime). A similar reduction was attained for pressurized (500 MPa) slime. The sequential combination of temperature and pressure treatment had a similar effect (P > 0.05) on the microbial load when compared to 400 MPa (30 min), but the reduction was higher when compared to the less intense treatments (60 °C, 15 min; 400 MPa, 15 min). Overall, the results suggest that pressure ( 400 MPa) is a promising technology for processing snail slime, which can have positive effects on its microbial load, for further use in the cosmetic industry.

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