Anaerobic Bacteria Count
Mainly anaerobic bacteria are microorganisms that do not need oxygen energy for metabolism. Therefore, it has a different structure from other types of organisms, namely aerobes, which need oxygen for their energy needs. Compared to aerobes, which need oxygen to grow, anaerobes use a variety of other substances during metabolism.Like other anaerobic organisms, anaerobic bacteria do not need oxygen for respiration. Rather, various organic and inorganic substances are used as electron acceptors during this process. Some anaerobes can tolerate oxygen and use it for respiration. However, the vast majority of anaerobics cannot tolerate oxygen and are even toxic to bacteria.
Bacteria are classified according to their oxygen needs and tolerance. Facultative bacteria grow aerobically or anaerobically in the presence or absence of oxygen. Microaerophilic bacteria require low oxygen concentration and most require high carbon dioxide concentration, they grow very poorly anaerobically.
Knowing what types of anaerobic bacteria are in foodstuffs is necessary, especially for foodstuffs that are desired to have a longer shelf life.
Depending on the species, anaerobic bacteria increase toxin production in foods and impair the acceptability of foods. Therefore, various methods are used to limit the problems in foods associated with anaerobic bacteria. Such as canning and UHT method, vacuum packaging, packaging materials with low oxygen permeability, controlling the pH value or applying low heat treatment (pasteurization). Which method will be used depends on the anaerobic bacteria count results.
Our organization also provides anaerobic bacteria counting services to businesses within the framework of laboratory testing services.
