Antibacterial activity of lime (Citrus x aurantifolia) essential oil against Listeria monocytogenes in tyndallised apple juice
Palabras clave:
essential oil, lime, Listeria monocytogenes, antimicrobial, apple juiceResumen
The antibacterial activity of lime (Citrus x aurantifolia) essential oil (EO) against the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in tyndallised apple juice was studied at two temperatures. The EO concentration required to produce a significant increase in the lag phase of bacterial growth was determined. The addition of 200 μL of lime EO per 100 mL of apple juice completely inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes at 5 oC and at 37 oC. This concentration of EO extended the lag time at least 292.7% compared to juice without EO. This is especially important considering that L. monocytogenes was able to grow in the juice at low temperatures in the absence of EOs.