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*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
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Abstract

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
Original languageEnglish
Article number4
Pages (from-to)361-373
Number of pages13
JournalScientific Study and Research: Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Industry
Volume19
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • High pressure
  • Microorganisms
  • Snail (Helix aspersa maxima)
  • Temperature
  • UV radiation

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