In conclusion, endospore inactivation by high temperature or
high temperature/high pressure processes may be accelerated by
membrane-active antimicrobials. However, the effect of antimicrobial compounds present during high temperature/high-pressure
treatments on endospore inactivation appears to depend on their
mode of action. Nisin, an antimicrobial that facilitates the release of
DPA via pores, accelerated endospore inactivation but reutericyclin,
a proton ionophore, has no effect or antagonistic effects. Remarkably, the effect of nisin was most pronounced for pressure and heat
resistant B. amyloliquefaciens endospores. The development of high
pressure/high pressure processes for food preservation will benefit
from insights into mechanisms responsible for endospore resistance. With a more definitive understanding of endospore physiology, particularly the properties of endospore membranes and
responses to processing, highly specific and effective intervention
strategies can be designed.