Haoran Wang

Citation

Thesis Title
Factors contributing to biofilm formation of Yersinia enterocolitica

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Yersinia enterocolitica is an important foodborne pathogenic bacteria and is most commonly found living in pigs and contaminated pork products. Biofilms are the prevailing means by which bacteria protect themselves from environmental pressure. In the food industry, biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria are a potential food safety concern. However, little information about Y. enterocolitica biofilms is available. Ms Wang researched the potential of Y. enterocolitica to form biofilm and persist in the pork processing environment by examining environmental factors influencing its biofilm formation and the mechanism behind it. She found that Y. enterocolitica readily formed biofilm in the pork processing environment and that calcium ion can increase the biofilm formation through the function of a plasmid of the bacteria, called pYV. Her research findings further our knowledge about foodborne pathogens in the form of biofilm and provide guidance to the cleaning practices in the pork industry.

Supervisors
Professor Steve Flint
Associate Professor Jon Palmer