Heat adaptation of Escherichia coli K12: Effect of acid and glucose

Abstract The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of the (possible) acid adaptation during growth in a glucose rich environment on the heat resistance of Escherichia coli K12 MG1655. E. coli cells were grown in TSB and/or TSB dextrose free broth until they reached the stationary phase. Afterwards, the stationary phase cells were added in TSB and/or TSB dextrose free broth and inactivation took place at 54 o C and 58 o C. It was observed that growth in a glucose rich environment leads to an increased heat resistance, most likely due to a certain level of acid and further heat adaptation via cross protection.