What You Need to Know
These interventions alter temperature, acidity, and water activity to shift microbial metabolic pathways, denature proteins, and inhibit nucleic acid synthesis. Thermal processing induces protein denaturation and Maillard reaction products, while high‑pressure processing disrupts cell membranes. Acidification and reduced water activity inhibit enzyme activity and microbial replication.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms through thermal, pressure, or chemical hurdles