Combined Effects of Antioxidants and Temperature on Survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
The effects of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and propyl gallate on survival and growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae upon exposure to elevated and reduced temperatures were determined. The rate of death of cells heated at 50°C was enhanced by as little as 50 ppm of BHA, 100 ppm of TBHQ and 500 ppm of propyl gallate. Sucrose afforded a protective effect against heat inactivation, but this effect was reduced substantially by 100 ppm of BHA, 200 ppm of TBRQ and 750 ppm of propyl gallate. At 4°C, antioxidants either significantly retarded or prohibited the rate of growth and, at −18°C, antioxidants enhanced the rate of death of S. cerevisiae. It is suggested that antioxidants may play a more extensive role as antimycotic agents during processing and storage of foods than previously recognized.