Viability of heat‐stressed cells of micro‐organisms as influenced by pre‐incubation and post‐incubation temperatures

Abstract
The viability of heat‐stressed cells of Escherichia coli was influenced by the temperature of incubation prior and subsequent to heat treatment. The effect of pre‐incubation temperature on the viability of heated cells was almost constant regardless of heating temperature in the range 48–54°C. The involvement of the change in fluidity of the membrane was suggested as a cause of the effects of pre‐incubation and post‐incubation. These phenomena were observed with other Gram negative and positive bacteria, and yeasts.