A test of models for fungal growth based on metabolic heat rate measurements

Författare

Lars Wadsö
Yujing Li

Summary, in English

This paper presents a test of modelling of fungal growth based on the heat produced by Penicillium roqueforti growing on malt extract agar. Thermal power (heat production rate) of P. roqueforti was measured by isothermal calorimetry at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. The equivalent diameter of similar colonies growing at 20°C were measured by image analysis. Four predictive

equations including time lag were tested on the thermal power curves for the accelerated growth phase. All equations were successful in fitting the growth curves and the result did not suggest that one of the equations was superior to the others. P. roqueforti had the fastest growth at 25°C as

judged form the thermal power curves and simulation results. Calorimetric measurements have several advantages over conventional techniques. For example calorimetric measurements are continuous and not limited to organisms growing on agar surfaces; also growth inside of a substrate can be studied. Therefore calorimetry can be a valuable measurement technique in

predictive microbiology.

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