How bioluminescence helps verify a clean environment for food manufacturing

Remember learning about bioluminescence in science class? It’s the chemical conversion of energy into light emission within a living organism – and fireflies are probably the best-known example. In fireflies, the light, or bioluminescence, is a result of a reaction that requires energy derived from Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. Bioluminescence has another use besides helping fireflies light up the sky – it can be used as an indicator of living organisms.

ATP is the biological molecule in which fireflies and all living organisms including animals, plants, bacteria, yeast and mold store and use energy. And, because it is present in all living things, ATP can be used as a universal marker for the presence of microbiological contamination and organic matter.

3M scientists have tapped into this powerful marker. The 3M™ Clean-Trace™ Hygiene Monitoring and Management System utilizes ATP bioluminescence technology to detect microorganisms in ultra-high temperature pasteurization and extended shelf life processed products.

The principle is the following: If microorganisms are still present after a heat process like ultra-high pasteurization, they will produce ATP as they start growing. So, ATP can be used as an indirect measurement of microbial contamination.

“ATP is a highly efficient way to verify cleaning beyond a visual inspection,” says Taylor Lecy, a technical service analyst for 3M Food Safety. “It provides quantitative information quickly and easily to help verify that cleaning procedures are working.”

ATP bioluminescence technology has emerged as a rapid method for detection of organic matter, which may include microorganisms, in food and food industry surfaces. It is simple, highly sensitive, cost effective and rapid, compared to conventional microbial detection methods, which may take days. It provides real-time results within minutes.

Learn more about breakthroughs in science that help food processors.