Performance of response surface model for prediction of Leuconostoc mesenteroides growth parameters under different experimental conditions

The combined effects of different temperatures (10.5–24.5 °C), pH level (5.5–7.5), sodium chloride levels (0.25–6.25%) and sodium nitrite levels (0–200 ppm) on the predicted growth rate and lag-time of Leuconostoc mesenteroides under aerobic and anaerobic conditions was studied. The response surface (RS) model developed provided reliable estimates of the three kinetic parameters studied, with a bias factor between 0.86 and 1.18 and an accuracy factor between 1.13 and 1.31, in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. For both conditions, SEP values ranged between 15.62% and 27.63%. The developed models are a valuable tool, enabling its application for shelf-life estimation of a food product.