1) To determine the synergistic inhibitory effect of nisin and plant-derived antimicrobials on vegetative and spore forms of bacteria and the effects of the antimicrobials on spore germination and inactivation behaviors.
2) To investigate the mechanisms of action of the antimicrobials against the tested bacteria.
3) To evaluate the interactive effects of food ingredients, water soluble starch, beef extract, sunflower oil and pH on the efficiency of the antimicrobials and the application of the antimicrobials in real food system.