Hydrogen gas accelerates thermal inactivation ofClostridium botulinum 113B spores

Summary Heat inactivation ofClostridium botulinum spores was accelerated in atmospheres containing hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas also moderately increased the thermal destruction ofBacillus spores. Hydrogen gas may react with components inC. botulinum spores such as transition metals producing hydrogen ions or hydrides, which destroy essential spore components. Thermal processing in modified atmospheres may have applications in food processing and in sterilization of medical supplies.