Using non-thermal plasma for (food) decontamination: the effect on survival, growth and mycotoxin production of Aspergillus flavus.

Van Bouchaute Maja, 2022
Aspergillus flavus is a mould that can spoil crops like corn and different type of nuts, making the crops lose their quality and causing the food industry to lose money. This mould is also dangerous for human health because it produces harmful substances called mycotoxins. One mycotoxin, called aflatoxin B1, can even lead to liver cancer if exposed to it for a long time. The food industry have come up with various ways to make food safer by stopping moulds and toxins from growing in it. They've been using ozone, UV light, microwaves, chemicals, and preservatives. These methods have been successful, but they also have downsides. They might make the food less healthy or affect how it tastes. So, researchers are trying to create new methods that keep food safe and fresh while not affecting its nutrition or flavour. A new promising technique is using non-thermal plasma (NTP). Plasma is the fourth state of matter and thus a gas that is excited by energy. NTP contains substances that can kill different microorganisms such as bacteria and moulds. NTP has benefits, it works well at regular room temperature and can even be used on packaged foods. However, this master dissertation showed no effect of NTP on the mould. Longer treatment times are needed to have an effect but are not practical for real-world situations, especially when dealing with food. So, in conclusion, NTP method might not be the best way to remove Aspergillus flavus from our food.

Promotor Frank Devlieghere
Opleiding Biomedische Wetenschappen
Domein Nutrition and Metabolism
Kernwoorden Aspergillus flavus non-thermal plasma