A Novel Sterilized Method forEscherichia coliInfected Eggs: Atmospheric Arc Discharge Technology

Abstract

In order to avoid environmental microorganism pollution of fresh eggs, a novel arc discharge equipment was built up, which can be worked in air environment at room temperature. As a case, clean and fresh eggs were inoculated withEscherichia coli(E. coil, 106∼ 108Colony-Forming Units (CFU)/mL) suspension, then eradiated under the atmospheric arc discharge for different durations. Surface and cross section morphologies of irradiatedE. colicollected from the eggs respectively by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis indicate that arc plasma phase could effectively and efficiently inactivateE. coliin a very short duration time through etching effect and protein leakage. Subsequently, the analysis of chamber diameter was measured to assess the storage and freshness preservation performances of eggs. Our results indicated that this technology could effectively inactivateE. colisuspended on the surface of eggshell and extend egg shelf-life, which open the possibility of industrial applications of atmospheric arc discharge in sterile area.