Abstract
Microbial contamination commonly occurs in microgreens due to contaminated seeds. This study investigated the decontamination effects of water wash (control), 5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), UV-C (36 watts), advanced oxidation process (AOP; H2O2 + UV-C), and improved AOP by combination with microbubbles (MBs; H2O2 + MBs and H2O2 + UV-C + MBs) on microbial loads, seeds’ viability, and physio-biochemical properties of microgreens from corresponding roselle seeds. Results showed that H2O2 and AOP, with and without MBs, significantly reduced total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and molds and yeast log count in seeds as compared to the control. Improved AOP treatment of H2O2 + UV-C + MBs significantly augmented antimicrobial activity against total bacteria and E. coli (not detected,) as compared to control and other treatments due to the formation of the highest hydroxy radicals (5.25 × 10−13 M). Additionally, H2O2 and combined treatments promoted seed germination, improved microbiological quality, total phenolic, flavonoids, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) activity of the grown microgreens. Ascorbic acid content was induced only in microgreens developed from H2O2-treated seeds. Single UV-C treatment was ineffective to inactivate the detected microorganism population in seeds. These findings demonstrated that improved AOP treatment (H2O2 + UV-C + MBs) could potentially be used as a new disinfection technology for seed treatment in microgreens production.
Highlights
Over the past decade, the demand for plant-based diets has been on the rise, compelled by the growing awareness of physical and environmental health in society [1].the quest for wholesome nutrient-dense foods that support environment, health, and longevity, combined with gastronomic delight, is crucial
The roselle seeds were contaminated with different microorganisms mainly related to coliforms and aerobic bacteria, which recorded total viable counts of 7.22 log CFU g−1 and 7.15 log CFU g−1, respectively, for unwashed seeds (Figure 2)
This is followed by the counts of molds and yeast at 6.16 log CFU g−1 and E. coli at 5.13 log CFU g−1
Summary
The demand for plant-based diets has been on the rise, compelled by the growing awareness of physical and environmental health in society [1]. The quest for wholesome nutrient-dense foods that support environment, health, and longevity, combined with gastronomic delight, is crucial. The popularity of microgreens is accelerated worldwide, and this has been ascribed to their high nutrient content with unique flavors, as compared to their seeds and mature plants, along with the fast and convenient production in space-efficient 4.0/). Horticulturae 2022, 8, 53 controlled environments [4]. They are commonly consumed raw, slightly cooked, or as decorative appetizers
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