Effect Of Cold Plasma Treatment Research Articles

The effect of cold plasma treatment on quality attributes and shelf life of apples

The effectiveness of atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma was compared with existing decontamination methods for improving the quality and shelf life of apples. The samples were stored in two different storage conditions (ambient, 27 ± 3 °C; and cold, 10 ± 1 °C) to check the effect of storage temperature on their shelf life. The microbial load on the apples was reduced after all the treatments, and samples stored at 10 ℃ showed a higher reduction in microbial load with increased shelf life. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activities showed a significant reduction after cold plasma treatment; however, peroxidase (POD) activity showed a lower reduction than PPO and PAL enzymes. Color changes evaluated using L*, a*, and b* values showed higher retention for the red color in the treated samples compared to control samples, and the firmness of all treated samples was maintained throughout the storage period. The total phenolic content (TPC) increased after cold plasma treatment and carotenoid content was retained in the treated samples. In addition, the present study demonstrated that the novel cold plasma decontamination method was more effective in reducing the pesticides (Malathion, Fenthion, and Chlorpyrifos) from the apple surfaces than the conventional methods. Cold plasma can be a better alternative for decontaminating apples; however, other hurdles may be required to increase their shelf life further.

Effects of cold plasma treatment on the biological performances of decellularized bovine pericardium extracellular matrix-based films for biomedical applications

Aim: Since decades, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-derived materials have received worldwide attention as promising biomaterials for tissue engineering and biomedical applications. Soluble dECM is a versatile raw material that can be easily engineered into the desired shapes and structures. However, there are still some limitations restricting its use, including low hydrophilicity and smooth surfaces, which negatively influence cell adhesion/spreading. The objective of the present study was to investigate surface modification by nitrogen/hydrogen (N2/H2) low-pressure cold plasma treatment as a potential technique to improve the biological response of bovine pericardium dECM films. Methods: Bovine pericardium dECM was enzymatically digested and lyophilized prior to the preparation of thin films via solvent-casting method. Changes in surface properties after plasma treatment were investigated using water contact angle (WCA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Immunofluorescence staining and resazurin assay for human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) cultured on the dECM films were used to assess the bioactivity of dECM films. Finally, the hemocompatibility of the films was investigated via clotting time and hemolysis assay. Results: WCA and XPS results revealed that oxygen (O)- and N-containing functional groups were incorporated onto the film surface and an increase in hydrophilicity was observed after plasma treatment. In vitro experiments showed that cell adhesion in plasma-treated dECM films is much faster if compared to the untreated controls. Moreover, the fibroblast proliferation increased after plasma surface modifications. Finally, the hemocompatibility analysis results indicated a delayed blood clotting and no hemolytic effects for all the tested samples. Conclusions: These findings confirmed the potential of dECM as raw material for biocompatible thin films fabrication. Additionally, plasma surface treatment emerged as an eco-friendly and cost-effective strategy to enhance in vitro cell attachment and proliferation on dECM films, expanding their applications in biomedicine.

Preserving wheat flour with cellulose nanocomposite packaging and cold plasma treatment: Eliminating fungal contamination and improving functionality

The main aim of the present study was to produce uncontaminated flour that preserves its quality without undergoing any alterations. The present study investigated the effects of cold plasma treatment, carboxymethyl cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol/nanoclay (CMC/PVA/nanoclay—CPN) packaging, and the combined treatment of cold plasma and cellulose nanocomposite packaging on wheat flour's shelf life and quality during storage. Our findings strongly suggest that the synergistic application of cold plasma treatment and CPN packaging holds remarkable potential for the complete decontamination of A. flavus. In terms of wheat flour functionality, our results highlight the superior performance of the combined approach of cold plasma treatment and CPN packaging when compared to their individual utilization and the control group. However, it should be noted that there appears to be a decline in the preservation of wheat flour quality during storage. A. flavus was effectively eradicated from flour samples through plasma treatment at 12 and 15 kV voltage levels. However, this treatment had notable effects on dry and wet gluten and starch compositions. Our results suggest combining CPN packaging with cold plasma treatment is viable for extending wheat flour's gluten and starch content during storage. Treatment B, with 10 kV applied for 7 min, and Treatment C, with 10 kV applied for 10 min, exhibit positive preservation results. The above findings contribute to understanding and advancing techniques to effectively preserve flour-based culinary products' quality and nutritional value.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Medicine: Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities for Predictive Control

Plasma medicine is an emerging field that applies the science and engineering of physical plasma to biomedical applications. Low-temperature plasma, also known as cold plasma, is generated via the ionization of atoms in a gas, generally via exposure to strong electric fields, and consists of ions, free radicals, and molecules at varying energy states. Plasmas generated at low temperatures (approximately room temperature) have been used for applications in dermatology, oncology, and anti-microbial strategies. Despite current and ongoing clinical use, the exact mechanisms of action and the full range of effects of cold plasma treatment on cells are only just beginning to be understood. Direct and indirect effects of plasma on immune cells have the potential to be utilized for various applications such as immunomodulation, anti-infective therapies, and regulating inflammation. In this review, we combine diverse expertise in the fields of plasma chemistry, device design, and immunobiology to cover the history and current state of plasma medicine, basic plasma chemistry and their implications, the effects of cold atmospheric plasma on host cells with their potential immunological consequences, future directions, and the outlook and recommendations for plasma medicine.

Application of cold argon plasma on germination, root length, and decontamination of soybean cultivars

Applying cold discharge plasma can potentially alter plants' germination characteristics by triggering their physiological activities. As a main crop in many countries, soybean was examined in the present study using cultivars such as Arian, Katoul, Saba, Sari, and Williams in a cold argon plasma. This study has been motivated by the importance of plant production worldwide, considering climate change and the increasing needs of human populations for food. This study was performed to inspect the effect of cold plasma treatment on seed germination and the impact of argon plasma on microbial decontamination was investigated on soybeans. Also, the employed cultivars have not been studied until now the radicals generated from argon were detected by optical emission spectrometry (OES), and a collisional radiative model was used to describe electron density. The germination properties, including final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), root length, and electrical conductivity of biomolecules released from the seeds, were investigated after the plasma treatments for 30, 60, 180, 300, and 420 s. The decontamination effect of the plasma on Aspergillus flavus (A.flavus) and Fusarium solani (F.solani) was also examined. The plasma for 60 s induced a maximum FGP change of 23.12 ± 0.34% and a lowest MGT value of 1.40 ± 0.007 days. Moreover, the ultimate root length was 56.12 ± 2.89%, in the seeds treated for 60 s. The plasma exposure, however, failed to yield a significant enhancement in electrical conductivity, even when the discharge duration was extended to 180 s or longer. Therefore, the plasma duration of 180 s was selected for the blotter technique. Both fungi showed successful sterilization; their infectivity inhibition was 67 ± 4 and 65 ± 3.1%, respectively. In general, the cold plasma used for soybeans in the present study preserved their healthy qualities and reduced the degree of fungal contamination.

Effect of cold plasma treatment and plasma‐activated water on physicochemical and structural properties of starch: A green and novel approach for environmental sustainability

AbstractStarch is a crucial part of the human dietary regimen. Still, its restricted water solubility, low viscosity, and weak heat stability are unfavorable physicochemical characteristics that restrict its use in food applications. So, in the 21st century, green and novel technologies such as cold plasma technology (CPT) and plasma‐activated water (PAW) have been employed for starch modification to improve the starch's physicochemical, digestibility, functional, structural, and thermal properties. This article provided an in‐depth evaluation of the use of cold plasma intervention in starch systems. Moreover, starch was modified due to cross‐linking, plasma etching, and depolymerization mechanisms mediated by plasma species. We may conclude that CPT and PAW are substitute methods for changing starch characteristics.

Effects of cold plasma treatment on reactive oxygen metabolism and storage quality of Brassica chinensis

Cold plasma (CP) is a promising non-thermal food preservation technique, which is used for the preservation of fruits and vegetables. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of CP treatment on the reactive oxygen metabolism, antimicrobial properties, and antioxidant activities in Brassica chinensis during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 10 days. Postharvest Brassica chinensis were treated with CP for 6 min (CP-6), 9 min (CP-9), and 12 min (CP-12). To maintain a balance between microbial spoilage and storage quality, CP-9 was considered to be the optimal treatment time. Compared with the control group, Brassica chinensis in the CP-9 group showed a 12.7% increased antioxidant capacity, a reduction of the microbial count by 0.7 lg CFU g−1, and a delay in weight loss and soluble solid content reduction. CP inhibited the generation of superoxide anions, improved the activity of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes, and delayed the decrease in total antioxidant capacity. Altogether, CP treatment can be considered an advantageous approach to improve the safety and quality of fresh vegetables.

Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment on the Softening of Winter Jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao)

Cold plasma (CP) is a green and efficient preservation technology, but its effect on preventing the postharvest softening of fruits and vegetables is still unclear, and the effects of different CP intensities on the postharvest softening of winter jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao) have been little studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of different CP intensities (0 kV, 40 kV, and 80 kV) on the postharvest storage quality of winter jujubes and the activities of key enzymes related to softening during storage. The results showed that compared with the control group, the contents of firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and vitamin C (VC) in the CP treatment group were higher and the respiratory intensity and weight loss rate were lower. In addition, CP treatment can also inhibit the degradation of protopectin and cellulose and the accumulation of soluble pectin. Moreover, CP treatment inhibited the activities of polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methyl esterase (PME), 3α-L-arabinoside (α-L-Af), 4β-galactosidase (β-gal), cellulase (Cx), and β-glucosidase (β-Glu). This shows that CP treatment has a positive effect on the preservation of winter jujubes, and the preservation effect of the 80 kV treatment was better than that of the 40 kV treatment. This provides a certain basis for cold plasma treatment in the preservation of winter jujubes.

Effect of cold plasma on lipid oxidation of fish and fish‐based products: a review

SummaryLipid oxidation is a major concern in preserving fish and its products, as it affects their quality, shelf life, and consumer acceptance. Cold plasma technology has emerged as a promising method for extending the shelf life of perishable products, including fish. However, the impact of cold plasma on lipid oxidation remains uncertain, as studies have reported conflicting findings. This review provides an up‐to‐date overview of the effects of cold plasma treatment on lipid oxidation in fish and fish‐based products, synthesising existing literature in the field. A comprehensive analysis of factors such as plasma generation techniques, treatment parameters, fish species, and lipid composition is conducted to elucidate the observed discrepancies in outcomes. In conclusion, current research suggests that moderate oxidation does not have adverse effects on overall sensory quality and may even enhance the flavour of fish. The degree of oxidation can be controlled through plasma parameters, thereby improving the quality of fish and fish products.

Effects of cold plasma treatment on maintaining the quality of fresh-cut bamboo shoots during shelf-life storage

Cold plasma (CP) is an emerging preservation technology that involves minimal processing and retains the freshness of fresh-cut products. In this study, we applied CP (50 kV, 30 s) to evaluate the potential use on the freshly cut Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro) shoots using physicochemical, headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metabolomic analyses. The results showed that the firmness of CP treated bamboo was 57% higher than control groups, and CP treatment could effectively inhibit yellowing for up to 5 day at 25 °C. Six key flavor compounds (odor activity value (OAV) > 1) were detected. 4-Hydroxy-benzaldehyde was the most abundant compound, accounting for 45.53%–78.46% in bamboo shoots. Aldehyde, ketone, and ester contents increased significantly, whereas alcohols and alkenes were reduced by CP treatment. CP induced higher microorganism community diversity within four days. Freshly cut bamboo shoots had a high concentration of metabolites that were closely related to the lignin biosynthesis. Through the accumulating of stress-related hormones, fatty acids, and flavonoids, CP boosted the response to external stress. This method offers a new approach to preserve the quality of freshly cut bamboo shoots.

Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment on Surface Modification of Rice Grains

Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment on Surface Modification of Rice Grains

Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment on Surface Modification of Rice Grains

Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment on Surface Modification of Rice Grains

Effect of atmospheric cold plasma treatment on acid gelation properties of skim milk: Rheology and textural studies

Cold plasma processing is a non-thermal food processing technique that has been shown to improve the gelling properties of plant proteins by altering their structure through oxidation and crosslinking. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cold plasma treatment on the rheological properties of skim milk under different conditions, focusing on the impact of feed gas and treatment time on skim milk's sulfhydryl content, flow properties, and acid gelling behavior. Results showed that free sulfhydryl content decreased with treatment time, with a notable reduction observed after 2 min of N2-O2 plasma treatment. Skim milk treated with N2 plasma experienced a more gradual decrease in free SH content. Cold plasma increased skim milk viscosity over time. N2-O2 plasma treatment significantly affected G′40 and G′4 storage moduli, with an increase observed after 2 min of exposure but no change beyond that time. Acid gels' greenness (a* value) decreased with increasing treatment time compared to the control. Acid gel firmness of milk treated with N2-O2 plasma for 1 min significantly increased from 1.804 N to 1.912 N, and further to 2.072 N after 2 min of treatment. However, longer exposure times led to lower firmness in gels. N2 plasma treatment also significantly impacted acid gel firmness. Syneresis in acid gels decreased from 63.4 % to 57.7 % and 58.7 % after 1 and 2 min of N2-O2 plasma treatment, respectively, but increased to about 70 % after 4 min. Acid gels made from milk treated with N2 plasma experienced considerably less syneresis. The cold plasma treatment under different conditions significantly affected the properties of skim milk, with various impacts on sulfhydryl content, flow properties, and acid gelling behavior. These findings demonstrate the potential applications of cold plasma processing in the food industry to improve product properties.

Cold Physical Plasma-Mediated Fenretinide Prodrug Activation Confers Additive Cytotoxicity in Epithelial Cells.

Cold physical plasma is a partially ionized gas operated at body temperature and utilized for heat-sensitive technical and medical purposes. Physical plasma is a multi-component system consisting of, e.g., reactive species, ions and electrons, electric fields, and UV light. Therefore, cold plasma technology is an interesting tool for introducing biomolecule oxidative modifications. This concept can be extended to anticancer drugs, including prodrugs, which could be activated in situ to enhance local anticancer effects. To this end, we performed a proof-of-concept study on the oxidative prodrug activation of a tailor-made boronic pinacol ester fenretinide treated with the atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet kINPen operated with either argon, argon-hydrogen, or argon-oxygen feed gas. Fenretinide release from the prodrug was triggered via Baeyer-Villiger-type oxidation of the boron-carbon bond based on hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite, which were generated by plasma processes and chemical addition using mass spectrometry. Fenretinide activation led to additive cytotoxic effects in three epithelial cell lines in vitro compared to the effects of cold plasma treatment alone regarding metabolic activity reduction and an increase in terminal cell death, suggesting that cold physical plasma-mediated prodrug activation is a new direction for combination cancer treatment studies.

Effects of cold plasma treatment on growth enhancement and on the chemical composition of sweet basil plants (Ocimum basilicum)

Effects of cold plasma treatment on growth enhancement and on the chemical composition of sweet basil plants (Ocimum basilicum)

Effects of in-package atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma treatment on the antimicrobial efficacy of whey protein isolate-based edible films that incorporate malic acid against Salmonella in chicken breast processed meat

Effects of in-package atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (CP) treatment on the antimicrobial efficacy of malic acid-incorporated whey protein isolate (MA–WPI) coating and MA diffusion in MA–WPI-coated skinless chicken breast processed meat (CBPM) were evaluated. MA–WPI coating followed by CP treatment (MA–WPI + CP) inactivated Salmonella (5.6 log CFU/g) in CBPM by 1.8 log CFU/g. CP treatment increased Salmonella reduction rates in MA–WPI-coated samples during storage at 4 and 10 °C and the diffusion coefficients of MA in the coating, which was confirmed by comparing results of MA–WPI + CP-treated and MA–WPI-coated samples. CP treatment facilitates MA diffusion in the coating, thereby increasing the Salmonella inhibition efficacy of the coating. MA–WPI + CP treatment did not influence the color and lipid oxidation of CBPM during storage at 4 °C and the water vapor permeability, elongation, and elastic modulus of MA–WPI films. Industrial relevanceThrough the technological development of in-package cold plasma treatment for decontamination of food in the industrial production line, the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods coated with antimicrobials can be effectively increased by exposing the coated foods to cold plasma to accelerate the diffusion of the antimicrobials in the coating to the site of microbial contamination at the surface. The effect of cold plasma treatment on the antimicrobial efficacy of the antimicrobial coating is useful, especially during the initial stages when the coating is expected to exhibit highly efficacious antimicrobial function.

Effect of cold plasma treatment on polylactic acid and polylactic acid/poly (ethylene glycol) films developed as a drug delivery system for streptomycin sulfate

Polylactic acid (PLA) being a renewable polyester have extensively researched in the biomedical field due to its non-toxicity, high biocompatibility, and easy processing properties. However, low functionalization ability and hydrophobicity limit its applications and hence demands physical and chemical modifications to overcome these limitations. Cold plasma treatment (CPT) is frequently used to improve the hydrophilic properties of PLA-based biomaterials. This provides an advantage to obtain a controlled drug release profile in drug delivery systems. The rapid drug release profile may be advantageous in some applications such as wound application. The main objective of this study is to determine the effects of CPT on PLA or PLA@polyethylene glycol (PLA@PEG) porous films fabricated by solution casting method for use as a drug delivery system with a rapid release profile. The physical, chemical, morphological and drug release properties of PLA and PLA@PEG films, such as surface topography, thickness, porosity, water contact angle (WCA), chemical structure, and streptomycin sulfate release properties, after CPT were systematically investigated. XRD, XPS and FTIR results showed that oxygen-containing functional groups were formed on the film surface with CPT without changing the bulk properties. Along with the changes in the surface morphology such as surface roughness and porosity, the new functional groups provide the films hydrophilic properties by reducing the water contact angle. The improved surface properties enabled the selected model drug, streptomycin sulfate, to exhibit a faster release profile with drug-released mechanism fitted by first order kinetic model. Considering all the results, the prepared films showed an enormous potential for future drug delivery applications, especially in wound application where rapid drug release profile is an advantage.

Cold Plasma Treatment for Astragalus membranaceus Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Improvement

Background: Astragalus membranaceus seeds have dormant properties that not only limit germination but also negatively affect the growth of seedlings. We investigated the enhancing effect of cold plasma treatment on seed germination and the positive effect on seedling growth of Astragalus membranaceus by treating its seeds with cold plasma at different power levels. Method: The Astragalus membranaceus seeds were treated with cold plasma at power levels of 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220 and 240 W for 15 seconds with helium gas and seeds without any treatment were used as control. Results: The Astragalus membranaceus seeds were treated with cold plasma, which not only improved seed germination, but also had a positive effect on seedling growth, with the best results for the 80 W power cold plasma treatment. The 80 W power cold plasma treatment increased the germination rate, germination index and vigor index of Astragalus membranaceus seeds by 26.8%, 12.4% and 39.8%, respectively; increased root length, CAT activity and SOD activity of Astragalus membranaceus seedlings by 24.5%, 99.7% and 7.1%, respectively and decreased the relative conductivity and MDA content of Astragalus membranaceus seedlings by 6.6% and 17.6%, respectively; compared with that of the control group.

Helium Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Effects on Two Cultivars of Triticum aestivum L.

The use of cold plasma in the treatment of seeds before sowing presents a promising technique for sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of cold plasma treatment on the morphology of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L. 'Dacic' and 'Otilia'), their germination, biochemical composition, and the nutritional quality of wheat grass. Wheat seeds were morphologically and elementally characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray computer tomography (CT), and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Helium was used as a working gas for plasma generation and the analysis of the species produced showed the presence of NOγ, OH, N2 and N2+ and O. Evaluation of germination and plant growth for 10 days (wheat grass stage) highlighted a specific trend for each cultivar. The biochemical analysis of wheat grass highlighted an increase in the chlorophyll content in the plasma-treated variants, an increase in the flavonoid and polyphenol content in 'Dacic'-treated variant, while the soluble protein content, antioxidant activity, and color were not affected. The analysis of the nutritional quality of wheat grass by the FT-NIR analytical technique highlighted an increase in the ash content in the plasma-treated wheat cultivars, while the humidity, proteins, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and energy values were not affected.

Storage Quality Variation of Mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) after Cold Plasma Treatment.

Flammulina velutipes is susceptible to mechanical damage, water loss, microbial growth, and other factors that lead to postharvest deterioration, thereby shortening the storage period. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of cold plasma treatment on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of F. velutipes during storage at 4 °C for 21 days. Compared to the control group, cold plasma cold sterilization (CPCS) treatment (150 Hz, 95 kV for 150 s) effectively inhibited the growth and multiplication of microorganisms on the surface of F. velutipes, with no significant effect on the fresh weight change and the superoxide anion generation rate, but with a higher postharvest 1,1-dephenyl-2-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH) clearance rate. Moreover, CPCS increased antioxidant enzyme activities, delayed both malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and vitamin C loss, inhibited the browning reaction and polyphenol oxidases (PPO) activity and protected F. velutipes cell membrane from disruption. In general, CPCS not only achieved bacteriostatic effects on F. velutipes during storage, but also reduced cell damage from free radical oxidation, resulting in better postharvest quality and longer shelf life.