Pulsed Field Research Articles

Treating scars after burns with pulsed electric fields in the rat model.

Reducing scar size after severe burn injuries is an important and challenging medical, technology and social problem. We have developed a battery-powered pulsed electric field (PEF) device and surface needle electrode applicator to deliver pulsed electric fields to the healing dorsal burn wound in rats. PEF was used to treat residual burn wounds caused by metal contact in rats starting 10 days after the injury for 4 months every 11 or 22 days for 4 months using varying time applied voltages at 250-350V range, 400mA current, 40 pulses, 70 μs duration each, delivered at pulse repetition frequency 10 Hz at 5 locations inside the wound. We found 40-45% reduction in the scar size in comparison with untreated controls in both upper and lower dorsal locations on rats' backs two months after the last PEF application. We have not detected significant histopathological differences in the center of the scars besides the thickness of the newly generated epidermis, which was thicker in the PEF treated group.We showed that minimally invasively applied pulsed electric fields through needle electrodes are effective method and device for treating residual burn wounds in the rat model, reducing the size of the resulting scars, without any adverse reaction.

Pulsed MPI Relaxometry of Brownian and Néel Field-Dependent Relaxation in Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles Confirm Theory and Simulations.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) are used as tracers in Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI). It is crucial to understand the magnetic properties of SPIOs for optimizing MPI imaging contrast, resolution, and sensitivity. Brownian and Néel relaxation theory developed in the early 1950s posits that relaxation times can vary with particle size, shell thickness, medium viscosity, and the applied field strength. Magnetic relaxation can soon provide a unique imaging capability, the ability to distinguish bound from unbound MPI tracers in vivo. Yet experimental validation of these theories has not been completed. In this paper, a novel method of pulsed magnetic field relaxometry is used to directly probe the relaxation behavior of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles over a spectrum of magnetic field amplitudes, providing the first experimental validation of theoretical relaxation models. It is also shown that closed-form approximations generated in the early 1970s accurately match both data and numerical Fokker Planck computational models, which are computationally burdensome. This means researchers can trust these approximations for future modeling. All the findings can be translated to sinusoidal excitations used in conventional MPI scanningtrajectories.

Diffusion and structure of propylene carbonate-metal salt electrolyte solutions for post-lithium-ion batteries: From experiment to simulation.

The diffusion of cations in organic solvent solutions is important for the performance of metal-ion batteries. In this article, pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance experiments and fully atomistic molecular dynamic simulations were employed to study the temperature-dependent diffusive behavior of various liquid electrolytes representing 1M propylene carbonate solutions of metal salts with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TFSI-) or hexafluorophosphate (PF6-) anions commonly used in lithium-ion batteries and beyond. The experimental studies revealed the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients for the propylene carbonate (PC) solvent and for the anions following an Arrhenius type of behavior. It was observed that the PC molecules are the faster species. For the monovalent cations (Li+, Na+, K+), the PC solvent diffusion was enhanced as the cation size increased, while for the divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+), the opposite trend was observed, i.e., the diffusion coefficients decreased as the cation size increased. The anion diffusion in LiTFSI and NaTFSI solutions was found to be similar, while in electrolytes with divalent cations, a decrease in anion diffusion with increasing cation size was observed. It was shown that non-polarizable charge-scaled force fields could correspond perfectly to the experimental values of the anion and PC solvent diffusion coefficients in salt solutions of both monovalent (Li+, Na+, K+) and divalent (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) cations at a range of operational temperatures. Finally, after calculating the radial distribution functions between cations, anions, and solvent molecules, the increase in the PC diffusion coefficient established with the increase in cation size for monovalent cations was clearly explained by the large hydration shell of small Li+ cations, due to their strong interaction with the PC solvent. In solutions with larger monovalent cations, such as Na+, and with a smaller solvation shell of PC, the PC diffusion is faster due to more liberated solvent molecules. In the salt solutions with divalent cations, both the anion and the PC diffusion coefficients decreased as the cation size increased due to an enhanced cation-anion coordination, which was accompanied by an increase in the amount of PC in the cation solvation shell due to the presence of anions.

Integrating electromagnetic cancer stress with immunotherapy: a therapeutic paradigm

An array of published cell-based and small animal studies have demonstrated a variety of exposures of cancer cells or experimental carcinomas to electromagnetic (EM) wave platforms that are non-ionizing and non-thermal. Overall effects appear to be inhibitory, inducing cancer cell stress or death as well as inhibition in tumor growth in experimental models. A variety of physical input variables, including discrete frequencies, amplitudes, and exposure times, have been tested, but drawing methodologic rationale and mechanistic conclusions across studies is challenging. Nevertheless, outputs such as tumor cytotoxicity, apoptosis, tumor membrane electroporation and leak, and reactive oxygen species generation are intriguing. Early EM platforms in humans employ pulsed electric fields applied either externally or using interventional tumor contact to induce tumor cell electroporation with stromal, vascular, and immunologic sparing. It is also possible that direct or external exposures to non-thermal EM waves or pulsed magnetic fields may generate electromotive forces to engage with unique tumor cell properties, including tumor glycocalyx to induce carcinoma membrane disruption and stress, providing novel avenues to augment tumor antigen release, cross-presentation by tumor-resident immune cells, and anti-tumor immunity. Integration with existing checkpoint inhibitor strategies to boost immunotherapeutic effects in carcinomas may also emerge as a broadly effective strategy, but little has been considered or tested in this area. Unlike the use of chemo/radiation and/or targeted therapies in cancer, EM platforms may allow for the survival of tumor-associated immunologic cells, including naïve and sensitized anti-tumor T cells. Moreover, EM-induced cancer cell stress and apoptosis may potentiate endogenous tumor antigen-specific anti-tumor immunity. Clinical studies examining a few of these combined EM-platform approaches are in their infancy, and a greater thrust in research (including basic, clinical, and translational work) in understanding how EM platforms may integrate with immunotherapy will be critical in driving advances in cancer outcomes under this promising combination.

Development of an Ion Mobility Spectrometer Based on a Pulsed Photoelectric Effect Ionization Source.

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a compact and sensitive trace gas analysis instrument that ionizes the sample into ions for detection. Typically, an ion gate is used to cut the continuous ion beam into ion packets for separation and detection. However, commonly used ion gates suffer from complex structures or low ion transmission rates, making the gateless IMS a viable alternative. In this study, an IMS based on a pulsed photoelectric effect ionization source was designed. The photoelectrons were generated by irradiating a photoelectric material with a back-illuminated pulsed xenon lamp. This allows for low-energy photoelectron generation and the production of simple reactant ions (O2-(H2O)n) and thus negative product ions. The photoelectron current generated by this ionization source was analyzed, which can reach an intensity of a few microamperes and can be converted into an ion signal exceeding 10 nA. The introduction of the pulsed photoelectric effect ionization source makes it possible to generate separate ion packets and complete ion injection when a constant electric field is maintained in the ionization region. And with an assisted pulsed electric field in the ionization region, the resolving power of the system can be effectively improved to 1.85 times that of the constant electric field. The IMS developed in this study was used for the detection of common volatile hazardous chemicals, yielding effective results. The detection limit for phenol was below 1 ppb, and the dynamic response range exceeded 1 order of magnitude, which implies the potential applications of this IMS to detect substances with high electron affinity, such as explosives detection in public safety.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields potentiate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BackgroundPulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) show promise as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by reducing inflammation and promoting chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).PurposeTo identify the efficacy window of PEMFs to induce BMSCs chondrogenic differentiation and explore the cellular mechanism under chondrogenesis of BMSCs in regular and inflammatory microenvironments.MethodsBMSCs were exposed to PEMFs (75 Hz, 1.6/2/3/3.8 mT) for 7 and 14 days. The histology, proliferation, migration and chondrogenesis of BMSCs were assessed to identify the optimal parameters. Using these optimal parameters, transcriptome analysis was performed to identify target genes and signaling pathways, validated through immunohistochemical assays, western blotting, and qRT-PCR, with or without the presence of IL-1β. The therapeutic effects of PEMFs and the effective cellular signaling pathways were evaluated in vivo.ResultsBMSCs treated with 3 mT PEMFs showed the optimal chondrogenesis on day 7, indicated by increased expression of ACAN, COL2A, and SOX9, and decreased levels of MMP3 and MMP13 at both transcriptional and protein levels. The advantages of 3 mT PEMFs diminished in the 14-day culture groups. Transcriptome analysis identified sFRP3 as a key molecule targeted by PEMF treatment, which competitively inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling, regardless of IL-1β presence or duration of exposure. This inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was also confirmed in a KOA mouse model following PEMF exposure.ConclusionsPEMFs at 75 Hz and 3 mT are optimal in inducing early-stage chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The induction and chondroprotective effects of PEMFs are mediated by sFRP3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, irrespective of inflammatory conditions.

Effect of pulsed electric field on viability of Fusarium micromycetes

Effect of pulsed electric field on viability of Fusarium micromycetes

How pulse electric field treatment affects anti-nutritional factors and plant protein digestibility: A concise review

Consumption of foods rich in anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) can lead to inadequate absorption of vitamins and minerals. Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment is a non-thermal food processing technology that uses short bursts of high voltage electric fields to induce structural modifications in biomolecules, including proteins, through electrochemical reactions and polarization of structural moieties. PEF offers potential benefits in enhancing the nutritional quality of food products by altering the structure and function of ANFs. However, the effects of PEF on ANFs in food have not been well established. Additionally, PEF-treated samples may undergo protein structural orientation modification due to electroporation and free radical species, potentially unfolding the native structure and influencing protein digestibility. Moreover, by increasing the mass transfer rate, electroporation can enhance the extraction of the initially trapped fractions into the solvent medium, which may include target compounds that affect protein functionality and digestibility. However, the protein digestibility of PEF-treated food products is yet to be thoroughly explored. Therefore, this review objectively investigates the possible mechanisms involved and the effectiveness of PEF in reducing different ANFs and modifying plant protein digestibility. This review also provides in-depth information about the possible applications of PEF-treated food items in the food industry.

Different duration of exposure to a pulsed magnetic field can cause changes in mRNA expression of apoptotic genes in oleic acid-treated neuroblastoma cells

Purpose Neuroblastoma, a prevalent childhood tumor, poses significant challenges in therapeutic interventions, especially for high-risk cases. This study aims to fill a crucial gap in our understanding of neuroblastoma treatment by investigating the potential molecular impacts of short- and long-term pulsed magnetic field exposure on the neuronal apoptosis mechanism in an in vitro model of neuroblastoma treated with oleic acid (OA). Materials and methods Cells were cultured and divided into six following experimental groups: (I) Nontreated group (NT); (II) OA-treated group (OA); (III) Group treated with OA after being exposed to the pulsed magnetic field for 15-min (15 min PEMF + OA); (IV) Group treated with OA after being exposed to the pulsed magnetic field for 12 h (12 h PEMF + OA); (V) Group exposed to the pulsed magnetic field for 15 min (15 min PEMF); and (VI) Group exposed to the pulsed magnetic field for 12 h (12 h PEMF). Cell viability, rates of apoptosis, and mRNA levels of key apoptotic genes (TP53, Bcl2, Bax, and Caspase-3) were assessed. Results Significant reductions in cell viability were observed, particularly in the group treated with OA following long-term pulsed magnetic field exposure. Flow cytometry revealed elevated apoptosis rates, notably in the early stages of apoptosis. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated increased expression of cleaved Caspase-3, Bax/Bcl2 ratio, and TP53 in cells treated with OA following long-term pulsed magnetic field exposure, signifying enhanced apoptotic pathways. Conclusions The findings indicate that long-term pulsed magnetic field exposure and OA treatment exhibit potential synergistic effects leading to the induction of apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. We have concluded that stimulations of pulsed magnetic field have the potential to serve as an adjuvant therapy for oleic acid-based treatment of neuroblastoma.

Coupling pulsed magnetic treatment coated WC-12Co cemented carbide and magnetofluid to enhance milling performance of TC4 alloy

To explore an eco-friendly approach to improve the milling performance of TC4 (Ti-6Al-4 V) alloy, pulsed magnetic field treatment and magnetofluid are simultaneously applied to the NbN-coated cemented carbide (WC–12Co) milling tools. To evaluate the coupling effect of pulsed magnetic field treatment with magnetofluid, milling experiments of TC4 were conducted under cutting fluid and magnetofluid lubrication, respectively. The milling force, tool wear, and workpiece surface quality of magnetic field treated tools were compared with those of untreated tools. When the cutting fluid was lubricated, the magnetic field treatment reduced the feed force by 8.8 %. In contrast, the magnetic field treatment reduced the feed force by 20.7 % when the magnetofluid was lubricated, which reduced tool wear and also weakened coating flaking. The coupling of the magnetic field treatment and the magnetofluid significantly improved the milling performance of the tool, reducing surface roughness by 40.9 % compared to the untreated tool with cutting fluid lubrication. The enhanced milling performance mainly results from the coupling effect of magnetic field treatment and magnetofluid, which has a strong magnetic response to the treated tool and the magnetofluid was attracted to the magnetized tool, enhancing the lubrication of the contact area. In addition, the enhanced mechanical properties (8.2 % increase in hardness, 13.1 % decrease in elastic modulus, and 4.5 % increase in thermal conductivity) resulting from the pulsed magnetic field treatment reduces the milling temperature (11.7 °C) also contribute to the enhanced milling performance.

Physicochemical, structural and functional properties of pomelo peel pectin extracted by combination of pulsed electric field and cellulase hydrolysis

In this study, pectin extracted from pomelo peel was investigated using three different combination methods of pulsed electric field (PEF) and cellulase. Three action sequences were performed, including PEF treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis followed by PEF treatment, and enzymatic hydrolysis simultaneously treated by PEF. The three corresponding pectins were namely PEP, EPP and SP. The physiochemical, molecular structural and functional properties of the three pectins were determined. The results showed that PEP had excellent physiochemical properties, with the highest yield (12.08 %), total sugar (80.17 %) and total phenol content (38.20 %). The monosaccharide composition and FT-IR analysis indicated that the three pectins were similar. The molecular weights of PEP, EPP and SP were 51.13, 88.51 and 40.00 kDa, respectively. PEP showed the best gel properties, emulsification stability and antioxidant capacity among the three products, due to its high galacturonic acid and total phenol content, appropriate protein and low molecular weight. The mechanism of PEF-assisted cellulase hydrolysis of pomelo peel was also revealed by SEM analysis. These results suggested that PEF pretreatment was the best method, which not only improved the efficiency of enzymatic extraction, but also reduced resource waste and increased financial benefits.

Preclinical evaluation of reversible pulsed electrical field: electrophysiological and histological assessment of myocardium

Preclinical evaluation of reversible pulsed electrical field: electrophysiological and histological assessment of myocardium

Observation of the Short-term Efficacy of Technetium-99 Conjugated with Methylene Diphosphonate Combined Therapy in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of Yunke (technetium-99 conjugated methylene diphosphonate) combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) and Gukang capsule in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). A total of 112 patients with PMOP who received treatment in the Department of Nuclear Medicine of the hospital from January 2019 to June 2020 were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of 28 patients each. Group A received Yunke and PEMFs, group B received Gukang capsules and PEMFs, group C received Yunke and Gukang capsules and PEMFs, and group D received PEMFs. All groups were given adequate amounts of calcium and active vitamin D. Intervention 2 sessions of 3 months each. Outcome measures were bone mineral density (BMD) and pain improvement. Compared with 1 course of treatment, the symptoms of bone pain were relieved more significantly after 2 courses of treatment in group A (50.0% vs. 64.3%), group B (46.4% vs 64.3%), group C (78.6% vs 92.9%) and group D (21.4% vs 28.6%) (P < 0.05). After 2 courses of treatment, bone pain symptoms were less relieved in group A (96.4% vs. 64.3%), group B (96.4% vs 64.3%), and group D (96.4% vs 28.6%) compared with group C (P < 0.05). Compared with group C, BMD values of L4 vertebrae and femoral neck were significantly decreased in groups A, B, and D (P < 0.05). Compared with those before treatment, BMD of L4 vertebrae and femoral neck increased significantly in groups A, B, C, and D after 2 courses of treatment (P < 0.05). Yunke combined therapy can effectively relieve the pain symptoms, increase BMD, and reduce the risk of fracture in patients with PMOP in a short period, which is an effective method for the treatment of PMOP.

Ambient dosimetry in pulsed neutron fields with LINrem detectors

The status of the LINrem project is presented, focusing on the development of innovative neutron dosimeters with enhanced energy sensitivity, time resolution, and portability. Designed to meet the technical demands of radiation protection in modern particle and nuclear facilities, these dosimeters are discussed in detail. Results from experimental campaigns showcasing their efficacy in pulsed fields generated by fusion plasmas and high-intensity pulsed lasers are presented. Additionally, prospects and future plans for the LINrem project are outlined.

Pulsed electric field treatment applied to barley before malting reduces Fusarium pathogens without compromising the quality of the final malt

The growth of micromycetes and the associated production of mycotoxins during malting represents a potential safety issue and an economic challenge regarding the quality of beer as a product manufactured from malt. The treatment of malted cereals with a pulsed electric field (PEF) may be one method to overcome this issue. In this work were tested PEF conditions that would lead to a reduction in fungal growth without suppressing germination and thus causing deterioration in the technological parameters of the malt. Pre-soaking the grain for more than 3.5 h prior to PEF treatment was found to significantly reduce the germination energy and, compared to the untreated sample, enzymatic activity of the resulting malt. Therefore, a modification consisting of a short pre-soaking (10 min) and PEF treatment (field intensity 3.8 kV/cm, 100 pulses with peak width 20 μs) in a high conductivity environment (0.05 mol/L phosphate buffer) was implemented. This treatment led to a reduction (up to 80%) in growth of some Fusarium species (F. sporotrichoides and F. poae) and the production of corresponding mycotoxins, mainly trichothecenes A and ennianthins. Moreover, the treated malt did not differ significantly from the control malt in terms of enzymatic activity.

Commissioning an ultra-high-dose-rate electron linac with end-to-end tests.

The FLASH effect can potentially be used to improve the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy (RT) through delivery of Ultra-high-dose-rate (UHDR) irradiation. Research is actively being conducted to translate UHDR-RT and for this purpose the Mobetron is capable of producing electron beams at both UHDR and conventional dose rates for FLASH research and translation. This work presents commissioning of an UHDR Mobetron with end-to-end tests developed for preclinical research.&#xD;Approach. UHDR electron beams were commissioned with an efficient approach utilizing a 3D-printed water tank and film to fully characterize beam characteristics and dependences on field size, pulse width (PW) and pulse repetition frequency (PRF). This commissioning data was used to implement a beam model using the GAMOS Monte Carlo toolkit for the preclinical research. Then, the workflow for preclinical FLASH irradiation was validated with end-to-end tests delivered to a 3D-printed mouse phantom with internal inhomogeneities. &#xD;Main results. PDDs, profiles and output factors acquired with radiochromic films were precisely measured, with a PRF that showed little effect on the UHDR beam energy and spatial characteristics. Increasing PW reduced the Dmax and R50 by 2.08 mm/µs and 1.28 mm/µs respectively. An end-to-end test of the preclinical research workflow showed that both profiles in head-foot and lateral directions were in good agreement with the MC calculations for the heterogeneous 3D printed mouse phantom with Gamma index above 93% for 2mm/2% criteria, and 99% for 3mm/3%.&#xD;Significance. The UHDR Mobetron is a versatile tool for FLASH preclinical research and this comprehensive beam model and workflow was validated to meet the requirements for conducting translational FLASH research.

Tenderization of giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) meat pretreated with pulsed electric field and Asian seabass trypsin with the aid of vacuum impregnation

Giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) meat (GSM) generally has a tough texture, significantly lowering its acceptability by consumers. To enhance tenderness, GSM was pretreated with pulsed electric field (PEF) at 250 V for 5 min (PEF-GSM). Thereafter, PEF-GSM was soaked in partially purified trypsin (PPT) from pyloric caeca of Asian seabass obtained from ammonium sulfate precipitation (40%–60% saturation). The soaking was done at various concentrations of PPT (0, 5, 10 and 20 units/mL) with the aid of vacuum impregnation (VI) (2 cycles). Subsequently, PPT-soaked GSM samples were incubated at 60 °C for 5 and 10 min, followed by cooking at 100 °C for 2 min. For quality assessment, untreated cooked GSM (CON-GSM) was also prepared. Lightness of PEF-GSM samples increased (p < 0.05), compared to that of CON-GSM. After hydrolysis with PPT, myofibrillar proteins were degraded with coincidental upsurge in AAGC (α-amino group content). Protein degradation and AAGC became more pronounced with increasing PPT concentration and incubation time. PEF-GSM treated with PPT at 20 units/mL (PEF-GSM-20) and incubated for 10 min had the decreased firmness and toughness values, however its cooking loss slightly increased. Degradation of myofibrillar proteins was reconfirmed by FTIR spectra and microstructure alteration. PEF-GSM-20 with incubation at 60 °C for 10 min showed higher overall likeness score (p < 0.05), indicating a significant improvement in acceptability of consumers. Thus, combined application of PEF, PPT (20 units/mL) and VI before incubation at 60 °C for 10 min significantly enhanced the eating quality of GSM, making it more preferable for consumers.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with recurrent ventricular tachycardias - from catheter ablation and stereotactic radiotherapy to heart transplant: a case report

Abstract Background Management of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is often challenging, depending on clinical manifestation. This case report illustrates the complex treatment of HOCM with associated recurrent ventricular arrhythmias. Case summary A 54-year-old female with HOCM diagnosed in 2012 underwent a failed attempt for alcohol septal ablation, implantation of an ICD, and repeated radiofrequency ablations (including ablation of the septal bulge to reduce LV obstruction). For VT recurrences, she had stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation with subsequent epicardial cryoablation from mini-thoracotomy, and endocardial ablation with pulsed field energy. The situation was finally solved by mechanical support and heart transplantation. Discussion A few important lessons can be learned from the case. First, radiofrequency ablation was used successfully to decrease left outflow tract obstruction. Second, stereotactic radiotherapy has been used after four previous endo/epicardial catheter ablations to decrease the recurrences of VT. Third, mini-thoracotomy was used after previous epicardial ablation with subsequent adhesions to modify the epicardial substrate with cryoenergy. Fourth, pulsed field ablation of atrial fibrillation resulted in an excellent therapeutic effect. Fifth, pulsed field ablation was also used to modify the substrate for VT, and was complicated by transient AV block with hemodynamic deterioration requiring mechanical support. Finally, a heart transplant was the ultimate solution in the management of recurrent VT.

Continuous pulsed electric field processing for intensification of aqueous extraction of protein from fresh green seaweed Ulva sp. biomass

The green marine macroalgae Ulva sp. can reach a high protein content and a high composition of essential amino acids. In this study, we have developed a novel device and investigated the parameters for a continuous Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) process, coupled with enzyme treatment followed by a spray drying, to facilitate the aqueous fractionation of Ulva protein. The process demonstrated 8.79 ± 0.58 (% w/w) protein extraction yield. Furthermore, the aqueous fractionation of protein exhibited a substantial 41.45% essential amino acid content and a branched amino acids composition of 17.58%. Additionally, it displayed an in vitro relative digestibility of 87.4 ± 1.36% compared to soy protein, along with a water holding capacity of 7.15 ± 0.17 g water/g sample and an oil holding capacity of 1.76 ± 0.11 g oil/g sample. These findings suggest that employing a continuous PEF process in conjunction with enzyme-induced cell wall degradation could position green marine macroalgae as an important potential source for food protein ingredients.

Non-Thermal Technology Approaches to Improve Extraction, Fermentation, Microbial Stability, and Aging in the Winemaking Process

Research into non-thermal wine processing technologies is constantly evolving due to the increasing trend towards high-quality, minimally processed, and preservative-free wines. Technologies such as high-power ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric field, ultra-high pressure homogenization, and, more recently, cold plasma are some of the best examples currently being explored. This article provides an overview of the latest scientific research into these five non-thermal technologies and their current status in relation to winemaking. By exploring the potential applications of these technologies, it becomes possible to enhance extraction, shorten maceration time, inactivate microorganisms and oxidative enzymes, reduce the addition of chemical additives, accelerate aging, improve wine quality, and much more. However, further experiments are necessary to better comprehend the short- and long-term impacts on the overall quality of the wines produced, especially in terms of sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance. Optimizing processing conditions and scaling up are also of paramount importance to ensure better performance of these technologies at the various stages of winemaking. Additionally, a combined technologies approach has been highlighted as one of the future directions to overcome the limitations of processing with a single technology.