Optimization of short-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge for in-package disinfection

Abstract

Plasma treatment for bacterial inactivation has been studied via the direct application of dielectric barrier discharges or the indirect afterglow of atmospheric pressure plasma jets. Industrial application of this technology is limited to open contact between plasma and bacteria, which limits the potential use of atmospheric plasma for food safety. In this paper, we show that uniform plasma treatment using microsecond-pulsed and nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge can be applied directly to a bread surface through two layers of plastic bread packaging material. We show inactivation of Escherichia coli inoculated on the bread surface inside of packaging material without significantly modifying the plastic. This discharge will be used for the prevention of mold growth on bread in future studies.