1. Effect of low-pressure cold plasma on B. Cereus spores and vegetative cells inactivation using different matrices
- Author
-
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Valdez-Narváez, María Inés, Fernández-Felipe, María Teresa, Martinez, Antonio, Rodrigo, Dolores, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Valdez-Narváez, María Inés, Fernández-Felipe, María Teresa, Martinez, Antonio, and Rodrigo, Dolores
- Abstract
This study investigated the effects of low-pressure cold plasma on the inactivation of Bacillus cereus vegetative cells and spores. Oxygen was used as ionization gas and its impact on both inert and low water activity food matrices, specifically rice, were evaluated by mathematical modelling. Greater reductions in B. cereus counts were observed in vegetative cells than spores. Both the power of the plasma treatment and the matrix proved to be determining factors in the inactivation of both spores and vegetative cells of B. cereus. To characterize the inactivation of B. cereus, the experimental data were accurately fitted to Weibull model. A significant decrease in parameter "a", representing resistance to treatment, was confirmed with treatment intensification. Furthermore, significant differences in the "a" value were observed between spores in inert and food matrices, suggesting the additional protective role of the food matrix for B. cereus spores. These results demonstrate the importance of considering matrix effects in plasma treatment to ensure the effective inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, particularly in foods with low water activity such as rice. This approach contributes to mitigating the impact of foodborne illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
- Published
- 2024