Non-Thermal Discharge Plasma System for Liquid Pasteurization and Sterilization

Roger Ruan, Professor
Paul Chen, Senior Research Associate
Hongbin Ma, Post-Doctoral Associate
Xiangyang Lin, Research Fellow
Shaobo Deng, Research Fellow
Blanca Martinez, Scientist

Funding Source

SOTA Tec Funds

Objective

The objectives of the research are to (1) investigate the effectiveness of the non-thermal plasma process on selected pathogenic microorganisms; (2) study the effect of gas introduction, pH, temperature, and discharge energy input on the killing of the microorganisms; and (3) evaluate the energy consumption characteristics of the process. The project will also involve extensive system development.

Need or Impact

Fresh fruit juices, milk, and biological fluids are often susceptible to damage during traditional thermal pasteurization and sterilization processes. Non-thermal plasma pasteurization techniques have the potential to improve the quality of food products while simultaneously maintaining their safety.

Project Status

In progress.