WHY CHOOSE PLASMA?
A staggering 24% of all food produced globally is lost after harvest. This translates to a significant amount of wasted resources and missed opportunities to feed a growing population. In developing countries, insect infestations are a major culprit, contributing between 9% and a staggering 20% or more of post-harvest losses. This highlights the need for improved storage solutions and pest control measures to ensure food security and reduce food waste.
Disinfection by chemicals is a widely used method across the fumigants are the best tool and can be used against a wide variety of insects. They are relatively cheap and easy to use but can be extremely toxic to human beings and require skills and certified professionals to perform the task major fumigants such as phosphine, sulphur fluoride, ethyl formate and methyl bromide
Several Common and effective fumigant are facing de registration and usage restriction in many parts of the world due to its toxicity and environmental concerns.
The key advantage of cold plasma disinfestation compared to fumigation is the absence of toxicity and short exposure time (*) Plasma are generated by supplying energy to a neutral gas and the cold plasma system used for food applications are atmospheric pressure plasma jet in the food industry.
USES OF PLASMA
Plasma disinfestation offers a potential solution for a multi-pronged approach to grain safety, targeting insects, microbes, and even mycotoxins.
HOW PLASMA KILLS INSECTS
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and DNA Damage:
Plasma creates ROS, which are highly reactive molecules that damage the insect's cells and DNA. This oxidative stress disrupts their normal functions.
Free Radicals and Antioxidants:
Plasma generates free radicals that overwhelm the insect's antioxidant defenses (like glutathione reductase). This imbalance leads to further cell damage.
Surface and Internal Damage:
The charged particles from plasma can directly damage the insect's outer surface. Additionally, internal damage occurs through the oxidation of lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids.
BENEFITS OF PLASMA TREATMENT
LATEST ARTICLES
The future of food processing is here. Plasma treatment is revolutionizing the way we handle grains and cereals. Discover how this innovative technology is enhancing food safety, extending shelf life, and improving nutritional value.
