FOOD SCIENCE ›› 2017, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (23): 305-312.doi: 10.7506/spkx1002-6630-201723048

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Advances in Research and Application of Pulsed Light in Food Industry

ZHANG Ruixue, ZHANG Wengui, GUAN Feng, YUAN Yongjun*   

  1. College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
  • Online:2017-12-15 Published:2017-12-07

Abstract: Pulsed light (PL) is a non-thermal sterilization technology which uses instantaneous high intensity broad spectrum pulsed light emitted by a xenon lamp for microbial decontamination. PL treatment can inactivate a wide variety of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms which are present on a solid surface, in gases or in transparent liquids including bacteria, spores, fungi, fungal spores, viruses and protozoa, and has the advantages of low energy consumption, high bactericidal efficiency, and low negative impact on the product quality and nutrition. This paper reviews the working principle of a PL generator, the mechanism and affecting factors of microbial inactivation by PL, and recent advances in the application of PL in the sterilization of vegetables and fruits and food packaging materials and in water treatment.

Key words: pulsed light, sterilization, microbial inactivation mechanism, application

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