Advanced high-power pulsed light device to decontaminate food from pathogens: effects on Salmonella typhimurium viability in vitro

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to construct an advanced high‐power pulsed light device for decontamination of food matrix and to evaluate its antibacterial efficiency. Key parameters of constructed device‐emitted light spectrum, pulse duration, pulse power density, frequency of pulses, dependence of emitted spectrum on input voltage, irradiation homogenicity, possible thermal effects as well as antimicrobial efficiency were evaluated. Methods and Results: Antimicrobial efficiency of high‐power pulsed light technique was demonstrated and evaluated by two independent methods – spread plate and Miles–Misra method. Viability of Salmonella typhimurium as function of a given light dose (number of pulses) and pulse frequency was examined. According to the data obtained, viability of Salmonella typhimurium reduced by 7 log order after 100 light pulses with power density 133 W cm⁻². In addition, data indicate, that the pulse frequency did not influence the outcome of pathogen inactivation in the region 1–5 Hz. Moreover, no hyperthermic effect was detected during irradiation even after 500 pulses on all shelves with different distance from light source and subsequently different pulse power density (0–252 W cm⁻²). Conclusion: Newly constructed high‐power pulsed light technique is effective nonthermal tool for inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium even by 7 log order in vitro. Significance and Impact of the Study: Novel advanced high‐power pulsed light device can be a useful tool for development of nonthermal food decontamination technologies.