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15 Apr 2024

Transforming Grains: Cold Plasma’s Revolutionary Impact on Food Safety

Cold Plasma:Unveiling a Game-Changing Solution

In the relentless battle against toxins that plague our food supply, a groundbreaking discovery has emerged from the laboratories of the University of Alberta. By harnessing the power of atmospheric cold plasma—a cutting-edge technology often associated with futuristic applications—researchers have unlocked a transformative method to combat harmful fungi-produced toxins in wheat and barley grains.

Leading the Charge

Led by Ehsan Feizollahi, a visionary in the realm of food science and technology, this pioneering research offers a beacon of hope for both the agricultural industry and consumers worldwide. The threat they’re targeting? Mycotoxins—sinister secondary metabolites that infiltrate over a quarter of the world’s grain yield annually, including staples like barley, wheat, and oats in Western Canada.

A Threat to Agriculture and Health

These mycotoxins aren’t just a nuisance to farmers, causing significant crop quality deterioration and financial losses; they also pose grave threats to human and animal health, ranging from debilitating diseases to potential fatalities. Yet, conventional methods of mycotoxin removal have fallen short, as these toxins stubbornly resist high-temperature treatments commonly employed in food processing.

The Heroic Role of Cold Plasma

Enter cold plasma—a revolutionary fourth state of matter with remarkable potential to revolutionize food safety. Under the guidance of Professor M.S. Roopesh, Feizollahi’s team explored the applications of atmospheric cold plasma, devising innovative techniques to combat mycotoxins effectively.

Groundbreaking Results: A Glimpse of the Future

Through meticulous experimentation, Feizollahi successfully treated contaminated barley and wheat grains with cold plasma, achieving a commendable 54% reduction in two prevalent mycotoxins—zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. However, this is just the beginning. With further optimization, including variations in plasma type, treatment conditions, and duration, the potential for even greater toxin reduction looms on the horizon.

Beyond Toxin Elimination: Enhancing Grain Quality

The benefits extend beyond mere toxin elimination. Feizollahi’s team discovered that cold plasma treatments not only enhance grain quality but also accelerate germination—a boon for the barley malting industry. By immersing barley in plasma-activated water, they achieved superior germination rates while simultaneously reducing toxin levels, safeguarding the integrity of downstream products like malt and beer.

Environmental Sustainability: A Crucial Aspect

Moreover, the environmental advantages of cold plasma cannot be overstated. Unlike chemical sanitizers, cold plasma leaves no harmful residues, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for food processing. Additionally, the technology presents an opportunity to decontaminate water used in steeping processes, mitigating risks associated with pesticide residues and microbial contaminants.