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Enhancing Microwave Disinfection: Impact of Sodium Chloride on Microbial Inactivation
Saleh A Alfawaz1,2, Ibrahim N Alquaydheb1,2, Amirreza Ghadimi Avval1
1Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
IEEE Access : Practical Innovations, Open Solutions
|August 6, 2025
Summary
Adding sodium chloride (NaCl) to microwave disinfection enhances microbial inactivation. Optimizing exposure time and using predefined cycles improve efficiency for bacteria, viruses, and yeasts.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microwave energy offers a promising method for microbial inactivation.
- Controlling temperature during microwave treatment is crucial for consistent disinfection.
- The role of additives like sodium chloride (NaCl) in enhancing microwave disinfection requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sodium chloride (NaCl) on microwave-assisted microbial inactivation.
- To compare the effectiveness of temperature-controlled versus predefined cycle microwave treatments.
- To optimize microwave disinfection parameters for bacteria, viruses, and yeasts across different media.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microwave treatment system with detailed design descriptions.
- Conducted simulations to analyze heating behavior of liquids with and without NaCl.
- Employed three power levels and preliminary experiments to determine optimal exposure durations.
- Compared temperature-controlled and predefined cycle methods for microbial inactivation efficiency.
Main Results:
- Simulations showed distinct temperature profiles in liquids with and without NaCl.
- Exposure time was identified as a critical factor in temperature-controlled inactivation.
- Predefined cycles were found to yield more consistent and efficient microbial inactivation.
- The system effectively inactivated bacteria, viruses, and yeasts across three different media.
Conclusions:
- Sodium chloride (NaCl) significantly enhances microwave-based microbial inactivation efficiency.
- Optimizing exposure time and employing predefined cycles are key for effective disinfection.
- Microwave technology, especially with NaCl, presents a viable method for broad-spectrum microbial control.
Keywords:
Microwave disinfectionmicrowave generatormicrowave heatingsodium chloridesolid statesterilizationtemperature-controlled treatmentMore Related Videos
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