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Applications, Challenges, and Future Trends in Using Light-Based Technologies for Low-Moisture Foods
Rohan Rajendraji Bhujle1, Nidhi Nayak2, Swetha G Gouda3
1Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India.
Light-based decontamination using LEDs, UV, and pulsed light (PL) shows promise for low-moisture foods (LMFs). While effective, challenges in standardization and process engineering need addressing before widespread adoption.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Low-moisture foods (LMFs) are susceptible to microbial contamination, posing significant food safety risks.
- Traditional thermal treatments can degrade the quality of LMFs, necessitating alternative decontamination methods.
- Light-based technologies, including LEDs, UV, and pulsed light (PL), are emerging as promising alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microbial contamination issues in LMFs.
- To explore the application, mechanisms, and influencing factors of light-based decontamination in LMFs.
- To identify challenges and future directions for implementing light-based technologies in LMFs processing.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of microbial contamination in LMFs.
- Analysis of light-based decontamination technologies (LEDs, UV, PL) applied to various LMF categories.
- Evaluation of inactivation mechanisms, process factors, and limitations of light-based treatments.
Main Results:
- Light-based treatments (LEDs, UV, PL) achieved microbial reductions of 0.7 to 4.0 log CFU/g in LMFs.
- Inactivation mechanisms include reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell membrane and DNA damage, and localized heating.
- Efficacy is influenced by microorganism type, processing conditions, and food matrix characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Light-based technologies offer a viable alternative for LMF decontamination, reducing microbial load effectively.
- Critical gaps exist, including lack of standardized methodologies, issues with light exposure, suboptimal engineering, and insufficient techno-economic assessments.
- Further research and development are required to overcome these limitations for commercial application in LMF processing.
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