An ultrasound-enhanced system for microbial inactivation using supercritical carbon dioxide

► Supercritical CO2 and high power ultrasound were used to inactivate E. coli. ► The supercritical CO2 inactivation rate increases with a rise in pressure or temperature. ► Ultrasound drastically reduced the supercritical CO2 inactivation times. ► Ultrasound masked the effect of pressure, temperature and composition of the medium. ► Combining supercritical CO2 with ultrasound mild process conditions can be used.