Influence of cold plasma on fungal growth and aflatoxins production on groundnuts

In this study, influence of cold plasma on the Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxins productions have been investigated as an alternative to chemical free and thermal treatments. Artificially inoculated fungal species onto the groundnuts were treated with air plasma at 40 W and 60 W power levels at various time intervals. After the plasma treatment, inactivation of A. parasiticus and A. flavus was examined and the concentration of aflatoxins produced was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography. There is 97.9% and 99.3% reduction in the growth of A. parasiticus and A. flavus respectively, when treated at 60 W powers. Electron microscopy was also used to study the effect of cold plasma on the cellular membranes of the spores. Results showed complete disintegration of fungal spore membrane due to electroporation and etching caused by the reactive species of plasma. In 40 W 15 min and 60 W 12 min plasma treated samples more than 70% and 90% reduction in aflatoxin B1 content was observed. These results suggest that cold plasma may be considered as alternative methods for disinfestation of foods due to its strong potential for microbial inactivation.