Inactivation of food-related microorganisms in liquid environment by pulsed xenon flash light treatment system

Effect of pulsed xenon flash light (PLS) treatment on the inactivation of 13 food-related microorganisms including food-poisoning bacteria in liquid environment was investigated. Inactivation ratio was proportional to the irradiation energy and irradiation flush number. Higher inactivation was achieved in transparent environment such as water, phosphate buffer and physiological saline. On the other hand, pulsed xenon flash light treatment could not inactivate microorganisms in Tryptic Soy Broth. Irradiation energy 500 J and 1 time pulse treatment brought about above 5 order inactivation in all used strains, and it was indicated that PLS treatment was effective for inactivating food-related microorganisms including food-poisoning bacteria.

► Inactivation was proportional to the irradiation energy and irradiation flush number. ► Higher inactivation was achieved in transparent environment in PLS treatment. ► PLS treatment was effective for inactivating food-poisoning bacteria.