The role of pulsed light spectral distribution in the inactivation of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua on fresh-cut mushrooms

Pulsed light (PL) treatments have emerged as a non-thermal method for microbial decontamination on foods surfaces. The aim of this work was to evaluate the bactericidal effect of PL by identifying the spectral range with antimicrobial activity and its effect on the quality of fresh-cut mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). The mechanism responsible for their action on bacterial cells was also studied using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Results show that the effectiveness of PL-treatment decreases when the UV (ultraviolet) spectral region is blocked (particularly UV-C). PL treatments of full wavelength spectrum (180-1100 nm) and a fluence of 12 J/cm2 caused 3 and 2 log reductions in the initial counts of inoculated Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, respectively. TEM showed significant damage in cell cytoplasm and cytoplasmic membrane after treatments with full spectrum pulses and a total fluence of 12 J/cm2. In contrast, mushroom cells treated with 6 J/cm2 did not exhibit apparent changes in their cytoplasmic membrane. Full spectrum treatments had a more pronounced impact on color, texture and headspace gas composition than treatments without UV spectrum profile. This work contributes with new information regarding the effects of the spectral range of PL treatments that the whole UV-Vis range of the spectrum accounts for the lethal effect against microorganisms. On the other hand, it also provides increased knowledge regarding the antimicrobial action of this technology, showing that a photophysical effect exists, leading to changes in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane and cell content.

► Spectral range of pulsed light on safety and quality of fresh-cut mushrooms. ► Escherichia coli inactivation was greater than that of Listeria innocua. ► Full spectrum negatively affected the color, texture and headspace gas composition. ► Photophysical effect is part of the mechanism of action of intense light pulses.