Influence of dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma on physicochemical property of milk for sterilization

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBD-CP) sterilizing function on milk and to analyze the influences of DBD-CP on the structure and physicochemical performance of milk. It was verified that DBD-CP sterilizing function resulted in a broken bacterial cell membrane, reduced activity of metabolic enzymes, and bacterial DNA destruction. DBD-CP treatment would bring in some more stabilized structures obtained from scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The values of color, viscosity, pH, and titratable acidity showed an acceptable physicochemical property with DBD-CP treatment at 70 V (120 s) and 80 V (120 s). Therefore, it indicated that DBD-CP could be used as a new sterilization method for milk.

Automated summary

The study found that dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBD-CP) can disrupt bacterial cell membranes, reduce metabolic enzyme activity, and destroy bacterial DNA. Additionally, it stabilizes milk structures and maintains acceptable physicochemical properties under certain voltage and time conditions, indicating that DBD-CP could be a new sterilization method for milk.