Light-Based Interventions in Food Processing: Recent Advances and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Light-based technologies are emerging as promising non-thermal interventions in modern food processing systems. Non-ionizing radiation (e.g., UV-C, far-UV), ionizing radiation, and pulsed light have gained increasing attention due to their ability to inactivate microorganisms on food surfaces while minimizing impacts on food quality. Emerging technologies such as laser-based treatments are also gaining interest for their potential applications in sustainable food processing and food packaging. These approaches offer advantages in reducing chemical usage, improving sustainability, and enabling novel processing designs. However, their effectiveness heavily depends on complex interactions among light characteristics, food matrices, surface topography, microbial targets, and process conditions. As the food industry continues to seek innovative, practical, scalable, and cost-efficient solutions, a comprehensive and updated understanding of light-based interventions is essential for their successful implementation.

This research topic aims to summarize the recent advances and applications of light-based intervention technologies in food processing systems. While significant progress has been made in laboratory-scale studies, challenges remain in translating these approaches into industrial practice. Key gaps include process optimization, treatment uniformity, light penetration, and integration into or modification of existing food processing lines.

Recent advancements in light treatment technologies and device engineering have expanded the potential of light-based technologies beyond traditional applications. Additionally, developments in mathematical modelling and machine learning are enabling more precise control of light parameters and improved prediction of treatment effectiveness. This collection seeks to bridge fundamental research and applied engineering by bridging together studies that address both mechanistic insights and practical implementation. By highlighting interdisciplinary approaches, we aim to support the development of scalable, efficient, and sustainable light-based processing technologies that enhance food safety and quality.

We invite original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, perspectives, and communications addressing the application of light-based technologies in food processing. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Light-based intervention treatments (e.g., irradiation, pulsed light, laser) for microbial inactivation on foods;
2. Emerging and advanced light-based treatment technologies;
3. Photodynamic antimicrobial systems in food system applications;
4. Mechanisms of microbial inactivation and resistance to light treatments;
5. Process optimization, engineering design, scale-up strategies, and integration into industrial processing systems;
6. Mathematical modelling and machine learning approaches for optimizing light treatment parameters;
7. Applications and validation studies of light-based treatment as preventive controls in food processing;
8. Effects of light treatments on food quality, nutritional value, and sensory attributes;
9. Combined or hurdle technologies involving light-based treatments.

Interdisciplinary studies combining food microbiology, engineering, mathematical modelling, and artificial intelligence/machine learning are especially encouraged.

Dr. Yuan Su
Prof. Dr. Fabiano André Narciso Fernandes
Guest Editors

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