Search Results (1,063)

The atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is a popular type of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). APPJs based on a pulsed atmospheric arc (PAA) are widely spread in industrial processing. A plasma jet of this type, PlasmaBrush PB3 (PB3), is a subject of diverse research activities. The characteristic feature of PB3 is the generation of a low-current (300 mA), high-voltage (1500 V) pulsed (54 kHz) atmospheric arc. A gas flow vortex is used to stabilize the arc and to sustain the circular motion of the cathodic arc foot. During long periods of operation, nozzles acting as arc discharge cathodes erode. Part of the eroded material is emitted as nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs are not wanted in many processing applications. Knowledge of the number, type, and size distribution of emitted NPs is essential to minimize their emissions. In this study, NPs in the size range of 6 to 220 nm, emitted from four different nozzles operated with PB3, are investigated. The differences between the nozzles are in the eroded surface material (copper, tungsten, and nickel), the diameter of the nozzle orifice, the length of the discharge channel, and the position of the cathodic arc foot. Significant differences in the particle size distribution (PSD) and particle mass distribution (PMD) of emitted NPs are observed depending on the type and condition of the nozzle and their operating time. Monomodal and bimodal PMD models are used to approximate emissions from the nozzles with tungsten and copper cores, respectively. The skew-normal distribution function is deemed suitable. The results of this study can be used to control NP emissions, both to avoid them and to utilize them intentionally. Full article

Hepatitis C represents a critical global health crisis, causing approximately 1.4 million deaths annually. Although 98% of cases are treatable, only about 20% of infected individuals know their hepatitis C virus (HCV) status, highlighting the urgent need for rapid and more efficient diagnostic management. Viral genetic material can be detected in serum or plasma within just one week of exposure, making it the most reliable marker and the gold standard for active HCV infection diagnosis. In this study, a biosensor was developed to detect conserved nucleotide sequences of HCV using a 3D surface electrode composed of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). PLL is a positively charged biocompatible polymer rich in amine groups, attractive for the immobilization of proteins, DNA, and other biomolecules. PLL was employed to construct a 3D surface with vertically aligned CNTs, achieving a high electron transfer rate. Cyclic voltammetry technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the sensor platform, and analytical responses were measured by differential pulse voltammetry. This HCV biosensor detected the hybridization event by a significant reduction in DPV peaks in the presence of the ferri/ferrocyanide redox probe, without any intercalator agents. DNA responses were observed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and cDNA-spiked serum samples, demonstrating its analytical specificity. These findings represent advances in analytical tools that can effectively address the challenges of timely diagnosis for asymptomatic HCV carriers. Full article

To explore the potential of plasma technology in regulating seed germination, this study compared the effects of direct treatment with needle-plate electrodes using DC and pulse power supplies, and indirect treatment with plasma-activated water on the growth characteristics of Bromus inermis seeds. By comparing different pulse power parameters, including voltage, pulse width, frequency, and duration, it was found that treatments at 15 kV, 2500 ns, 6 kHz, and 10 min significantly increased the surface hydrophilicity and germination performance of the seeds. The best conditions for DC power supply were 15 kV and 10 min. Indirect treatment with plasma-activated water (15 kV, 10 min) effectively broke the seed dormancy by regulating active nitrogen oxygen particle components, increasing the germination percentage by 50%. Analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity showed that in seedlings the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) increased by 75% and 21%, respectively, after treatment, revealing the mechanism of oxidative stress response induced by plasma. This study provides theoretical and technical references for the application of plasma technology in enhancing seed vitality and agricultural practices. Full article

Milk is widely consumed due to its high nutritional value and ease of digestion. However, because it is highly perishable, it requires specific technologies to ensure its microbiological safety and preserve its characteristics. Thermal methods such as pasteurization and UHT are common, but the growing demand for more natural foods is driving interest in less invasive alternatives. This study reviews emerging technologies in milk processing, such as freeze-drying, ultrasound, supercritical carbon dioxide, ohmic heating, pulsed electric fields, high pressure, ozonation, cold plasma, and pulsed light. These methods show potential for eliminating microorganisms with reduced nutritional loss and environmental impact. Despite advances, challenges remain for their large-scale application, especially in process standardization and economic viability. This analysis contributes to expanding knowledge about these technologies, offering pathways for innovation, sustainability, and greater alignment with today’s consumer demands. Full article

Plasma medicine is a field of research that focuses on the sterilization of bacteria, wounds and cancer treatment, tissue regeneration and other biomedical applications using plasma. Dielectric barrier discharge microplasma was used for biomedical applications such as sterilization of bacteria and skin treatment for transdermal drug delivery. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using microplasma for improving blood coagulation parameters. Blood samples collected from one dog and one cat were treated with microplasma, and the blood coagulation effect of this treatment was compared with the effect achieved by treating the blood with air flow only. The microplasma electrodes were energized using a negative pulse voltage power supply and environmental air was used as discharge gas. The microplasma treatment produced clear coagulation effects that increased proportionally with treatment time, discharge voltage and frequency. In contrast, the treatment with air flow only had no coagulation effects after the same treatment time as for the microplasma treatment. The observed blood coagulation effects induced by microplasma treatment could be attributed to the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated by microplasma. The blood sample subjected to microplasma treatment had a slight temperature increase (≈4 °C) confirming the nonthermal operation. In conclusion, this study shows promising results that suggest the potential of using microplasma treatment as a tool for improving blood coagulation parameters. Furthermore, microplasma’s suitability for portability and integration indicates the potential for developing a compact microplasma device tailored for use by first responders in cases of bleeding. Full article

Archeological ceramics represent values that necessitate preservation from various factors of deterioration. Cleaning processes are beneficial in the preservation of these ceramics. An abundance of cleaning technique and process information exists within the literature. This study examines the current state of both traditional and advanced cleaning techniques employed for archeological ceramics. The review discusses a wide range of commonly used cleaning techniques, including mechanical, dry and wet processes, as well as chemical approaches. Additionally, more recent laser, plasma, and biocleaning methods are discussed. The effectiveness of these techniques is examined, as well as potential damage or surface modifications to the ceramics. The selection of a cleaning method for ceramics depends on the specific characteristics of the ceramic (i.e., porosity, glaze, slip red-slipped, etc.), its state of conservation, and the nature and thickness of the fouling or encrustations. Careful selection and testing of chemical solutions are crucial to prevent damage. While chelating agents like EDTA effectively dissolve crusts and salts, uncontrolled application can weaken ceramic structures. Laponite, natural clay minerals, resins and organic gels (xanthan gum, agar, cellulose powder) are effective in removing contaminants from the surfaces of without causing damage. Environmentally friendly methods such as biocleaning, Pulsed Laser Cleaning, and plasma are effective but underutilized, requiring further investigation. This review emphasizes the growing potential of sustainable and non-invasive methods to complement or replace traditional approaches. Its main contribution lies in providing a critical synthesis that bridges conventional and innovative techniques, outlining research gaps for more effective and eco-responsible conservation of archeological ceramics. Full article

The paper presents experimental results for a modified pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) with solid propellant, using a coaxial anode–cathode design. Graphite from pencil leads served as propellant, and a tungsten trigger electrode was tested to reduce carbonization effects. Experiments were performed in a vacuum chamber at 0.001 Pa, employing diagnostics such as discharge current/voltage recording, power measurement, ballistic pendulum, time-of-flight (TOF) method, and a Faraday cup. Current and voltage waveforms matched an oscillatory RLC circuit with variable plasma channel resistance. Key discharge parameters were measured, including current pulse duration/amplitude and plasma channel formation/decay dynamics. Impulse bit values, obtained with a ballistic pendulum, reached up to 8.5 μN·s. Increasing trigger capacitor capacitance reduced thrust due to unstable “pre-plasma” formation and partial pre-discharge energy loss. Using TOF and Faraday cup diagnostics, plasma front velocity, ion current amplitude, current density, and ion concentration were determined. Tungsten electrodes produced lower charged particle concentrations than graphite but offered better adhesion resistance, minimal carbonization, and stable long-term performance. The findings support optimizing trigger electrode materials and PPT operating modes to extend lifetime and stabilize thrust output. Full article

High-average-power extreme ultraviolet (EUV) sources are essential for large-scale nanoscale chip manufacturing, yet commercially available laser-produced plasma sources face challenges in scaling to the kilowatt level. We propose a novel scheme that combines the high repetition rate of a diffraction-limited storage ring with a regenerative amplifier free-electron laser (RAFEL) employing a transverse gradient undulator (TGU). By introducing dispersion in the storage ring, electrons of different energies are directed into corresponding magnetic field strengths of the TGU, thereby satisfying the resonance condition under a large energy spread and increasing the FEL gain. Simulations show that at equilibrium, the average EUV power exceeds 1 kW, with an output pulse energy reaching ∼2.86 μJ, while the energy spread stabilizes at ∼0.45%. These results demonstrate the feasibility of ring-based RAFEL with TGU as a promising route toward kilowatt-level EUV sources. Full article

Aflatoxin (AF) contamination in pistachios remains a critical food safety and trade challenge, given the potent carcinogenicity of AF-B₁ and the nut’s high susceptibility to Aspergillus infection throughout production and storage. Traditional decontamination methods such as roasting, irradiation, ozonation, and acid/alkaline treatments can reduce AF levels but often degrade sensory and nutritional quality, implying the need for more sustainable approaches. In recent years, innovative nonthermal interventions, including pulsed light, cold plasma, nanomaterial-based adsorbents, and bioactive coatings, have demonstrated significant potential to decrease fungal growth and AF accumulation while preserving product quality. Biosensing technologies such as electrochemical immunosensors, aptamer-based systems, and optical or imaging tools are advancing rapid, portable, and sensitive detection capabilities. Combining these experimental strategies with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models can increasingly be applied to integrate spectral, sensor, and imaging data for predicting fungal development and AF risk in real time. This review brings together progress in nonthermal reduction strategies, biosensing innovations, and data-driven approaches, presenting a comprehensive perspective on emerging tools that could transform pistachio safety management and strengthen compliance with global regulatory standards. Full article

Fermented vegetables, which are valued for their distinctive organoleptic properties and nutritional profile, are susceptible to quality deterioration during processing and storage because microorganisms inhabit vegetable raw materials. The metabolic processes of these microorganisms may induce texture degradation, chromatic alterations, flavor diminution, and spoilage. Conventional inactivation methods employing thermal sterilization or chemical preservatives achieve microbial control through nonselective inactivation, inevitably compromising the regional sensory characteristics conferred by indigenous fermentative microbiota. Recent advances in existing antimicrobial technologies offer promising alternatives for selective microbial management in fermented vegetable matrices. Existing modalities, including cold plasma, electromagnetic wave-based inactivation (e.g., photodynamic inactivation, pulsed light, catalytic infrared radiation, microwave, and radio frequency), natural essential oils, and lactic acid bacterial metabolites, demonstrate targeted pathogen inactivation while maintaining beneficial microbial consortia essential for quality preservation when properly optimized. This paper explores the applications, mechanisms, and targeted microbes of these technologies in fermented vegetable ingredients, aiming to provide a robust theoretical and practical framework for the use of selective inactivation strategies to manage the fermentation process. By assessing their impact on the initial microbial community, this review aims to guide the development of methods that ensure product safety while safeguarding the characteristic flavor and quality of fermented vegetables. Full article

Background: The BMI–albumin–neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (BAN) score integrates adiposity, nutritional status, and systemic inflammation, but its role in detecting early cardiometabolic changes remains unclear. This study examined associations of the BAN score with vascular, glycemic, and lipid markers in non-diabetic adults. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 162 non-diabetic subjects. Associations between the BAN score and vascular, glycemic, and lipid parameters were examined using Spearman’s correlation, ROC analysis, and regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, and medication use. Results: Patients had a median age of 37 years, 72.8% were female, with median BMI 33 kg/m², albumin 4.4 g/dL, and NLR 1.3. Higher BAN scores correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), pulse pressure (PP) (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), and HbA1c (r = 0.22, p < 0.01). Compared with the lowest tertile, higher BAN tertiles showed significantly elevated SBP, PP, and HbA1c (p < 0.01). In adjusted models, each one-unit increase in BAN score was associated with higher SBP (β = 1.01, p = 0.037), PP (β = 0.66, p = 0.006), and HbA1c (β = 1.85, p = 0.008). No associations were found with the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli risk index I (CRI-I), or Castelli risk index II (CRI-II). ROC analysis showed moderate discriminative ability for hypertension (AUC = 0.66) and HbA1c (AUC = 0.65). Conclusions: The BAN score is associated with a distinctive early cardiometabolic risk, particularly elevated SBP, widened PP, and early glycemic alterations. Further research should define the BAN score’s mechanisms and preventive utility. Full article

Non-thermal technologies (NTTs) such as ultrasound (US), pulsed electric fields (PEF), high-pressure processing (HPP), cold plasma (CP), and pulsed light (PL) are emerging as versatile tools in food fermentation, offering microbial control and process enhancement without the detrimental heat effects of conventional methods. Operating at ambient low temperatures, these techniques preserve heat-sensitive compounds, modulate microbial activity, and improve mass transfer, enabling both quality retention and functional enrichment. Recent studies highlight their potential to stimulate metabolic pathways and enhance the release of bioactive compounds, opening new opportunities for fermented food production. The bibliometric analysis of the recent literature further reveals a growing interest in NTT applications in fermentation, with HPP and PEF showing the highest industrial maturity. Each technology exhibits distinct mechanisms and optimal niches across upstream, midstream, and downstream stages: HPP for uniform volumetric treatment, US for fermentation intensification, CP for surface-selective oxidative chemistry, PEF for membrane permeability control, and PL for rapid, residue-free decontamination. While the degree of industrial readiness varies, critical barriers such as scale-up limitations, high capital costs, energy distribution uniformity, process standardization, and techno-economic feasibility remain to be overcome. Beyond technical aspects, the successful commercialization of NTTs will also depend on addressing regulatory approval pathways, ensuring consumer trust and acceptance, and demonstrating their contribution to sustainability goals through lower energy use, reduced food waste, and environmentally responsible processing. Strategic, stand-alone, or hybrid applications of NTTs can therefore act not only as technological alternatives but also as enablers of a more sustainable, consumer-centered, and innovation-driven food system. Full article

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) utilising a hydroxyl radical (•OH), a strong oxidant, are seen as a promising solution for removing hazardous and recalcitrant pollutants from waste streams. Among AOPs, non-thermal plasmas, especially pulsed corona discharge (PCD), enable the abatement of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with high energy efficiency. This study demonstrates the viability of upscaling PCD technology with water sprinkling in degrading the VOC toluene using a semi-pilot scale plasma reactor. A toluene–air mixture was treated with varying gas-phase toluene concentrations (30–100 ppm) and pulse repetition frequencies (25–800 pps), achieving toluene removal of 5–55% in PCD and an additional 10–18% in PCO, as well as excellent toluene removal energy efficiencies from 9.0 to 37.1 g kW⁻¹ h⁻¹. The process design with water sprinkling provides additional advantages compared to dry reactors—the water surface serves as a source of hydroxyl radicals and scrubs the air from degradation by-products resulting from the incomplete oxidation of target pollutants. Transformation products of toluene were identified, and an oxidation pathway via hydroxylation of the aromatic ring was suggested as the major route towards ring-opening reactions. A photocatalytic oxidation reactor with TiO₂ catalyst plates, following PCD as a post-treatment, enabled additional removal of residual contaminants, also converting residual ozone to oxygen. The PCD reactor with water sprinkling and post-plasma photocatalysis shows promising results for upscaling the process. Full article

Natural food colourants are gaining momentum in the food industry due to their clean-label appeal, safety, and potential health benefits. However, their practical application is often constrained by instability under environmental stressors such as pH fluctuations, heat, light, and oxygen. In response, both traditional and innovative strategies have emerged to improve pigment stability, with some studies reporting up to 50–80% retention of colour intensity under optimised conditions. Most existing research focuses on extraction, with limited emphasis on post-processing stability. This article reviews a wide range of food processing strategies aimed at enhancing the stability of natural pigments. It covers conventional and emerging approaches, including natural chemical stabilisers such as co-pigments, antioxidants, and metal ion chelators, physicochemical methods such as micro- and nanoencapsulation using biopolymers, and physical interventions involving drying technologies, particle size modification, and protective packaging. Modern technologies such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, and cold plasma are discussed as promising non-thermal alternatives, demonstrating 20–70% improvement in pigment retention compared to untreated controls. By integrating these diverse approaches, this article highlights current advancements, identifies knowledge gaps, and discusses future directions to support the development of stable, sustainable, and functional natural colourant systems for next-generation food products. Collectively, these approaches demonstrate significant potential to improve the performance and resilience of natural pigments in complex food systems. Full article

A novel voltammetric sensor was constructed by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with a composite material consisting of platinum–nickel-doped tin oxide and carbon black (PtNiSnO₂-CB/GCE), enabling highly sensitive differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) determination of trazodone HCl (TRZ). The DPV experimental parameters, including the composition of the supporting electrolyte and instrumental settings, were carefully optimized to achieve maximum analytical efficiency. Within the linear range of 1–10 µM, quantification of TRZ molecules could be performed without the preconcentration step. When applying a 60 s accumulation time (in the range 0.02–0.2 µM of TRZ), the detection limit reached 4.1 nM (1.67 mg L⁻¹), indicating superior sensitivity compared to previously reported voltammetric techniques. The method demonstrated good reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation of 4.3% for 10 repeated measurements at 0.06 µM TRZ. The developed sensor exhibits excellent stability, simplicity of fabrication, and operational convenience. Its practical applicability was confirmed by the successful analysis of molecules of TRZ in diverse sample types, including pharmaceutical products, urine, plasma, river water, and artificial gastric and intestinal fluids, with recovery rates between 97.7% and 104.2%. Flow injection analysis (FIA) with amperometric detection was also performed for TRZ molecule determination. Full article