Advancements and perspectives of antimicrobial effects of combination mode nonthermal strategies - A review

Abstract

Nonthermal disinfection technologies, including ultrasound, nonthermal plasma, and pulsed electric field offer promising paths for food safety and health. They are nonthermal, energy-efficient, nutrient-maintained, and broad food compatibility, making them attractive compared to traditional thermal strategies. However, challenges like incomplete inactivation and techniques-induced microbial responses arise during stand-alone use, prompting the need for innovative combinations to address these shortcomings. This review highlights the need for advanced nonthermal control strategies, focusing on combination patterns tailored to overcome such challenges. The combined strategy of these three technologies was evaluated in terms of antimicrobial efficacy and elimination of technology-induced unlethal intermediates, including viable but non-culturable and sublethal states. By leveraging the specific disinfection mechanisms and advantages of each technology, combined strategies show improved disinfection capacity, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making bacteria more susceptible. Moreover, combining technologies can mitigate the occurrence of bacteria in viable but non-culturable and sublethal states, depending on environmental factors and disinfection techniques. Future developments in mechanisms, applications, manufacturing, and food policy are crucial for further harnessing these technologies across food safety domains.