The Application of Cold Plasma on Microbial and Physicochemical Properties of Milk

Abstract

Using the RSM CCD design, the study identified optimal treatment parameters: 12.97 min of treatment time and a 2 cm distance between the device and milk surface. Color indexes, vitamin B2 levels, and color differences showed no significant variances between treated and control samples. Plasma treatment marginally lowered pH from 6.68 to 6.59, and viscosity notably rose with longer treatment times and shorter distances. Bacterial analysis revealed significant reductions in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa populations post-cold plasma treatment, with a more pronounced decrease observed in S. aureus. These findings highlight the efficacy of cold plasma in retaining milk quality.