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Combined antimicrobial effect of plasma-activated water and mild heat against Penicillium expansum spores

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the combined antimicrobial action of plasma-activated water (PAW) and mild heat (30, 40, 50, and 60 °C) against Penicillium expansum spores in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The combined treatment showed stronger antimicrobial activity against P. expansum spores. P. expansum spores decreased more than 6.76 log 10 CFU/mL after exposure to PAW at 60 °C for 10 min, which was higher than that of samples treated by PAW at 25 °C (0.80-log reduction) or mild heat treatment alone at 60 °C (2.27-log reduction). After exposure to PAW + mild heat, a high amount of intracellular nucleic acids and proteins were released from spores, suggesting the loss of cell membrane integrity. P. expansum spores also exhibited a large increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential after exposure to PAW + mild heat. Moreover, antioxidants glutathione and N-acetylcysteine effectively inhibited spores death induced by PAW + mild heat, suggesting that ROS was involved in the antifungal action of PAW and mild heat. In summary, PAW + mild heat exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity against P. expansum spores by destroying cellular membranes, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, and causing oxidative damage. • PAW +60 °C showed synergistic antimicrobial effect against P. expansum spores. • Combination of PAW and mild heat enhanced cell membrane disruption. • ROS played an important role in the synergistic antimicrobial action. • PAW + mild disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential of P. expansum spores.
Source: LWT
DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2024.116954
Authors: Yunfang Ma, Yanqing Ma, Wenjie Gong, Lei Chi, Qisen Xiang
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,570
OpenAlex ID: W4403843128
FWCI: 2.515
Cites: 44
Cited by: 11
Related to: 10