Evaluation of far-uvc 222 nm in decontamination and increase in shelf life of fruits

• Grant number: 21/08364-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Sebastião Pratavieira
• Grantee: Mariana Mayumi Yamashiro Delfino
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Optics and Photonic Research Center, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Food security is one of the most challenging things of our times. Foods contaminated by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins produced by microorganisms, in addition to resulting in the transmission of diseases, are the cause of significant losses and waste. Several strategies, such as thermal processes and washing food with chemical solutions, are used to control such situations; however, both have their limitations. Disinfection by photonic techniques, such as ultraviolet irradiation (uv-c), is an alternative for the control of microorganisms. Light in the 250-260 range is lethal for a range of microorganisms; specifically, UV-c at 254 nm, known as a germicide, is a widely recognized method in the disinfection of water and surfaces. However, its use can be harmful to humans as it is carcinogenic and teratogenic. In contrast, the far ultraviolet light (207-230nm) emitted by Kryptonian chloride excimer lamps (KrCl), has been shown to efficiently eliminate several microorganisms without causing damage to mammalian exposed skin. The purpose of this work is to analyze the effectiveness of far-UVC at 222 nm in disinfecting fruit and increasing its shelf life, the Care222 equipment will be used to simulate real supermarket situations, aiming to find the sample dose and distance/ equipment suitable for microbiological control.(AU)