Inactivation of Cronobacter sakazakii biofilms using high voltage atmospheric cold plasma on various food-contact surfaces—a preliminary study

Abstract

Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen in powdered infant formula (PIF) associated with several foodborne outbreaks. Biofilms of C. sakazakii in the PIF manufacturing plant may be a source of contamination, but information on the treatment of these biofilms is limited. This study investigated the inactivation of C. sakazakii biofilms on three food contact surfaces (stainless steel, silicone, and PVC) using high voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) applied as a dielectric barrier discharge in a 10:90 air: helium modified atmosphere. After the 90 s of cold plasma exposure at 40 kV, C. sakazakii was reduced by ∼3 log CFU/coupon comparing to without cold plasma treatments. HVACP treatment caused cell shrinkage, fragmentation of the cell membrane, and leakage of cytoplasm. The inactivation of the cells on the surface was confirmed by live/dead staining. These above-mentioned results indicate the antibiofilm efficacy of HVACP on C. sakazakii isolates on various food contact surfaces.