Research Trends on the Application of Electrolyzed Water in Food Preservation and Sanitation

Abstract

Electrolyzed water (EW) has been proposed as a novel promising sanitizer and cleaner in recent years. It is an effective antimicrobial and antibiofilm agent that has several advantages of being on the spot, environmentally friendly, cheap, and safe for human beings. Therefore, EW has been applied widely in various fields, including agriculture, food sanitation, livestock management, medical disinfection, clinical, and other fields using antibacterial technology. Currently, EW has potential significance for high-risk settings in hospitals and other clinical facilities. The research focus has been shifted toward the application of slightly acidic EW as more effective with some supplemental chemical and physical treatment methods such as ultraviolet radiations and ultrasound. This review article summarizes the possible mechanism of action and highlights the latest research studies in antimicrobial applications.

Architectural Features and Resistance to Food-Grade Disinfectants in Listeria monocytogenes-Pseudomonas spp. Dual-Species Biofilms

“…Their strong oxidizing nature is capable of rapidly disrupting the membrane components of bacteria causing unrepairable damage to the cell, and their relatively low cost of production and easiness of application, make them one of the most used disinfectants ( Simpson and Mitch, 2021 ). Nevertheless, these chemicals have been an object of debate since their use has several drawbacks such as the limited action of the active forms, the release of chemical residues after treatment that can be combined with organic compounds forming toxic organochlorines, the generation of adverse effects to the organoleptic properties of food products and corrosion of industrial equipment, among others ( Cap, 1996 ; Yan et al, 2021 ). Thus, NEW has been proposed as a cost-effective product for biofilm eradication ( Vázquez-Sánchez et al, 2014 ; Rahman et al, 2016 ) since it has several advantages with respect to acidic or basic electrolyzed water, such as pH close to neutrality (6.5–7.5) and ORP values around 900 mV with the consequent lower metal corrosion risk of the equipment and more environmentally friendly than hypochlorite-based sanitizers ( Arevalos-Sánchez et al, 2013 ).…”

Trial Protocol for Evaluating Platforms for Growing Microgreens in Hydroponic Conditions

“…The seeds are in seminal rest until the best medium allows for germination. The cultivation of microgreens requires an ample supply of neutral to slightly acidic water [44,60]. Seeds of some varieties are soaked overnight to enhance germination.…”

Quantitative Proteomic Analysis on the Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water Triggered Viable but Non-Culturable Listeria monocytogenes

“…EW and SAEW represent significant technological advancements with versatile applications. Their unique properties, encompassing broad-spectrum activity, low toxicity, environmental compatibility, user-friendliness, and usability, make these solutions effective disinfectants and preferred choices in ensuring food safety and sanitation [ 2 , 5 , 6 ].…”