Top secret bug killer
Researchers at Loughborough University are preparing to lodge a patent application for a novel method of pasteurising food using military technology that breaks down nerve gas and biological agents, including anthrax.
Cold plasma technology uses resistive electrodes to produce a bluish fog-like gas that pulls apart complex chemicals. Although it has been used to sterilise food surfaces, it has not so far been applied to pasteurisation, said Geoff Meacock, regional technology translator at Food Processing Knowledge Transfer Network, which is working with Loughborough.
"This is potentially very exciting as it doesn't use high temperatures, irradiation, harsh chemicals or high pressure, and a device could simply be bolted on to the end of a production line," said Meacock.
