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Bayati M, Lund MN, Tiwari BK, Poojary MM. Chemical and physical changes induced by cold plasma treatment of foods: A critical review. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13376. [PMID: 38923698 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Cold plasma treatment is an innovative technology in the food processing and preservation sectors. It is primarily employed to deactivate microorganisms and enzymes without heat and chemical additives; hence, it is often termed a "clean and green" technology. However, food quality and safety challenges may arise during cold plasma processing due to potential chemical interactions between the plasma reactive species and food components. This review aims to consolidate and discuss data on the impact of cold plasma on the chemical constituents and physical and functional properties of major food products, including dairy, meat, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and grains. We emphasize how cold plasma induces chemical modification of key food components, such as water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, polyphenols, and volatile organic compounds. Additionally, we discuss changes in color, pH, and organoleptic properties induced by cold plasma treatment and their correlation with chemical modification. Current studies demonstrate that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in cold plasma oxidize proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds upon direct contact with the food matrix. Reductions in nutrients and bioactive compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, sugars, polyphenols, and vitamins, have been observed in dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and beverages following cold plasma treatment. Furthermore, structural alterations and the generation of volatile and non-volatile oxidation products were observed, impacting the color, flavor, and texture of food products. However, the effects on dry foods, such as seeds and nuts, are comparatively less pronounced. Overall, this review highlights the drawbacks, challenges, and opportunities associated with cold plasma treatment in food processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bayati
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Marianne N Lund
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Brijesh K Tiwari
- Department of Food Chemistry and Technology, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Dublin 15, Ireland
| | - Mahesha M Poojary
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Bhabani MG, Shams R, Dash KK. Microgreens and novel non-thermal seed germination techniques for sustainable food systems: a review. Food Sci Biotechnol 2024; 33:1541-1557. [PMID: 38623424 PMCID: PMC11016050 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-024-01529-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
There are a number of cutting-edge techniques implemented in the germination process, including high pressure processing, ultrasonic, ultraviolet, light, non-thermal plasma, magnetic field, microwave radiation, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and plasma activated water. The influence of these technological advances on seed germination procedure is addressed in this review. The use of these technologies has several benefits, including the enhancement of plant growth rate and the modulation of bioactive chemicals like ABA, protein, and peroxidase concentrations, as well as the suppression of microbial development. Microgreens' positive health effects, such as their antioxidant, anticancer, antiproliferative/pro-oxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties are extensively reviewed. The phytochemical and bioactive components of microgreens were investigated, including the concentrations of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, micro and macro nutrients, pro-vitamin A, polyphenols, and glucosinolates. Furthermore, the potential commercial uses of microgreens, as well as the current market transformation and prospects for the future are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulakala Geeta Bhabani
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab India
| | - Rafeeya Shams
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab India
| | - Kshirod Kumar Dash
- Department of Food Processing Technology, Ghani Khan Choudhury Institute of Engineering and Technology, Malda, West Bengal India
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Motrescu I, Lungoci C, Ciolan MA, Jităreanu G. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds stimulates the sprout growth and the production of nutraceutical compounds. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:33. [PMID: 38183006 PMCID: PMC10770889 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The possibility to stimulate the production of some nutraceutical properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) sprouts by non-thermal plasma (NTP) processing of the seeds in different conditions was studied. The non-thermal plasma used in this work was a surface dielectric barrier discharge. Two types of processing were performed: direct NTP treatment and NTP with a cover treatment, to simulate the processing of packaged seeds. For all treatments, the effect of pre-soaking of the seeds was studied as well. The analyses of the seeds after processing indicated an increase of the hydrophilicity of their surface for NTP direct treatment as resulted from the water contact angle measurements, which could be due to the strong etching evidenced by scanning electron microscopy imaging. A significant (p < 0.05) increase of the seedling growth, by up to 50%, was found especially for the pre-soaked seeds. These results were correlated with the increase of chlorophyll pigments concentrations, with higher concentrations in the case of NTP direct treatment than for the NTP with cover treatments. Direct NTP treatment for 30 s of dry seeds led to the highest increase of the flavonoid concentration of about three times compared to that obtained for untreated seeds. For the polyphenols and antioxidant activity, NTP with cover treatments proved to be better, with a significant increase, especially for 90 s treatment of the pre-soaked seeds. All the results indicate the possibility of tuning the nutraceutical properties of fenugreek sprouts by NTP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Motrescu
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi University of Life Sciences, 3 Sadoveanu Alley, Iasi, 700490, Romania.
- Research Institute for Agriculture and Environment, 14 Sadoveanu Alley, Iasi, 700490, Romania.
| | - Constantin Lungoci
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi University of Life Sciences, 3 Sadoveanu Alley, Iasi, 700490, Romania
| | - Mihai Alexandru Ciolan
- Research Center on Advanced Materials and Technologies, Department of Exact and Natural Science, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Carol I Blvd., No. 11, Iasi, 700506, Romania
| | - Gerard Jităreanu
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi University of Life Sciences, 3 Sadoveanu Alley, Iasi, 700490, Romania
- Research Institute for Agriculture and Environment, 14 Sadoveanu Alley, Iasi, 700490, Romania
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Guragain RP, Baniya HB, Guragain DP, Pradhan SP, Subedi DP. From seed to sprout: Unveiling the potential of non-thermal plasma for optimizing cucumber growth. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21460. [PMID: 37954337 PMCID: PMC10637995 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Numerous strategies for enhancing seed germination and growth have been employed over the decades. Despite these advancements, there continues to be a demand for more effective techniques, driven by the growing global population. Recently, various forms of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma have garnered attention as environmentally friendly, safe, and cost-effective methods to enhance the agricultural and food sectors. This study explores the remarkable impact of non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seed germination. Methods A cost-effective, custom-designed power supply operating at line frequency was used for treating seeds, with exposure times ranging from 1 to 7 min. Various germination parameters, including water contact angle measurements, mass loss, water imbibition rate, and seedling length, were evaluated to assess the impact of plasma treatment on seed germination. Results Cucumber seeds exposed to NTP treatment for 3 min and 5 min durations showed significant germination improvements, notably a 57.9 ± 4.25 % higher final germination percentage, 14.5 ± 3.75 % reduced mean germination time, and a remarkable 90.6 ± 4.64 % increase in germination index compared to the control. These results suggest that NTP treatment enhanced seed coat permeability, triggered essential biochemical processes, and expedited water absorption and nutrient assimilation, ultimately fostering faster and more synchronized germination. Conclusions Our findings underscore the potential of NTP as an innovative approach to improving seed germination in agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hom Bahadur Baniya
- Department of Physics, Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Deepesh Prakash Guragain
- Department of Electronics and Communication, Nepal Engineering College, Pokhara University, Changunarayan, Bhaktapur, Nepal
| | - Suman Prakash Pradhan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Deepak Prasad Subedi
- Department of Physics, School of Science, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
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Gudyniene V, Juzenas S, Stukonis V, Mildaziene V, Ivankov A, Norkeviciene E. Comparing Non-Thermal Plasma and Cold Stratification: Which Pre-Sowing Treatment Benefits Wild Plant Emergence? PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3220. [PMID: 37765384 PMCID: PMC10534388 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Meadow restoration and creation projects have faced a lack of local seed diversity due to the limited availability of seed sources. Non-thermal plasma technologies are being developed for agriculture and do not cause damage to heat-sensitive biological systems. This technology has shown the potential to improve agronomic seed quality by enhancing germination and promoting plant growth. However, there is almost no information about the effect of non-thermal plasma pretreatment on the seedlings' emergence of wild plant species. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of non-thermal plasma on the emergence of 17 plant seeds originating from local meadows in Lithuania and compare it with the cold stratification pretreatment. The results obtained indicate that there were differences in emergence parameters among the species. However, NTP did not show statistically significant differences from the control. Non-thermal plasma improved the kinetic parameters of emergence for a few specific species' seeds, such as Anthyllis vulneraria and Prunella grandiflora, while the cold stratification pretreatment enhanced emergence for a broader range of plants. Significant differences were observed between non-thermal plasma and stratification pretreatment, as well as between the control and stratification groups. Both methods also had a negative impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Gudyniene
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Instituto al. 1, Akademija, LT-58344 Kedainiai, Lithuania; (V.S.); (E.N.)
| | - Sigitas Juzenas
- Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre (VU LSC), Institute of Biosciences, Sauletekio Av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Vaclovas Stukonis
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Instituto al. 1, Akademija, LT-58344 Kedainiai, Lithuania; (V.S.); (E.N.)
| | - Vida Mildaziene
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos Str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.M.); (A.I.)
| | - Anatolii Ivankov
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos Str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.M.); (A.I.)
| | - Egle Norkeviciene
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Instituto al. 1, Akademija, LT-58344 Kedainiai, Lithuania; (V.S.); (E.N.)
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Khan MJ, Jovicic V, Zbogar-Rasic A, Zettel V, Delgado A, Hitzmann B. Influence of Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment on Structural Network Attributes of Wheat Flour and Respective Dough. Foods 2023; 12:foods12102056. [PMID: 37238874 DOI: 10.3390/foods12102056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its "generally recognized as safe status" (GRAS) and moderate treatment temperatures, non-thermal plasma (NTP) has lately been considered a suitable replacement for chemicals in the modification of food properties and for preserving food quality. One of the promising areas for the application of NTP is the treatment of wheat flour, leading to improved flour properties and product quality and consequently to higher customer satisfaction. In the present research, the German wheat flour type 550, equivalent to all-purpose flour, was treated using NTP in a rotational reactor to determine the influence of short treatment times (≤5 min) on the properties of flour (moisture and fat content, protein, starch, color, microbial activity, and enzymes), dough (visco-elastic properties, starch, wet and dry gluten, and water absorption), and baking products (color, freshness, baked volume, crumb structure, softness, and elasticity). Based on the properties of NTP, it was expected that even very short treatment times would have a significant effect on the flour particles, which could positively affect the quality of the final baking product. Overall, the experimental analysis showed a positive effect of NTP treatment of wheat flour, e.g., decreased water activity value (<0.7), which is known to positively affect flour stability and product shelf life; dough stability increased (>8% after 5 min. treatment); dough extensibility increased (ca. 30% after 3 min treatment); etc. Regarding the baking product, further positive effects were detected, e.g., enhanced product volume (>9%), improved crumb whiteness/decreased crumb yellowness, softening of breadcrumb without a change in elasticity, and limited microorganism and enzymatic activity. Furthermore, no negative effects on the product quality were observed, even though further food quality tests are required. The presented experimental research confirms the overall positive influence of NTP treatment, even for very low treatment times, on wheat flour and its products. The presented findings are significant for the potential implementation of this technique on an industrial level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Jehanzaib Khan
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics (LSTM), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vojislav Jovicic
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics (LSTM), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ana Zbogar-Rasic
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics (LSTM), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Viktoria Zettel
- Department of Process Analytics and Cereal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Antonio Delgado
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics (LSTM), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- German Engineering Research and Development Center, LSTME Busan, Busan 46742, Republic of Korea
| | - Bernd Hitzmann
- Department of Process Analytics and Cereal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Judickaitė A, Venckus J, Koga K, Shiratani M, Mildažienė V, Žūkienė R. Cold Plasma-Induced Changes in Stevia rebaudiana Morphometric and Biochemical Parameter Correlations. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1585. [PMID: 37111809 PMCID: PMC10145628 DOI: 10.3390/plants12081585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is an economically important source of natural low-calorie sweeteners, steviol glycosides (SGs), with stevioside (Stev) and rebaudioside A (RebA) being the most abundant. Pre-sowing seed treatment with cold plasma (CP) was shown to stimulate SGs biosynthesis/accumulation up to several fold. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility to predict CP-induced biochemical changes in plants from morphometric parameters. Principle component analysis (PCA) was applied to two different sets of data: morphometric parameters versus SGs concentrations and ratio, and morphometric parameters versus other secondary metabolites (total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC)) and antioxidant activity (AA). Seeds were treated for 2, 5 and 7 min with CP (CP2, CP5 and CP7 groups) before sowing. CP treatment stimulated SGs production. CP5 induced the highest increase of RebA, Stev and RebA+Stev concentrations (2.5-, 1.6-, and 1.8-fold, respectively). CP did not affect TPC, TFC or AA and had a duration-dependent tendency to decrease leaf dry mass and plant height. The correlation analysis of individual plant traits revealed that at least one morphometric parameter negatively correlates with Stev orRebA+Stev concentration after CP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustė Judickaitė
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas 44248, Lithuania
| | - Justinas Venckus
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas 44248, Lithuania
| | - Kazunori Koga
- Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Center for Novel Science Initiatives, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
| | - Masaharu Shiratani
- Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Vida Mildažienė
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas 44248, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Žūkienė
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas 44248, Lithuania
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Xu Y, Bai Y, Dai C, Lv H, Zhou X, Xu Q. Effects of non-thermal atmospheric plasma on protein. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2022; 71:173-184. [PMID: 36447493 PMCID: PMC9701599 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.22-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, the advancement in non-thermal atmospheric plasma technology enables plasma treatments on some heat-sensitive targets, including biological substances, without unspecific damage caused by thermal effect. The significant effects of non-thermal atmospheric plasma modulating biological events have been demonstrated by considerable studies. Protein, one of the most important biomolecules, participates in the majority of the life-sustaining activities in all organisms, whose functions are derived from the diverse biochemical properties of amino acid compositions and four-tiered protein structure hierarchy. Therefore, the knowledge of how non-thermal atmospheric plasma affects protein greatly benefits the understanding and application of the non-thermal atmospheric plasma's effect in biological area. In this review, we summarize recent research progress on the effects of non-thermal atmospheric plasma, particularly its reactive species, on biochemical and biophysical characteristics of proteins at different structural levels that leads to their functional changes. Moreover, the physiological effects of non-thermal atmospheric plasma at cellular or organism level driven by the manipulations on protein and their relative application prospects are reviewed. Despite the exceptional application potential, the exploration of the non-thermal atmospheric plasma's effect on protein still confronts with difficulties due to the limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and the complexity of non-thermal atmospheric plasma operation systems, which requires further studies and standardization of non-thermal atmospheric plasma treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xu
- Institute of Microbiology, Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Gongwan Road 15, Hefei City, Anhui Province 230061, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Institute of Microbiology, Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Gongwan Road 15, Hefei City, Anhui Province 230061, China
| | - Chenwei Dai
- Institute of Microbiology, Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Gongwan Road 15, Hefei City, Anhui Province 230061, China
| | - Han Lv
- Institute of Microbiology, Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Gongwan Road 15, Hefei City, Anhui Province 230061, China
| | - Xiuhong Zhou
- Institute of Microbiology, Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Gongwan Road 15, Hefei City, Anhui Province 230061, China
| | - Qinghua Xu
- Institute of Microbiology, Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Gongwan Road 15, Hefei City, Anhui Province 230061, China
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Quantitative Analysis of Plant Cytosolic Calcium Signals in Response to Water Activated by Low-Power Non-Thermal Plasma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810752. [PMID: 36142664 PMCID: PMC9506352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-thermal plasma technology is increasingly being applied in the plant biology field. Despite the variety of beneficial effects of plasma-activated water (PAW) on plants, information about the mechanisms of PAW sensing by plants is still limited. In this study, in order to link PAW perception to the positive downstream responses of plants, transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings expressing the Ca2+-sensitive photoprotein aequorin in the cytosol were challenged with water activated by low-power non-thermal plasma generated by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) source. PAW sensing by plants resulted in the occurrence of cytosolic Ca2+ signals, whose kinetic parameters were found to strictly depend on the operational conditions of the plasma device and thus on the corresponding mixture of chemical species contained in the PAW. In particular, we highlighted the effect on the intracellular Ca2+ signals of low doses of DBD-PAW chemicals and also presented the effects of consecutive plant treatments. The results were discussed in terms of the possibility of using PAW-triggered Ca2+ signatures as benchmarks to accurately modulate the chemical composition of PAW in order to induce environmental stress resilience in plants, thus paving the way for further applications in agriculture.
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Sirgedaitė-Šėžienė V, Lučinskaitė I, Mildažienė V, Ivankov A, Koga K, Shiratani M, Laužikė K, Baliuckas V. Changes in Content of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity Induced in Needles of Different Half-Sib Families of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) by Seed Treatment with Cold Plasma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081558. [PMID: 36009278 PMCID: PMC9405162 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to ensure sufficient food resources for a constantly growing human population, new technologies (e.g., cold plasma technologies) are being developed for increasing the germination and seedling growth without negative effects on the environment. Pinaceae species are considered a natural source of antioxidant compounds and are valued for their pharmaceutical and nutraceutical properties. In this study, the seeds of seven different Norway spruce half-sib families were processed for one or two minutes with cold plasma (CP) using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma equipment. At the end of the second vegetation season, the total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH (2,2- diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) antioxidant activity, and the amounts of six organic acids (folic, malic, citric, oxalic, succinic, and ascorbic) were determined in the needles of different half-sib families of Norway spruce seedlings. The results show that the TFC, antioxidant activity, and amounts of organic acids in the seedling needles depended on both the treatment duration and the genetic family. The strongest positive effect on the TFC was determined in the seedlings of the 477, 599, and 541 half-sib families after seed treatment with CP for 1 min (CP1). The TFC in these families increased from 118.06 mg g−1 to 312.6 mg g−1 compared to the control. Moreover, seed treatment with CP1 resulted in the strongest increase in the antioxidant activity of the needles of the 541 half-sib family seedlings; the antioxidant activity, determined by DPPH and ABTS tests, increased by 30 and 23%, respectively, compared to the control. The obtained results indicate that the CP effect on the amount of organic acids in the needles was dependent on the half-sib family. It was determined that treatment with CP1 increased the amount of five organic acids in the needles of the 541 half-sib family seedlings. The presented results show future possibilities for using cold plasma seed treatment in the food and pharmacy industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaida Sirgedaitė-Šėžienė
- Institute of Forestry, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Liepų Str. 1, Kaunas District, LT-53101 Girionys, Lithuania
- Correspondence:
| | - Ieva Lučinskaitė
- Institute of Forestry, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Liepų Str. 1, Kaunas District, LT-53101 Girionys, Lithuania
| | - Vida Mildažienė
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos Str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Anatolii Ivankov
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos Str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kazunori Koga
- Center of Plasma Nano-interface Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Center for Novel Science Initiatives, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
| | - Masaharu Shiratani
- Center of Plasma Nano-interface Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Kristina Laužikė
- Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Kauno 30, Kaunas District, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania
| | - Virgilijus Baliuckas
- Institute of Forestry, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Liepų Str. 1, Kaunas District, LT-53101 Girionys, Lithuania
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11
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Zeng J, Ye C, Liu P, Gao C, Li Y, Yuan J. The Strong Enhancement of Electron-Impact Ionization Processes in Dense Plasma by Transient Spatial Localization. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116033. [PMID: 35682711 PMCID: PMC9181145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent experiments have observed much higher electron–ion collisional ionization cross sections and rates in dense plasmas than predicted by the current standard atomic collision theory, including the plasma screening effect. We suggest that the use of (distorted) plane waves for incident and scattered electrons is not adequate to describe the dissipation that occurs during the ionization event. Random collisions with free electrons and ions in plasma cause electron matter waves to lose their phase, which results in the partial decoherence of incident and scattered electrons. Such a plasma-induced transient spatial localization of the continuum electron states significantly modifies the wave functions of continuum electrons, resulting in a strong enhancement of the electron–ion collisional ionization of ions in plasma compared to isolated ions. Here, we develop a theoretical formulation to calculate the differential and integral cross sections by incorporating the effects of plasma screening and transient spatial localization. The approach is then used to investigate the electron-impact ionization of ions in solid-density magnesium plasma, yielding results that are consistent with experiments. In dense plasma, the correlation of continuum electron energies is modified, and the integral cross sections and rates increase considerably. For the ionization of Mg9+e+1s22s2S→1s21S+2e, the ionization cross sections increase several-fold, and the rates increase by one order of magnitude. Our findings provide new insight into collisional ionization and three-body recombination and may aid investigations of the transport properties and nonequilibrium evolution of dense plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaolong Zeng
- College of Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
- Department of Physics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China; (C.Y.); (P.L.); (C.G.); (Y.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Physics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China; (C.Y.); (P.L.); (C.G.); (Y.L.)
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Physics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China; (C.Y.); (P.L.); (C.G.); (Y.L.)
| | - Cheng Gao
- Department of Physics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China; (C.Y.); (P.L.); (C.G.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yongjun Li
- Department of Physics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China; (C.Y.); (P.L.); (C.G.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jianmin Yuan
- Department of Physics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China; (C.Y.); (P.L.); (C.G.); (Y.L.)
- Graduate School of China Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (J.Y.)
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12
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Mildaziene V, Ivankov A, Sera B, Baniulis D. Biochemical and Physiological Plant Processes Affected by Seed Treatment with Non-Thermal Plasma. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:856. [PMID: 35406836 PMCID: PMC9003542 DOI: 10.3390/plants11070856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Among the innovative technologies being elaborated for sustainable agriculture, one of the most rapidly developing fields relies on the positive effects of non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment on the agronomic performance of plants. A large number of recent publications have indicated that NTP effects are far more persistent and complex than it was supposed before. Knowledge of the molecular basis and the resulting outcomes of seed treatment with NTP is rapidly accumulating and requires to be analyzed and presented in a systematic way. This review focuses on the biochemical and physiological processes in seeds and plants affected by seed treatment with NTP and the resulting impact on plant metabolism, growth, adaptability and productivity. Wide-scale changes evolving at the epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic levels are triggered by seed irradiation with NTP and contribute to changes in germination, early seedling growth, phytohormone amounts, metabolic and defense enzyme activity, secondary metabolism, photosynthesis, adaptability to biotic and abiotic stress, microbiome composition, and increased plant fitness, productivity and growth on a longer time scale. This review highlights the importance of these novel findings, as well as unresolved issues that remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Mildaziene
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Anatolii Ivankov
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Bozena Sera
- Department of Environmental Ecology and Landscape Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Danas Baniulis
- Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania;
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13
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Effects of Nonthermal Plasma (NTP) on the Growth and Quality of Baby Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. acephala Alef.) Cultivated in an Indoor Hydroponic Growing System. HORTICULTURAE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae8030251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to develop an effective protocol for the application of nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology to the hydroponic nutrient solution, and to investigate its effects on the growth and quality of baby leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. acephala Alef.) grown in a hydroponic growing system (HGS) specifically designed for indoor home cultivation. Four HGSs were placed in separate growth chambers with temperature of 24 ± 1 °C and relative humidity of 70 ± 5%). Lettuce plants were grown for nine days in nutrient solutions treated with NTP for 0 (control) to 120 s every hour. Results of the first experiments showed that the optimal operating time of NTP was 120 s h−1. Fresh leaf biomass was increased by the 60 and 120 s NTP treatments compared to the control. Treating the nutrient solution with NTP also resulted in greater leaf content of total chlorophylls, carotenoids, total phenols, and total antioxidant capacity. NTP also positively influenced chlorophyll a fluorescence in Photosystem I (PSI) and photosynthetic electron transport. These results revealed that the NTP treatment of the nutrient solution could improve the production and quality of hydroponically grown baby leaf lettuce.
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14
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Judickaitė A, Lyushkevich V, Filatova I, Mildažienė V, Žūkienė R. The Potential of Cold Plasma and Electromagnetic Field as Stimulators of Natural Sweeteners Biosynthesis in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11050611. [PMID: 35270081 PMCID: PMC8912274 DOI: 10.3390/plants11050611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Stevioside (Stev) and rebaudioside A (RebA) are the most abundant steviol glycosides (SGs) responsible for the sweetness of Stevia rabaudiana Bertoni. As compared to Stev, RebA has a higher sweetening potency, better taste and therefore is the most preferred component of the stevia leaf extracts. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pre-sowing seed treatment with abiotic stressors cold plasma (CP) and electromagnetic field (EMF) on the amount and ratio of RebA and Stev in the leaves of stevia. Additionally, the effect on total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity was investigated. Seeds were treated 5 and 7 min with cold plasma (CP5 and CP7 groups) and 10 min with electromagnetic field (EMF10 group) six days before sowing. The germination tests in vitro demonstrated that all treatments slightly increased germination rate and percentage. HPLC analysis revealed that CP and EMF had strong stimulating effect on SGs accumulation. All treatments increased RebA concentration approximately 1.6-fold; however, the ratio of RebA/Stev decreased from 8.5 in the control to 1.9, 2.5 and 1.1 in CP5, CP7 and EMF10 groups respectively, since the concentration of Stev increased more than RebA, 7.1, 4.6 and 11.0-fold, respectively, compared to control. However, treatments had opposite effect on total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. We have demonstrated for the first time that short time pre-sowing treatment of stevia seeds with CP and EMF can be a powerful tool for the enhancement of biosynthesis of RebA and Stev, however it can have negative impact on the content of other secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustė Judickaitė
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos Str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (V.M.)
| | - Veronika Lyushkevich
- B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 68 Prospekt Nezavisimosti, BY-220072 Minsk, Belarus; (V.L.); (I.F.)
| | - Irina Filatova
- B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 68 Prospekt Nezavisimosti, BY-220072 Minsk, Belarus; (V.L.); (I.F.)
| | - Vida Mildažienė
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos Str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (V.M.)
| | - Rasa Žūkienė
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos Str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (V.M.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a tunable source of reactive species and other physical factors. It exerts luxuriant biochemical effects on diverse cells, including bacterial cells, mammalian cells, and plant cells. Over the past decade, CAP has shown promising application in modern agriculture. Here, we focused on the state of the art of plasma agriculture, particularly the improvement of seed germination rates. Typical plasma sources, underlying physical principles, and the chemical and cellular mechanism of plasma’s effect on plants seeds have been discussed in depth.
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16
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Balumuru C, Stanford J, Raja K, Sabharwall P, Utgikar V. Investigations into Plasma-Mediated Decomposition of Organoiodide Species as a Pretreatment for Mitigation of Radioiodine Emissions. Ind Eng Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.1c04049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chaithanya Balumuru
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, United States
| | - John Stanford
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, United States
| | - Krishnan Raja
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, United States
| | | | - Vivek Utgikar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, United States
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17
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Scholtz V, Jirešová J, Šerá B, Julák J. A Review of Microbial Decontamination of Cereals by Non-Thermal Plasma. Foods 2021; 10:foods10122927. [PMID: 34945478 PMCID: PMC8701285 DOI: 10.3390/foods10122927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cereals, an important food for humans and animals, may carry microbial contamination undesirable to the consumer or to the next generation of plants. Currently, non-thermal plasma (NTP) is often considered a new and safe microbicidal agent without or with very low adverse side effects. NTP is a partially or fully ionized gas at room temperature, typically generated by various electric discharges and rich in reactive particles. This review summarizes the effects of NTP on various types of cereals and products. NTP has undisputed beneficial effects with high potential for future practical use in decontamination and disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimír Scholtz
- Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Jana Jirešová
- Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence:
| | - Božena Šerá
- Department of Environmental Ecology and Landscape Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Jaroslav Julák
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 7, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
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18
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Cortese E, Settimi AG, Pettenuzzo S, Cappellin L, Galenda A, Famengo A, Dabalà M, Antoni V, Navazio L. Plasma-Activated Water Triggers Rapid and Sustained Cytosolic Ca 2+ Elevations in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10112516. [PMID: 34834879 PMCID: PMC8622995 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that water activated by plasma discharge, termed as plasma-activated water (PAW), can promote plant growth and enhance plant defence responses. Nevertheless, the signalling pathways activated in plants in response to PAW are still largely unknown. In this work, we analysed the potential involvement of calcium as an intracellular messenger in the transduction of PAW by plants. To this aim, Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) seedlings stably expressing the bioluminescent Ca2+ reporter aequorin in the cytosol were challenged with PAW generated by a plasma torch. Ca2+ measurement assays demonstrated the induction by PAW of rapid and sustained cytosolic Ca2+ elevations in Arabidopsis seedlings. The dynamics of the recorded Ca2+ signals were found to depend upon different parameters, such as the operational conditions of the torch, PAW storage, and dilution. The separate administration of nitrate, nitrite, and hydrogen peroxide at the same doses as those measured in the PAW did not trigger any detectable Ca2+ changes, suggesting that the unique mixture of different reactive chemical species contained in the PAW is responsible for the specific Ca2+ signatures. Unveiling the signalling mechanisms underlying plant perception of PAW may allow to finely tune its generation for applications in agriculture, with potential advantages in the perspective of a more sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Cortese
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Alessio G. Settimi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.G.S.); (M.D.)
| | - Silvia Pettenuzzo
- Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, Italy;
- Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Luca Cappellin
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Galenda
- CNR Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry and Technologies for Energy (ICMATE), Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessia Famengo
- CNR Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry and Technologies for Energy (ICMATE), Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Manuele Dabalà
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.G.S.); (M.D.)
| | - Vanni Antoni
- Consorzio RFX, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy;
| | - Lorella Navazio
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Botanical Garden, University of Padova, Via Orto Botanico 15, 35123 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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19
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Treatment of atopic dermatitis using non-thermal atmospheric plasma in an animal model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16091. [PMID: 34373514 PMCID: PMC8352957 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95471-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been incorporated into various fields, including promotion of cutaneous wound healing. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic cutaneous condition characterized by inflammation-induced skin wounds and impaired skin barrier function. To investigate whether CAP may improve AD using an animal model. Dermatophagoides farinae extracts (DFE)-induced murine models of AD were used in this study. The plasma-treated group received a total of 6 CAP treatments during 2 weeks, while the control group did not receive any treatment. Differences in dermatitis severity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), serum level of immunoglobulin (Ig) E and epidermal thickness were evaluated in both groups. The dermatitis severity was significantly improved by CAP treatment. TEWL was lower in the plasma-treated group compared with the non-treated control group. Serum Ig E dropped significantly after treatment with CAP. Difference in epidermal thickness of the ear skin was not significant between the plasma-treated and non-treated groups. Localized treatment of AD with CAP decreases dermatitis severity, TEWL, and serum Ig E level. These results show CAP's potentials as a novel therapeutic modality for AD.
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20
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Effects of Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Leguminous Plants-A Review. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10081616. [PMID: 34451662 PMCID: PMC8401949 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The legumes (Fabaceae family) are the second most important agricultural crop, both in terms of harvested area and total production. They are an important source of vegetable proteins and oils for human consumption. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment is a new and effective method in surface microbial inactivation and seed stimulation useable in the agricultural and food industries. This review summarizes current information about characteristics of legume seeds and adult plants after NTP treatment in relation to the seed germination and seedling initial growth, surface microbial decontamination, seed wettability and metabolic activity in different plant growth stages. The information about 19 plant species in relation to the NTP treatment is summarized. Some important plant species as soybean (Glycine max), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), mung bean (Vigna radiata), black gram (V. mungo), pea (Pisum sativum), lentil (Lens culinaris), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and chickpea (Cicer aruetinum) are discussed. Likevise, some less common plant species i.g. blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and mimosa (Mimosa pudica, M. caesalpiniafolia) are mentioned too. Possible promising trends in the use of plasma as a seed pre-packaging technique, a reduction in phytotoxic diseases transmitted by seeds and the effect on reducing dormancy of hard seeds are also pointed out.
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21
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Changes in Agricultural Performance of Common Buckwheat Induced by Seed Treatment with Cold Plasma and Electromagnetic Field. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11104391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of pre-sowing seed treatment with cold plasma (CP) and an electromagnetic field (EMF) on the agricultural performance of two cultivars of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)—‘VB Vokiai’ and ‘VB Nojai’. For this, the effects of CP and EMF on seed germination, plant growth in the field, photosynthetic efficiency, biomass production, seed yield, and the amount of secondary metabolites and minerals in the harvested seeds were estimated. Although the percentage of seedlings that emerged under field conditions decreased by 11–20%, seed treatments strongly improved buckwheat growth and yield. Irrespective of differences in the dynamics of changes in the growth and photosynthetic activity between the two cultivars, the weight of seeds collected per plant for both cultivars was significantly higher (up to 70–97%) compared to the control. The biochemical composition of the harvested seeds (Fe, Zn, quercetin content) was also altered by seed treatments. Thus, pre-sowing treatment of buckwheat seeds with CP and EMF substantially stimulated plant growth in the field, increased biomass production, seed yield and nutritional quality. The results obtained strongly support the idea that plant seed treatment with physical stressors has great potential for use in agriculture.
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22
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Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment Influences Shoot Biomass, Flower Production and Nutrition of Gerbera Plants Depending on Substrate Composition and Fertigation Level. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040689. [PMID: 33918488 PMCID: PMC8067256 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Non-thermal plasma (NTP) appears a promising strategy for supporting crop protection, increasing yield and quality, and promoting environmental safety through a decrease in chemical use. However, very few NTP applications on containerized crops are reported under operational growing conditions and in combination with eco-friendly growing media and fertigation management. In this work, NTP technology is applied to the nutrient solution used for the production of gerbera plants grown in peat or green compost, as an alternative substrate to peat, and with standard or low fertilization. NTP treatment promotes fresh leaf and flower biomass production in plants grown in peat and nutrient adsorption in those grown in both substrates, except for Fe, while decreasing dry plant matter. However, it causes a decrease in the leaf and flower biomasses of plants grown in compost, showing a substrate-dependent effect under a low fertilization regime. In general, the limitation in compost was probably caused by the high-substrate alkalinization that commonly interferes with gerbera growth. Under low fertilization, a reduction in the photosynthetic capacity further penalizes plant growth in compost. A lower level of fertilization also decreases gerbera quality, highlighting that Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe could be reduced with respect to standard fertilization.
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