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Modeling of mold inactivation via cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)

Summary

Molds produce harmful substances called mycotoxins that damage food and buildings. Scientists developed a mathematical formula to predict how cold plasma can kill mold colonies. This model works faster than actual experiments and could help control mold in food storage and building materials without using toxic chemicals.

Background

Molds produce mycotoxins responsible for serious health problems and material degradation. Conventional inactivation methods like chemical treatment and heating have limitations including toxicity and heat-resistant mold strains. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) offers a promising alternative as an environmentally acceptable treatment method.

Objective

To develop a mathematical model describing mold elimination using cold atmospheric plasma by applying a nonlinear logistic equation with density-dependent inactivation rate. The model aims to predict mycelium coverage over time and determine extinction conditions.

Results

Analytical solutions of the logistic equation successfully predicted mycelium coverage at arbitrary times. When plasma inactivation rate equaled the maximum natural growth rate (I = r), mold proliferation ceased completely. A 113-hour revitalization period was observed after plasma treatment at 117 hours post-inoculation, reflecting mycelium adaptation to plasma damage.

Conclusion

The nonlinear logistic model with density-dependent inactivation rate successfully describes mold extinction via CAP. The model provides results in minutes compared to weeks for experimental testing and can be extended to other microorganisms and inactivation techniques. Future work includes precise modeling of variable inactivation rates and real-world application to building materials.
  • Published in:Applied and Environmental Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Mathematical Modeling Study,
  • Source: 10.1128/aem.02102-24, 40183547
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