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.
This study presents a mathematical formula that predicts how quickly cold atmospheric plasma can kill mold on surfaces. Researchers tested the model using a common mold species and found that when plasma energy matched the mold’s natural growth rate, the mold died completely. The advantage of this approach is that scientists can now predict mold elimination in minutes using calculations instead of waiting weeks for laboratory experiments.
This research develops a mathematical model to predict how cold atmospheric plasma kills mold colonies on surfaces. Using experiments with Aspergillus brasiliensis, scientists found that when plasma treatment strength matches the mold’s natural growth rate, the mold stops growing and eventually dies. The model can provide predictions in minutes that would normally take weeks of laboratory testing, making it useful for food industry and building material applications.