Effect of cold atmospheric plasma treatment on patulin decomposition: A kinetic approach

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of direct Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) on patulin detoxification in both standard solutions and apple juices. A kinetic approach was applied to understand how the CAP process conditions' intensity may affect the patulin molecules related to toxicity. Various voltages ranging from 19 to 25 kV were applied, while the duration varied from 1 to 4 min for 5 mL aqueous standard solutions (pH = 4) or apple juices with a concentration of 100 ppb patulin. The residual patulin concentration after CAP treatment was determined by using HPLC. The concentration of generated RONS in water, such as H2O2, NO3− and NO2− was determined. CAP treatment led to patulin detoxification in water. Patulin decomposition efficiency reached 99 % at an applied voltage of 25 kV in a 4 min treatment period. The applied voltage significantly affects the formation of oxidizing species and decomposition of pollutants. Increasing the applied voltage and treatment time both promoted patulin decomposition. After 1 min treatment, the patulin degradation efficiency reached 16, 72 and 83 % at applied voltages of 19, 21 and 25 kV, respectively. Patulin decomposition products were detected in CAP treated samples, such as ascladiol, deoxypatulin and hydroascladiol, showing that the ring lactone was broken after CAP treatment. Patulin detoxification up to 50 % was achieved in CAP treated apple juices, while their quality remained almost unchanged. Further research is needed to understand the CAP mechanisms responsible for patulin decomposition and toxicity evaluation of the byproducts generated during processing. Industrial relevance: Developing new strategies for controlling patulin in food products remains of utmost interest to the relevant industry. Cold atmospheric plasma is a promising technology for patulin detoxification, as the reactive species produced by CAP cause damage on patulin ring, leading to the formation of less toxic compounds. The mathematical description of patulin decomposition by CAP treatment in various process conditions is a useful tool aiming to prediction and evaluation of patulin detoxification. This tool allows for designing properly and effectively the CAP process applied, avoiding over-processing, food quality degradation as well the high energy consumption.