Method of controlling microorganisms by pulsed ultraviolet laser radiation

US5364645A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Manuel C. Lagunas-Solar · Davis, US
• Alvan W. Pyne · Montville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 1992
• Grant date: Nov 15, 1994
• Expiry date: Oct 30, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A23B2/53
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Microorganisms, including not only bacteria related to hygiene, food spoilage and human pathogenesis but also fungi which are commonly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, can be reduced or eliminated for surface microbial disinfection of foods and for other purposes by exposing an area containing such microorganisms to a monochromatic beam of pulsed ultraviolet laser radiation of wavelength about 240-280 nm, or in particular about 240-260 nm, with pulse duration in the range of picoseconds to microseconds at 1-1900 mJ/cm.sup.2 for most situations. Laser energy irradiance should be controlled in the case of some foods because of the limited tolerance to such exposure.