Non-thermal plasma technology for grain disinfestation and pathogen reduction

Overview

Non-thermal plasma treatment is a chemical-free approach to improving the safety and quality of stored grains. The technology works by generating surface-active oxidative species that inactivate pathogens adhered to grain surfaces without the need for heat or chemical fumigants. This offers a promising alternative or complement to conventional grain treatment methods, particularly for reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and fumigants in post-harvest storage.

The solution has been validated across multiple economically important grain species, including wheat, maize, barley, field pea, and psyllium. It has demonstrated strong efficacy against both endemic and inoculated bacterial and fungal pathogens, achieving reductions in pathogen load of up to six orders of magnitude, including total disinfestation in some cases.

Technical specifications

Core technology:

• Non-thermal plasma generates reactive oxidative species at the grain surface
• These species inactivate adhered bacterial and fungal pathogens
• No thermal damage to the grain, preserving nutritional and functional properties

Validated pathogen targets:

• Aspergillus, Fusarium, Bipolaris, Didymella, and Penicillium species
• Both endemic and inoculated pathogen populations significantly reduced (p<0.0001)

Validated grain substrates:

• Maize, wheat, barley, field pea, and psyllium
• 30-gram sample testing with five biological and six technical replicates per group
• Independent triplicate experiments confirming reproducibility

Observed performance:

• Up to 6-log reduction in pathogen load
• Total disinfestation achieved in certain treatment conditions

Technology readiness level

The technology has reached an advanced stage of laboratory validation. Independent triplicate experiments across five grain types and five major pathogen genera have demonstrated statistically significant pathogen reductions. Planned next-stage validation includes an 8-month partnership to assess impacts on grain nutritional properties, malting performance, and seed surface chemistry, as well as pot studies evaluating germination rate, plant health, and vigour. The research team is also seeking industry advice on translational pathways for commercial deployment.