Antimicrobial efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma for different intrinsic and extrinsic parameters

Cold atmospheric plasma offers great potential for decontamination of heat‐sensitive foods. CAP research is often case specific, due to its focus on specific target microorganisms and food products. In this work, the impact of different factors influencing the CAP efficacy is assessed: CAP set‐up (DBD electrode, operating on He/O2), type of pathogen, model system properties, and experimental protocol. Controlled tests on model systems indicate that intrinsic and extrinsic stresses impact the CAP efficacy. Taking into account all influencing factors, this work provides guidelines (i.e., with respect to set‐up, microorganisms, food properties, and treatment protocol) that need to be included to ensure successful CAP treatment.