Far-UVC Light: A Breakthrough in Fungal Contamination Control
Recent research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign highlights a promising advancement in agricultural technology: the use of far-ultraviolet C (far-UVC) light as a safe and effective method for mitigating fungal contamination in corn and wheat. This study reveals how far-UVC light can significantly reduce harmful fungi, contributing to better food safety and security while minimizing economic loss.
Addressing a Critical Threat
Fungal contamination in cereal grains is a significant issue that threatens food security and public health. Each year, it is responsible for substantial financial losses, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. Researchers Yi-Cheng Wang, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and lead author Zhenhui Jin, recently found a solution utilizing microplasma-based far-UVC light, which emits at a much safer wavelength of 222 nanometers compared to the 254 nanometer wavelength of traditional UVC lamps.
“So instead, we are using a technology called microplasma-based far-UVC light. It emits light at 222 nanometers, a wavelength other studies have found to be safe for humans, even at prolonged exposure,” Wang said. This innovative approach poses no risk to humans as the far-UVC light cannot penetrate the outer layer of skin or the tear layer of the eyes.
The Study’s Findings
In the published study titled “Mitigating fungal contamination of cereals: The efficacy of microplasma-based far-UVC lamps against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum," researchers tested far-UVC light against two notorious fungi that affect grain quality and produce mycotoxins harmful to humans and animals.
The team conducted multiple experiments, beginning with suspending fungal spores in a liquid buffer and exposing them to varying doses of far-UVC light. Remarkably, they discovered that at the highest treatment levels, 99.999% of the spores were successfully inactivated due to alterations in cell membranes and mitochondria.
Wang and his team also examined the impact of far-UVC light on the mycelia—the root-like structures of the fungi. On agar plates, the growth of both fungi was effectively suppressed.
Application on Grains
Moving beyond a laboratory setting, the researchers developed a treatment system consisting of six lamps designed to illuminate corn kernels and wheat grains from multiple angles. This innovative setup allowed them to achieve a more than 90% reduction in fungal presence, despite the uneven surfaces of the grains possibly limiting treatment efficiency. However, these results were on par with or even superior to those achieved with traditional 254-nanometer UVC light.
An essential aspect of food technology is to ensure that treatment methods do not compromise the quality of the grains. Researchers found no significant effects on moisture content or germination rates for wheat, while corn kernels treated with the highest dosage showcased a striking 71% increase in germination within seven days.
Implications for Food Safety and Security
Wang envisions the far-UVC treatment technology being employed at processing facilities following harvest. “Our results demonstrate that 222-nanometer far-UVC light treatment can effectively inactivate fungal spores in liquid buffer, inhibit the growth of mycelia on agar, and inactivate fungi on cereal grains," he said. "If this technology can be scaled up, it should provide an easy-to-use and safe option that mitigates fungal contamination, thus alleviating post-harvest economic losses and improving food security.”
With funding from the ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss (ADMI) and USDA-NIFA, this study opens doors to further research into the applications of far-UVC light and its effectiveness in the agricultural sector.
Expert Insights and Future Directions
As this technology progresses, experts believe its implementation could revolutionize how we treat fungal contamination in not just grains, but a broader range of food products. Ongoing studies could reveal additional benefits associated with far-UVC treatment, including enhanced cell permeability in crops, which may increase their resilience and nutritional quality.
Given the significant challenges posed by fungal contamination to agricultural production and public health, the adoption of this technology could lead to substantial improvements in food safety and reduced economic losses across the sector.
Researchers and industry professionals are encouraged to explore this development and consider its implications for sustainable farming practices and food preservation methods.
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For more information on related technologies and agricultural advancements, visit our related articles on Shorty-News, or check authoritative sites such as TechCrunch, The Verge, and Wired.
