Using Pulsed Electric Field to Reduce Fungi and Mycotoxins in Malting
Author Information
Author(s): Nela Prusova, Marcel Karabin, Lukas Jelinek, Jana Chrpova, Jaroslava Ovesna, Pavel Svoboda, Tereza Dolezalova, Adam Behner, Jana Hajslova, Milena Stranska
Primary Institution: University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
Hypothesis
Can pulsed electric field treatment reduce the growth of Fusarium fungi and mycotoxin production during malting?
Conclusion
The study found that pulsed electric field treatment significantly reduced Fusarium species and mycotoxin levels in malt.
Supporting Evidence
- PEF treatment led to significant reductions in Fusarium species.
- Up to six-fold lower levels of certain mycotoxins were achieved.
- Fungal DNA levels were significantly reduced in PEF-treated malts.
- Statistically significant reductions in mycotoxins were observed.
- PEF treatment did not negatively affect the enzymatic activity of malt.
Takeaway
This study shows that using a special electric field can help make barley safer by reducing harmful fungi and toxins when making malt.
Methodology
Barley was treated with pulsed electric field and then malted, with fungal DNA and mycotoxin levels analyzed.
Limitations
Further validation in industrial settings is required.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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