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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R43617/01
Title: Inactivation of Problematic Bacteria in Liquid Food Products & in Potable Water by Pulsed Electric Fields
Principal Investigator: Anderson, Professor J
Other Investigators:
MacGregor, Professor SJ
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Department: Immunology
Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Scheme: Fast Stream
Starts: 01 October 2001 Ends: 30 September 2004 Value (£): 63,956
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Microbiology Power Electronics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Food and Drink Healthcare
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Due to public health concerns over the unacceptable incidence of food-borne infection, coupled with consumer requirements for more natural food produce, there is a pressing need for alternative non-thermal food treatment technologies that (unlike traditional thermal methods) do not attar the flavour, aroma, texture and nutritional content of treated foods. Pulsed power technologies, such as pulsed electric fields (PEF) have the potential to satisfy these requirements. The application of PEF for the novel treatment of liquid food products (e.g. milk, cream, fruit juices, soups, beer and other beverages) and potable water has considerable potential for commercial development and will make a significant contribution towards improving quality of life. The proposed research is designed to develop (i) a detailed understanding of critical physical, microbiological, and food compositional parameters that influence the generation andnnature of high voltage, electric field pulses and (ii) methods of aptimsing E-field pulse generation for the inactivation of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria E. coli 0157, Salmonella, Bacillus, Listeria, Mycobacteria) in liquid food products and potable water. The research programme will identify optimised criteria for the effective, reliable, and repeatable production of high voltage, pulsed electric fields. Generated data will be used to design optimised pulsed power and energy delivery systems (prototype device) that may be extrapolated to commercial application.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.strath.ac.uk