A metadata schema to standardize non-thermal plasma decontamination parameters in food-related applications

Abstract Non-thermal plasma research has gained significant attention as a promising technology for food-related decontamination. However, the lack of standardization in reporting key parameters restricts the applicability and reusability of results in this field. To address this, the present study...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: George Pampoukis, Thomas Weihe, Robert Wagner, Markus Μ. Becker, Yijiao Yao, Masja N. Nierop Groot, Uta Schnabel
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Data
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05203-5
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Summary:Abstract Non-thermal plasma research has gained significant attention as a promising technology for food-related decontamination. However, the lack of standardization in reporting key parameters restricts the applicability and reusability of results in this field. To address this, the present study introduces a metadata schema (MDS) that standardizes critical parameters and provides operational details for non-thermal plasma microbial inactivation in food-related applications. The metadata schema is implemented as an extension to Plasma-MDS, a metadata schema for plasma science, and aims to apply the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data principles to food-related applications. The framework highlights relevant parameters related to the plasma source, the medium in which the plasma is ignited, the target (food-, and microbial-related parameters) treated with the plasma, and the diagnostic methods used to investigate these properties. Concrete examples of accurate metadata descriptions of all relevant parameter categories are provided in a human and machine-readable format to simplify adoption and dissemination. The introduced metadata schema strives to improve the comparability, reproducibility, and reuse of non-thermal plasma research data for food-related applications, paving the way for more generalizable insights to legal authorities and the food industry.
ISSN:2052-4463