TRANSIT

The DIL is leading a work package on the optimization and upscaling of ultrasound (US) for microbial decontamination. A literature review showed that manothermosonication (MTS)—the combination of mild heat, elevated pressure, and ultrasound—is particularly suitable and can serve as an alternative to thermal pasteurization of liquid whole eggs. To this end, the DIL developed an MTS prototype for experiments with Salmonella Enteritidis. The results demonstrate a safety level comparable to that of conventional pasteurization with lower heat exposure, which suggests benefits for product quality and was supported by analyses of physicochemical, functional, and protein properties. A life-cycle analysis also indicates lower energy consumption. Finally, a numerical flow simulation is used to design industrial, continuous MTS processes.