Influence of PTFE and glass dielectric barrier discharge on Crocus sativus L. filaments: Physicochemical properties, bactericidal effects, and simulation

In this study, the effects of cold plasma on the physicochemical parameters of Crocus sativus L.(saffron) were investigated for a 25 s treatment. For this purpose, the influence of two types of dielectric barriers of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and glass was also studied on the physicochemical and the bactericidal properties of saffron. At the same time, other processing conditions were kept constant. Based on the results obtained, PTFE-DBD dielectric barrier was the best choice for disinfecting saffron filaments. It was able to reduce E. coli O157: H7 from the log(CFU/ml) = 5.137 to 2.82. Also, the content of ammonium decreased by 41.46% while crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal were almost similar to the control sample. Finally, the simulation investigation by Comsol software was employed to investigate the effect of type of dielectric on the plasma condition utilized for saffron processing. The results justified the experimental findings. Novelty impact statement Crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal remain almost the same as the control sample in saffron processing by the PTFE dielectric barrier discharge plasma. PTFE dielectric is a proper choice for the plasma-based processing of saffron filaments. Glass dielectric leads to reduction of crocin content in saffron filaments.