the biofilm-forming bacterium Pantoea agglomerans and
bell peppers as a typical example of plant tissue, to show
that atmospheric He-O2 plasmas can be effective inactivation
agents without causing unacceptable levels of discoloration
to the peppers, and that they are superior to lowpressure
ultraviolet sources [17]. Niemira and Sites applied
a gliding arc cold plasma to inactivate Escherichia coli
and Salmonella stanley on the surfaces of apples [18]. They
showed that both pathogens were inactivated, and the rate
of inactivation increased with increasing gas flow. Perni
et al. investigated the effects of a cold plasma on mangoes
and melons pericarps with four kinds of pathogens [5].
While the plasma-induced inactivation rate for the four
pathogens varied, all four pathogens were inactivated in
a matter of minutes. These authors also examined the
decontamination efficacy on inoculated membrane filters
and fruit surfaces and found a markedly reduced efficacy
on the cut surfaces compared to membrane filters [19].
However, the physiochemical properties of the fruit, such
as the color, flavor, and nutritional value, which are important
for fruits, were not measured or studied in those
experiments.