On the other hand, more than 5 log reductions of both microorganisms were reached for fresh-cut avocado, watermelon
and mushroom throughout storage. Microbial survival after
the combination of treatments depended on the kind of substrate
and microorganism type. TEM observations demonstrated that
major damage to bacterial cells, especially to E. coli cells, is caused
by treatments combination due to agglutination of cytoplasmic
content and disruption of cell membrane leading to microbial
death. Future studies should aim at considering further combinations
of nonthermal technologies that allow a better preservation of
the fresh-like characteristics of the raw produce.