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Effective Inactivation of Coronavirus Surrogates on Food Packaging Material Using Plasma-Activated Water

Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the oxidative effect of Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) on bacteriophage phi6 (ɸ) and lung cell lines (HFF and A549). These viral surrogates are crucial for understanding the transfer of human viruses to shrimp packaging surfaces during manufacturing. The results show that bacteriophage phi6 decreased its viral titer by 1 PFU/mL, and its RNA was degraded when exposed to PAW for up to 30 min of activation time. In cell lines, PAW exposure decreased cell viability by 95–99% after 24, 48, and 72 h. The cells exhibited substantial morphological and structural changes and stress response signals such as nitric oxide and cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase enzyme. Also, they accumulated intracellular reactive oxygen species, culminating in apoptotic and necrotic cell death, confirmed by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Conclusively, PAW induces nucleic acid degradation in bacteriophages and oxidative reactions in cell lines, with reactive plasma species demonstrating significant cytotoxic effects that intensify with extended activation and contact times. This study highlights the potential of PAW as a viable alternative to traditional chemicals in production lines, suggesting its nebulization could effectively reduce contamination while ensuring worker safety.