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'''Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing''' is a method for processing cells by means of brief pulses of a strong electric field. PEF holds potential as a type of low temperature alternative pasteurization process for sterilizing food products. In PEF processing a substance is placed between two electrodes then the pulsed electric field is applied. The electric field enlarges the pores of the cell membranes which kills the cells and releases their contents. PEF for food proces(contracted; show full)

Part of the potential utility of PEF is that the properties of the electric field can be modified to have differing effects on cells. Most plant cells can survive weak electric fields, but over around 15,000 Volts per Centimeter most plant cells are killed. At over 30,000 Volts per Centimeter most other cells such as bacteria and fungi are also killed.

Issues with PEF include the potential for electrical arcs and a temperature increase on the order of 30 degrees 
centigradeCelsius. In liquid PEF processing gas bubbles tend to allow for electric arcing between the electrodes which will burn the substance being processed and potentially generate unwanted materials, such as carcinogens, in the processed material. One solution to gas bubble formation is to pressurize the liquid. In static PEF for non-liquids there is a greater limitation on the maximum voltage possible without electric arcing through the air. This necessitates transferring the solid to an oil filled chamber before a high voltage PEF is applied.

== See Also ==

[[Algaculture]]

[[Bioreactor]]

[[Food preservation]]

[[Food safety]]

== Links ==

[http://www.meatprocess.com/news-by-product/news.asp?id=71430&idCat=75&k=alternatives-to-heat PEF in meat processing]

[http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/ift-pef.html FDA report on PEF kinetics]

[http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/oct06/food1006.htm Article in ''Agricultural Research'' ]

[[Category:Food science]]
[[Category:Food preservation]]