ABSTRACT
Pulsed electric eld (PEF) processing involves the application of short-duration, very-high-voltage pulses to organic material, electroporating bacterial and other cells, and perforating the cell membranes. Electroporation has been investigated for a range of applications, from nonthermal pasteurization of juices, enhanced extraction from vegetative cells and algae, and enhanced drying, to wastewater treatment. This chapter describes the key PEF treatment parameters, and the specialized equipment required to implement this process in industrial processes. It also describes the interactions between the process parameters and the electrical design and performance of PEF systems, as a guide for potential adopters of this technology. Finally, this chapter presents initial commercial applications of PEF processing, and guidelines for its future adoption.
