Photodynamic inactivation in food systems: A review of its application, mechanisms, and future perspective

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms, food loss and waste caused by spoilage microorganisms, and the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are of the greatest public concerns. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a promising technology for mitigating the above challenges. Given the rapid advances in PDI and its increasing popularity in food decontamination, a comprehensive and updated review is needed to summarize the antimicrobial mechanisms of PDI against food-related microorganisms. This review discusses the principle behind PDI, its application in food decontamination and preservation, antimicrobial mechanisms, and impact on innate antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms. Special emphasis is given to the antimicrobial mechanisms of PDI, its biological targ