Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology uses short pulses of high-intensity electric fields to preserve foods. It offers advantages over thermal pasteurization like shorter treatment times, lower temperatures, and better retention of sensory and nutritional properties. PEF works by creating pores in microbial cell membranes, killing bacteria and extending shelf life. It has been used successfully to pasteurize various liquids like juices, milk, and soups without chemical preservatives. PEF processing also has applications in improving mass transfer for oil extraction, meat curing, sugar processing and extraction of compounds from algae and plant cells. However, high capital costs and inability to process solid foods limit its commercial use.
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