Queens University Belfast (QUB) is currently investigating a new technology that has the potential to reduce both chemicals and antibiotics within the food chain and also reduce the threat of anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

Cold plasma research regarding agri food is still very new, with Queens believed to be the first university that will focus on agri food, agriculture and veterinary research.

Revolutionary

It is being described as a “potentially revolutionary wonder technology".

The centre where the research began is known as the centre for plasma in agri food, or Agriplas.

Agriplas is the first research of its kind in Europe and the facility is aiming to work closely with the Northern Ireland, UK and European agri food industry.

Farmers will also be involved in research projects.

Reactive species

Early research has found that cold plasmas generate multiple reactive species that have antimicrobial and desirable biological activities.

This means they carry the potential to reduce or even replace the use of antibiotics.

Plasmas could possibly play a huge role in the battle against AMR, which is becoming a huge problem with livestock, especially sheep and cattle.

Plasma could be the future technology that all farmers may require to control AMR on their farm.

Plasma can also be used to improve farm biosecurity

Its reactive properties makes it ideal for applications for farm animal healthcare, to treat infections in animals, according to researchers.

Plasma can also be used to improve farm biosecurity by keeping important surfaces on farm free from bacteria.

Furthermore, plasma can also increase food shelf-life extension through killing bugs or potential bacteria even through food packaging.

Plasma can even help increase rates of germination resulting in increased yield for farmers.

Lyndsay Chapman, the CEO of centre for innovation excellence in livestock, has stated: “Cold plasma presents an exciting alternative to a range of anti-microbial treatments at different stages within the supply chain.”

Within three years it could be possible that plasma technology is available for use outside labs, for example by farmers and food producers.

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