The impact of movement path of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) during treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) using a continuous pilot-scale device on the reduction of indigenous microorganisms

The objective of this study was to enhance the microbial inactivation efficacy of sesame seeds through the utilization of a pilot-scale IPL device, while also identifying the process variables that influence the microbial inactivation effect. Three different types of IPL processes were employed, each with a distinct arrangement, to treat sesame seeds. The total fluences applied ranged from 1.33 to 53.94 J/cm². Total aerobic bacteria and fungi exhibited a maximum reduction of 2.27 and 2.77 log, respectively. The curved pathway of the sample flow effectively extended the duration of exposure to the IPL emitted by the lamps. The arrangement of the IPL process using two lamps in parallel but at different locations proved the most efficient for microbial inactivation. The application of IPL was found to be effective in reducing the presence of indigenous microbes in sesame seeds while having no significant impact on the physicochemical properties of the seeds.