Application of Ozone Generators in Fruit Preservation

With the continuous development of manufacturing technology, ozone generators are widely applied in cold storage and fruit preservation due to their powerful sterilization capacity and freedom from secondary pollution. An allotrope of oxygen, ozone is a colorless gas at normal temperature with strong oxidizing property. It can realize warehouse disinfection, pesticide residue degradation and fruit senescence inhibition in fruit preservation.

What is the preservation mechanism of ozone generators?

1. Utilization of ozone for highly oxidative disinfection and sterilization

Ozone is capable of eliminating pathogenic microorganisms such as bacterial vegetative cells, spores, fungi, and viruses, achieving optimal disinfection and sterilization effects on both the air and surfaces of items within refrigerated storage facilities.

2. Degradation efficacy of ozone on harmful environmental gases

Ozone is capable of oxidizing numerous saturated and unsaturated organic compounds, as well as breaking down polymer chains and simple finical substances. It can oxidize and decompose ethylene, ethanol, formaldehyde and other compounds released during fruit ripening processes, while also eliminating volatile substances such as ethylene within storage facilities, decomposing endogenous ethylene, and inhibiting acellular oxidase, thereby delaying the post-ripening and aging of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, ozone can partially degrade pesticide residues on fruit surfaces to a certain extent.

3. Ozone is utilized to regulate the physiological metabolism of fruits and reduce respiration efficiency.

Ozone treatment can inhibit the respiration of freshly cut fruits, reduce nutrient consumption, decrease weight loss during storage, and prolong the shelf life.

As discussed in numerous previous articles, ozone is a potent oxidizing agent with excellent sterilization and disinfection properties. In the storage of vegetables and fruits, ozone not only eliminates or inhibits mold growth and prevents spoilage but also enhances freshness preservation by delaying aging. Due to its instability, ozone proves particularly advantageous for food preservation in cold storage facilities, as its final decomposition product is oxygen, leaving no harmful residues in stored foods. Therefore, ozone generators can be reliably employed for sterilization, disinfection, and fruit/vegetable preservation.