An arc-seed microwave plasma torch, which is operated at a 60 Hz periodic mode (with about 40 % duty cycle), runs stably at low airflow rate, and produces an abundance of reactive atomic oxygen in its plasma effluent, is applied to study the effects of atomic oxygen on bacterial spores. Bacillus cereus is chosen as the biological agent. Drops of bacterial-spore solution are inoculated onto glas...

Synthetic antioxidants are added to food in the powdered form to preserve it. However these compounds posed serious health concern since they have been associated with causing cancer. Thus using fresh herbs with antioxidant activities would be good alternative. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of both powdered and f...