Professors Son Hojin and Kim Sungkwan from the Department of Advanced Materials Chemistry at Korea University Sejong Campus in collaboration with Professor Yuk Hyungyun from the Department of Food Science and Technology at Chung-Ang University, have developed eco-friendly agricultural storage technology utilizing 405nm visible light sterilization. This technology enhances the storability of peaches, enabling effective storage with light alone without any chemical treatment.

△ From left: Professors Son Hojin and Kim Sungkwan, Korea University Sejong Campus Department of Advanced Materials Chemistry, and Professor Yuk Hyungyun, Chung-Ang University Department of Food Science and Technology

 

Peaches, a summer fruit, often suffer from quality degradation during cold storage and are prone to spoilage during distribution. This leads many farmers to forgo exports or limit sales to the same day.To address this, the research team introduced 405nm visible light and photocatalyst technology to improve peach storability at room temperature. This innovation allows farmers to extend the storage period of peaches without the need for costly refrigeration facilities.

 

Compared to conventional ultraviolet-based technologies, this solution demonstrates superior applicability for large areas, safety for humans, cost-effectiveness, and durability, making it suitable for storage and workspaces on peach farms. The technology uses short-range mold and bacterial sterilization through 405nm sterilizing lights and long-range surface sterilization via photocatalyst products that automatically respond to sterilization light, thus increasing the room-temperature storage time of peaches.

 

The research team confirmed through field demonstrations at six farms that the spread of mold significantly slows under 405nm sterilization lighting, with no substantial increase in mold population. Additionally, compared to the initial levels of mold and bacteria, the use of sterilization lighting reduced both mold and bacteria counts while preserving the nutritional composition of peaches, effectively maintaining their quality. At a farm in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, it was observed that after installing sterilization lighting, the smell of mold in the storage area was significantly reduced, and mold occurrence was visibly improved.

 

Professor Son stated, “This technology sets a new standard for the storage and distribution of agricultural products. By extending the freshness of produce, it is expected to significantly improve the distribution process and increase farmers’ income.”

 

Relatedly, the research team plans to conduct long-term testing to ensure reliability and carry out regular maintenance of photocatalyst products to sustain their effectiveness. Furthermore, they aim to disseminate the technology by collaborating with Nonghyup Distribution Center and entering partnerships with overseas companies, as well as pursuing patent applications.

 

This research was conducted as joint research between Korea University and Chung-Ang University, funded by the Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency’s 2024 ‘Agricultural New Technology Research and Business Cooperation Support Program’ (140 million won for 8 months).

△ Research Outcomes on Eco-Friendly Agricultural Produce Storage Technology Utilizing Visible Light Sterilization Technology

 

 

 

 

 

KU Sejong Student PR Team, KUS-ON

Translator: Choi Jeongwon