Reducing Environmental Footprint with Low Temperature Plasmas and Smart Technologies for Food, Agriculture, Medicine and Depollution

Funding Organization: National Agency for Academic Exchange

The Strategic Partnerships Programme

Project title: Reducing Environmental Footprint with Low Temperature Plasmas and Smart Technologies for Food, Agriculture, Medicine and Depollution

Agreement number: BPI/PST/2024/1/00082/U/00001

Project implementation period: 01.09.2025 - 31.08.2027

Principal Investigator: dr hab. inż. Joanna Pawłat

Project value: 1 856 960,00 PLN

Funds granted for Lublin University of Technology: 1 856 960,00 PLN

Abstract: The project entitled “Food, Agriculture, Medicine and Decontamination: Cold Plasma and Intelligent Technologies for Reducing the Environmental Footprint” is an interdisciplinary research and educational initiative strongly embedded in the discipline of Automation, Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Space Technologies (AEEEST). Its main objective is the development and integration of modern plasma-based technologies—particularly non-thermal plasma—with intelligent technologies in order to create innovative, energy-efficient and low-emission solutions for agriculture, the food industry, medicine and environmental protection. The core of the project addresses issues that are fundamental to AEEEST, including the design and optimization of plasma sources, high-voltage systems, pulsed power supplies, advanced diagnostic instrumentation, sensors, and control and automation systems for plasma processes. A key role is played by the integration of power electronics, automation and control algorithms with intelligent data acquisition and analysis systems, including machine learning methods, enabling precise control of plasma parameters and the scaling of technologies for industrial and medical applications. The project develops applications of plasma for agriculture, such as stimulation of plant growth, improvement of seed quality, reduction of pathogens and limitation of chemical plant protection agents. In the area of plasma for the food industry, research focuses on surface and food product decontamination, extension of shelf life and enhancement of microbiological safety with minimal energy and resource consumption. Plasma for medicine includes innovative methods for sterilization of medical instruments, therapies supporting wound healing and studies on anticancer applications, where precise control of physical and bioelectrical processes is essential. In turn, plasma in environmental protection is applied to the decontamination of water, soil and air, as well as to the reduction of pollutant emissions, contributing to sustainable development goals and environmental footprint reduction. The consortium implementing the project consists of the coordinator KETT-PL, four strategic partners (KU, SU, KT and SEI) and two supporting partners (UMCS and UPL). The consortium structure enables effective cooperation in the generation and application of plasma, knowledge transfer and shared access to advanced research infrastructure. KETT-PL is responsible for the scientific, administrative and financial coordination of the project, while the strategic partners carry out research tasks, organize meetings and scientific events in Japan, and jointly share responsibility for achieving the project objectives. An important component of the project is human capital development through academic mobility, short-term study visits, research internships and joint conferences and workshops. These activities foster the internationalization of research and education, strengthen competencies in the field of AEEEST and enable the formation of interdisciplinary research teams. The project also includes the development of modern educational materials and the dissemination of research results, contributing to the improvement of technical education quality and innovation capacity. Through the synergy of non-thermal plasma and intelligent technologies, the project contributes to the development of modern, environmentally friendly technological solutions, strengthens the position of the Lublin University of Technology and its partners as international research centers in the AEEEST discipline, and responds to global challenges related to food security, public health and environmental protection.