Submission 2025
| Submitted by: | Ella Sun |
| Department: | Agricultural, Food + Nutrition Science |
| Faculty: | Agricultural, Life + Environmental Sciences |
This image portrays a conceptual design of cold plasma technology being used as a non-thermal sterilization method to treat raw primal meat cuts in a meat processing facility. The glowing blue tunnel represents a dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma system designed to inactivate bacterial spores, such as Clostridium estertheticum, which are responsible for spoilage in vacuum-packed meats. This approach aligns with my research on enhancing food safety through innovative, chemical-free preservation techniques. By illustrating the integration of plasma treatment directly into industrial workflows, the image captures the potential for scalable, surface-level decontamination of meats without compromising product quality. It visually communicates a key theme of my research work–leveraging emerging technologies to improve microbial control in food systems while supporting sustainability and shelf-life extension.
Was your image created using Generative AI?
Yes.
Did you upload any materials into an AI tool to help generate your image?
Yes.
Which model of generative AI did you use?
DALL-E 2 by OpenAI.
How was your image created?
This image was created using AI-assisted digital rendering tools to generate a conceptual visualization of an industry-scaled cold plasma sterilization system. The process involved crafting a detailed text-based prompt describing the concept of cold plasma as a non-thermal sterilization technique, as well as the design and layout of an industry-scaled dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma tunnel. Key features included raw meat cuts on a conveyor belt, glowing plasma fields, gas inlets, and an industrial food processing environment. The prompt was processed using an AI image generation model. The image was then reviewed to ensure clarity of plasma exposure and accurate representation of equipment arrangement.
How did you craft your prompt to guide the generative AI in creating your image? Please describe the technique or approach you used to convey your vision to the AI.
My goal was to generate a conceptual yet realistic image that visually communicates the application of cold plasma technology for non-thermal sterilization of raw meats cuts in an industrial setting. To guide AI, I crafted a detailed prompt using descriptive keywords focused on the scene’s technical accuracy. I included elements such as “cold plasma tunnel,” “several dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) units on the tunnel,” “raw primal meat cuts on a conveyor belt passing through the tunnel to ensure the cold plasma treatment reaches all surfaces,” “glowing bluish plasma arcs,” and “modern food processing facility.” To ensure a clean, professional look suitable for scientific communication, I specified a “sterilie, high-tech environment” and requested no text or labels. After reviewing the initial results, I refined the prompt to emphasize plasma exposure from all directions–top and bottom–and to clearly show components like gas tanks, gas inlets and a control unit. This relied on iterative language refinement to achieve the final result.
Please describe what you uploaded to the AI tool, and confirm that the material is your original work, licensed for use (e.g., Creative Commons), used with proper permission.
I uploaded text-based prompts entirely crafted by myself. The prompts were based on original research ideas and design concepts related to cold plasma sterilization in meat processing. I did not upload any external media, copyrighted materials, or content from third-party sources. All visual elements were generated by the AI tool (DALL-E) using my descriptions, and no pre-existing images or designs were incorporated. The uploaded file is a result of iterative refinement of these prompts to accurately represent my research in a visually clear and professional way. As the image is Al-generated based on my original input and conceptualiztion, it does not infringe on any copyright, and I confirm that the material is my own work and ethically created.
Where is the image located?
AI generated conceptual visualization of cold plasma sterilization tunnel within a modern food processing facility.