Effect of multi-pin atmospheric pressure DBD cold plasma treatment on the anti-nutritional, optical, functional, morphological, and pasting properties of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) grain

This study explores the effect of cold plasma treatment on finger millets (Eleusine coracana) to reduce anti-nutritional factors and improve its nutritional value. The study utilized a Box-Behnken experimental design to assess the effect of process parameters—voltage, treatment time, and electrode distance—on the anti-nutritional factors in finger millet grains. Results revealed that under optimized condition (20 kV, 18-min treatment time, and 10 cm electrode distance), there is a significant reduction in phytic acid (30%) and tannin content (24.4%). Additional analyses showed improvements in water absorption (9.52%), oil absorption (0.154 ± 0.09 g/g to 0.904 ± 0.002 g/g), water solubility index (13.24%), emulsifying (28.1%), and foaming capacity (8.01–10.49%) of treated samples, enhancing their functional and pasting properties. The FTIR spectral analysis indicates similar patterns, showing alterations in the concentration of functional groups. Meanwhile, SEM images reveal cracks in the surface morphology following treatment. The study concludes that cold plasma is an innovative technology for minimizing antinutrients and enhancing nutritional quality of finger millet, making it more suitable for consumption. © Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2025.