Norovirus inactivated by using micro-bubbles, first in the world - Making it possible to market safe and good-tasting oysters

The Institute for Environmental Management Technology (IEMT) of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has successfully inactivated norovirus by using micro-bubbles containing low concentration ozone. The micro-bubbles were characterized by electrical charging and self-pressurizing effects, suggesting extensive possibility for engineering applications. The viral inactivation was verified in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health (TMIPH). The results show that effective inactivation of norovirus suspended in water has good penetrability and is expected to attack not only norovirus in live oysters under cultivation, but also that in unshelled oyesters.