Radio frequency (RF) energy is used to quickly heat the yolk portion of a shell egg. An anode and corresponding cathode are applied to each individual egg. As the egg is selectively and systematically rotated, RF energy and a stream of cooling fluid (preferably water) are simultaneously applied to the egg. This initiates pasteurization of the egg yolk while maintaining a low temperature in the heat-sensitive albumen (egg white) thus preventing denaturation of the albumen. Immediately after the RF yolk heating process, the egg is placed in a hot water bath designed to rapidly pasteurize the albumen as well as to minimize heat loss from the yolk and pasteurize any portion of the yolk that is not already pasteurized through the RF yolk heating process.

The device for treating an object with plasma comprises a jacket apparatus (10) which forms, or can form, a substantially gas-tight holding chamber (15) in which an object (1) to be treated can be accommodated. The device comprises a first electrode (20) and a second electrode (21), wherein the two electrodes (20, 21) are arranged with reference to the jacket apparatus (10) such that a plasma (2) can be generated in the holding chamber (15) of the jacket apparatus (10). A wall (13) of the jacket apparatus (10) forming the holding chamber (15) of the jacket apparatus (10) has a modulus of elasticity of Ew<10 kN/mm.sup.2, at least in sections. The device comprises a housing (30), by means of which a housing interior (33) is or can be formed, wherein the jacket apparatus (10) is arranged within the interior of the housing (33).

The device for treating an object with plasma comprises a jacket apparatus (10) which forms, or can form, a substantially gas-tight holding chamber (15) in which an object (1) to be treated can be accommodated. The device comprises a first electrode (20) and a second electrode (21), wherein the two electrodes (20, 21) are arranged with reference to the jacket apparatus (10) such that a plasma (2) can be generated in the holding chamber (15) of the jacket apparatus (10). A wall (13) of the jacket apparatus (10) forming the holding chamber (15) of the jacket apparatus (10) has a modulus of elasticity of Ew<10 kN/mm.sup.2, at least in sections. The device comprises a housing (30), by means of which a housing interior (33) is or can be formed, wherein the jacket apparatus (10) is arranged within the interior of the housing (33).

Processes for production of a composition containing active follistatin via spray/heat drying of a biological source containing follistatin as well as compositions containing this active follistatin and methods it use increasing muscle mass are provided.

Provided herein are methods, apparatuses, and systems for treating food articles, including meat, poultry, fish and other seafood, vegetables, fruits and other foods and food processing articles by spraying an antimicrobial or other agent onto the food or food processing articles. One embodiment of the invention may include a method for treating a food article comprising disposing a food article in a cavity within an enclosure having an outer shell and at least one inner plate disposed in the cavity, applying a first charge to a antimicrobial agent, applying a second charge to the at least one inner plate of the same polarity as the first charge, and spraying the antimicrobial agent into the cavity in a manner whereby at least a portion of the antimicrobial agent is caused to be repelled by the at least one inner plate and to at least partially coat the food article.