Improved protection against food bacteria
A new long-lasting coating of surfaces can help to protect foods from dangerous microbes like Salmonella and E. coli, and kill.
In the current research work of the University of Missouri, a coating was developed, which food-related germs can kill on surfaces. The results were published in the English journal “Materials Chemistry and Physics”.
What is the new coating?
The new coating is made from titanium dioxide. It is in the location of food to eliminate-related pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli and to form a preventive layer of protection to stainless steel surfaces in contact with food.
Differences to existing coatings
It have been made in the past to similar anti-microbial coatings, but this has not been focused on the mechanical resistance or durability of the coatings, explain the researchers.
How does the coating?
In the presence of ultra-violet light, oxygen and water, the titanium dioxide is activated to kill bacteria on the surfaces. The new coating is initially applied as a liquid, then hardens, but. As soon as it is ready for use, resembles a thin ceramic layer.
Why was titanium dioxide is selected as the Material?
“We chose this Material because we knew that it would have a good antimicrobial behavior, and we increased its mechanical stability, to normal wear and tear in a typical food processing environment to resist,” says study author Heather K. Hunt of the University of Missouri in a press release. The new coating offers, in addition to the cleaning function, an additional prevention layer, to prevent the spread of contamination through food.
Where could be used in the coating?
The coating may help to prevent the spread of germs in an environment in which many foods are processed. This will not only be in the raw processing guidelines of a processing operation, but also for the ready-to-eat food, such as deli counters.
Food processing plants are particularly at risk
All surfaces in a food processing plant that come into contact with food, are particularly prone to contamination with food-borne germs that are spread by the handling of a contaminated food product.
Protects the coating against Corona?
The coating is not for use against the novel Coronavirus tested. However, the research takes on a group that your coating may help because of its durability and the disinfectant properties of the propagation of the COVID-19 pandemic in a food processing environment such as, for example, in meat processing contain.
Further research is needed
So far could already be demonstrated, that the coating is effective against a strain of E. coli, which can be lethal to humans. The Team is now working to test the coating against other disease-causing bacteria. (as)