Company UK
Problem to be solved
To identify technological approaches (e.g. coatings) to prevent the colonisation of manufacturing equipment by biofilm forming organisms.
Experience of Proposing Organisation
The company is the largest membership-based food and drink research centre in the world. It has vast experience of research on microbial attachment, biofilm development and removal, and in the development of practical cleaning and disinfection regimes. The company carries out testing of efficacy of detergents and disinfectants to both EU standards and field tests that it has developed on behalf of the major retailers, including Marks & Spencer. It also tests the efficacy of environmental and food contact surfaces that are described by their manufacturers as ‘antimicrobial’ or ‘hygienic’.
Description of applicable research/technology
Much of the equipment used in the food industry is manufactured from stainless steel. Several major food manufacturers have carried out tests on the effectiveness of coatings to reduce microbial attachment and subsequent biofilm development on such equipment. Whilst effectiveness on SS surfaces can be achieved in the lab, the tests failed to produce effective treatments when tested in factories where equipment is treated harshly, particularly during cleaning at the end of each day. The coatings are damaged and then hamper cleaning.
Data is available to show that ‘residuals’ remaining on and adhered to surfaces after cleaning and disinfection can ‘condition’ a surface such that they reduce its ability for soil and microbial attachment. This phenomenon offers the opportunity to restrict biofilm development. Whilst existing chemicals, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, have a beneficial effect, there is the potential for incorporating ‘additives’ into the cleaning and disinfection solutions. Various research groups are considering suitable ‘additives”. For example, some researchers are considering the effects of adsorption and denaturation of proteins on the subsequent ability of cells to adhere to surfaces while others are considering the use of synthetic nano-particles. We would work with them to translate their research into a practical result.
Stage of commercialization: Our role would be to examine the effects of chemical treatments (with and without the new ‘additives’) on the ability to restrict microbial attachment when surfaces are treated daily as part of a conventional deep cleaning regime. This approach offers the potential for the surfaces to be rejuvenated at the end of each day and provides an approach that is practical.
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