Environmental Biotechnology CRC funding

Summary

One of the key adaptive strategies used by bacteria is the formation of biofilms, which are high density populations of cells, attached to surfaces and encapsulated within a self-produced polymer matrix. 

In addition to their inherent biocidal resistance, the problem of biofilm control on industrial surfaces is compounded by the fact many chemical agents to remove them are toxic, and accumulate in the environment.

For these reasons, many biocides are being phased out and new effective strategies based on environmentally sound chemistry is needed to control microbial biofilms.

Objectives

The main objective was to develop based on the use of low doses of nitric Oxide (NO) and/or derivatives thereof for the control of biofilms in the meat processing industry.

Key findings

Biofilms present on meat processing plant surfaces were analysed by using traditional heterotrophic plate counts, metabolic activity assays and microscopy.

Benefits to industry

MLA and AMPC were industry partners in the Environmental Biotechnology CRC Pty Ltd (EBCRC)  and contribute funds to assist the aims of the CRC. This funding has allowed capacity to be built for blue sky and fundamental environmental research on environmental threats and opportunities in meat processing. The annual contribution has been in the form of core funding - in that it is not allocated to specific projects, but rather is used to support all the activities of the CRC.

Future research

This is a part of key technologies that EBCRC has patented or is in the process of patenting or for which it has proprietary knowledge. AMPC members have or are participating in many of the programs and there is potential benefit to members of the red meat industry in all the above projects.

There was a patent but that was abandoned in 2016.

US 2016/0089396 A1

https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/f4/0a/e1/a3fb99dcfc9570/US20160089396A1.pdf