Biodegradable antimicrobial coatings based on polylactide films modified with titanium dioxide

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It has been estimated that 30% of food produced is lost to waste due to spoilage and inaccurate Best Before dates. The premature spoilage of foods is mainly due to the level, but more importantly types, of microflora acquired during processing. To most effective approach to extend the shelf-life of foods is to reduce to carriage of potent spoilage microbes. This is challenging in food processing due to the rapid accumulation of microbes on food surfaces during processing that negates benefits derived from pre-operational sanitation. The following will undertake a proof-of-concept study on a novel antimicrobial coating based on polylactide modified with titanium dioxide. Polylactide is a biodegradable polymer that is non-toxic and critically does not sequester the antimicrobial free radicles generated by titanium dioxide. In the current study, the antimicrobial properties of the antimicrobial coating will be enhanced through rinsing with ozonated water that will be degraded to free radicles during interaction with immobilized titanium dioxide within the polylactide film. In practical application this will facilitate in-process sanitation to maintain a low microbial loading on food contact surfaces. A further unique feature of the current study is the identification of specific spoilage microbes through use of next generation sequencing. By identifying specific microbes responsible for spoilage it will be possible to undertake relevant validation studies and also verify the efficacy of coatings in processing environments. The current study will focus on spoilage microbes associated with raw poultry but the generic approach can be applied to other food and health care sectors.