Food science researchers develop plastic liners that reduce microbial cross-contamination in produce
The first part of the research involves developing plastic liners for bins or totes that would have antimicrobial activity and could be recharged periodically with a bleach solution.
The research team at University of California, Davis, Davis, Calif., is taking a multidisciplinary approach to reduce microbial cross-contamination when produce contacts plastic totes and bins or plastic liners in bins.
Nitin Nitin, professor in food science and technology and biological and agricultural engineering at University of California, Davis, is leading the two-pronged effort that focuses on developing rechargeable antimicrobial plastic liners and novel plastic containers that reduce microbial attachment. Eventually, the goal is to combine the two technologies into plastic products that could both repel and reduce pathogenic and spoilage microbes. Joining him on the project are co-principal investigators polymer chemist Gang Sun and food safety microbiologist Glenn Young.
Before embarking on the research, Nitin and his group met with representatives from the Center for Produce Safety, Woodland, Calif., as well as several other industry representatives, including some from the apple industry.