Curiously Awesome

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Researchers have now employed natural ingredients derived from sources such as cloves, oregano, thyme and paprika to create biodegradable plastics that have the potential to block formation of bacterial biofilms on food surfaces and packaging.

A biofilm is a matrix which results when a variety of bacteria congregate on a surface. This kind of bacterial community is described as being poly-microbial because it harbors multiple versions of infectious, disease-causing bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

Natural substances have been combined with controlled-release, biodegradable polymers. This could inhibit or prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms.

The natural substances chosen have general anti-microbial activities against many different kinds of micro-organisms. So, the polymers into which the natural substances are incorporated have the potential to affect a much broader spectrum of micro-organisms. This has the potential to battle the growing situation of drug-resistance of bacteria forms brought on by the overuse of antibiotics.

This new process benefits consumers in several ways. Consumers will be eating foods that are safer for longer periods of time, they will not be expanding antibiotic resistance and they will not be adding to their bodies chemical overload.

This is assuming that continued research finds that making such polymers from food does not result in harmful substances. Testing is still being conducted.

Meanwhile, we already have some edible food coatings and wraps on the market. In 2003, researchers announced that they had developed an edible coating for fresh fruits and vegetables that kills deadly E. coli bacteria. A natural antibacterial agent in oregano oil provided the antibacterial quality and apple puree provided the necessary sugary sticky base and extra nutrients.

This new coating is thought to provide a long-lasting, potent alternative to conventional produce washes. The oregano oil killed more than 50% of sample bacteria in three minutes at concentrations as small as 0.034%.