Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Contamination of solid surfaces represents a major route of infection and transmission of food-borne diseases. This is a significant threat to safety in the livestock/agriculture/food industry. Inefficient disinfection processes and poor adherence to recommended hygiene practices further contribute to the increase number of cases of enteric infections. Therefore, the development of a universal and efficient antiseptic method for solid surfaces has been considered as key non-pharmaceutical intervention technology in controlling the transmission of infectious diseases.
The primary goal of this research is to introduce self-sanitizing hierarchical topographic structures equipped on food-contact stainless steel and plastic surfaces. This approach capitalized on the unique antimicrobial topographical features on stainless steel and plastics offered by the micro-milling and hot embossing-based surface engraving technologies, respectively.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Research findings will offer multiple advantages: inhibition of microbial adhesion, acceleration of microbial inactivation, and will provide a low-cost and easy-to-scale-up solution that benefits the livestock, agriculture, and food industries in Alberta and Canada.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will shared through publication in reputable journals, networking, and events.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.