Antibiofilm coatings to improve food conservation

Antibiofilm coverings allow improving food conservation and increasing its useful life. Inside our materials area, one of the main objectives in which we are working is to provide new properties to substrates such as plastics, metals, and ceramics, among others, we can perform it both with coatings and microstructure. In this last one, after many years of experience, we are capable of selecting which microstructure adapts better according to the specific necessities of our client.

In today´s blog, we will tell you how we can provide a material with antibiofilm properties.

What antibiofilm properties are?

Antibiofilm properties prevent the formation of microbial biofilms on the surfaces of the food and packing. These biofilms are microbial communities highly resistant which adhere to surfaces and can cause food safety problems and reduce the product´s useful life.

In ATRIA, we use two different technologies to provide antibiofilm characteristics to materials, coverings and micro-structuration (either through direct laser, R2R or IMM).

Antibiofilm coverings are thin material layers that are applied to the surfaces that are going to be in contact with food, packaging or processing equipment. These coverings are specifically designed to prevent the adhesion and the growth of microbial biofilms. The active ingredients in these coverings can be natural or synthetic antimicrobials, such as silver-based compounds or copper or essential oils nanoparticles. These coverings work in different ways:

• Interference with adhesion: Modify superficial properties, such as hydrophobicity and electrical charge, in this way, coverings can make it difficult for microorganisms to adhere to the surface.
• Controlled release of antimicrobials: Release gradually antimicrobial compounds. Coverings can inhibit the microorganisms’ growth that try to colonize the surface.
• Physic barrier alteration: Coverings can form a physic barrier that prevents microorganisms from reaching the surface of the food or packing.

Antibiofilm coverings are versatile and can adapt to different types of foods and surfaces. In ATRIA we work with different antibiofilm coverings families, also, we can develop our coverings depending on the needs of the surface to be protected.

Other methods: Laser micro structuration patterns to achieve antibiofilm properties on food conservation.

Laser micro-structuring is an advanced technique that is used to create microscopic patterns on the surface. To prevent biofilm formation through micro-structuring, the topography of the surfaces where food or packaging that will contain it will be in contact is modified. These patterns can be coarse, with microcavities, or present specific characteristics designed to avoid microorganism adhesion. There are specific microstructure geometries which are similar in size to bacteria and be able to kill them. This aspect is very desirable in medical, food or hygienic applications. Also, this technique presents the following characteristics:

• Microbial repellence: Laser micro-structuring patterns can make surfaces repellent to microorganisms when creating conditions that difficult their adhesion and colonization. This can include the creation of hydrophobic micro-textures or the introduction of microscopic valleys and peaks that make adhesion more difficult for the microorganisms.
• Easy cleaning: These patterns can facilitate cleaning and disinfection by preventing microorganisms from being trapped in hard-to-reach areas. This is especially useful in food processing equipment and surfaces in contact.
• Durability: Created patterns through laser micro-structuration usually are long-lasting and resistant to wear, which guarantees their effectiveness through time.

Laser micro-structuration offers a long-wasting solution to prevent the formation of biofilms in the food industry and can be used in combination with other standpoints, such as antibiofilm coverings, to achieve food conservation by preventing biofilms formation and contribute a higher food safety.

Advantages of providing antibiofilm properties to materials.

The main advantages presented by antibiofilm coverings and micro-structures are so many, we tell you some below!

• Prevention of microbial contamination: Antibiofilm coverings can be applied on surfaces where food, containers and processing equipment are supported. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and the possibility of foodborne illnesses.
• Extension of useful life: Antibiofilm properties allow keep the quality and freshness of food for longer. This can extend the useful life of perishables and reduce the loss of food because of deterioration.
• Reduction of the use of chemical preservatives: When microbial contamination decreases, antibiofilm coverings can reduce the necessity of using chemical preservatives in food. This can be beneficial to consumers who search for products with fewer additives and preservatives.
• Improve food safety: Microbial biofilms can be a refuge from dangerous food pathogens, such as Listeria or Salmonella. The antibiofilm coverings help to prevent the formation of these biofilms, which improve food safety by reducing the presence of pathogens in food.
• More efficiency in cleaning and disinfection: By preventing the formation of biofilms in equipment surfaces and utensils of food processing, antibiofilm coverings facilitate cleaning and disinfection, which at the same time contribute to food safety.
• Reduction of food residues: By prolonging the useful life of food and reducing the loss because of deterioration and contamination, antibiofilm coverings can help to reduce food waste, an important problem in the whole world.

To sum up, the application of micro-structuration and antibiofilm coverings is a promising strategy to prevent biofilm formation and reduce infections or damage in the materials associated with them. The research in this area continues evolving and new standpoints and materials are being explored to improve even more the effectiveness and durability of these solutions.

Do you want to apply antibiofilm properties in any of your materials? Contact us!