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The development of degradable polymers with antimicrobial agents (AM) built into the polymer allows for delivery of the AM as it is continuously degraded. This time-controlled, slow release of an antimicrobial has the potential to target production of biofilms as they form. The steady release of AM could deliver a sufficient amount of stress to allow for efficient control of non-desired microorganisms.
Non-Technical Summary: Biofilms are complex populations of microorganisms. They are responsible for the biofouling of dairy and meat products and the contamination of processing equipment. The presence of biofilms within food processing facilities results in post-production contamination, tainted food reaching the consumer, and a significantly shorter product shelf life. Typically, biofilms have an increased resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics, making their eradication from these environments challenging. The development of degradable polymers with antimicrobial agents (AM) built into the polymer allows for delivery of the AM as it is continuously degraded. This time-controlled, slow release of an antimicrobial has the potential to target production of biofilms as they form. The steady release of AM could deliver a sufficient amount of stress to allow for efficient control of non-desired microorganisms. <P> Approach: The natural antimicrobials (AM) will be incorporated into a polymer structure. The bioactivity of released AM will be evaluated on single-species biofilms. In order to determine the influence of a slowly-released AM, Salmonella typhimurium MAE52 cells will be grown in the presence and absence of polymers. The effect of the time-controlled release of batural antimicrobials will be observed on the growth of the microbial population and physiologically vital parameters, such as changes in the environmental pH during biofilm formation.