Antimicrobial and superhydrophobic coating for extended pasta shelf life
Innovative transparent coating for pasta, combining hydrophobic, adhesive, and antimicrobial properties to extend shelf life, reduce moisture absorption, and inhibit microbial growth while maintaining taste and appearance.
Overview
This innovative solution offers a transparent, food-grade coating for pasta that integrates hydrophobic, adhesive, and antimicrobial properties. By applying this coating, pasta can achieve an extended shelf life, reduced moisture absorption, and inhibited microbial growth, all while maintaining its natural taste and visual appeal. The coating comprises whey protein isolate for hydrophobicity, edible adhesives like gelatin for strong adhesion, and food-safe antimicrobial agents such as zinc oxide or natural extracts to enhance product safety.
Technical specifications
- Hydrophobic component: Utilizes whey protein isolate to repel moisture while preserving the pasta's taste and texture.
- Adhesive component: Employs edible adhesives such as gelatin, aloe vera, or plant-based polysaccharides like pectin or carrageenan to ensure strong coating adhesion.
- Antimicrobial component: Incorporates food-safe antimicrobial agents like zinc oxide, silver nanoparticles, or natural extracts such as essential oils or chitosan.
- Transparency: Maintains a clear appearance with a balanced ratio of components, ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer acceptance.
Technology readiness level
The development is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, with laboratory testing underway to evaluate water repellency, durability, antimicrobial activity, and taste neutrality. The project includes plans for pilot production scaling, shelf-life studies, and regulatory compliance confirmation with FDA and Health Canada.
About The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is a large, multi-campus public research university in Brisbane with a comprehensive academic and research profile. Industry partners engage through hospital-embedded laboratories and clinical sites, pilot testbeds, and field campuses across Queensland that enable prototyping, trials, and validation in real-world settings. Co-location with major health precincts and proximity to Brisbane’s innovation districts make collaboration and talent access straightforward, while on-campus incubation and professional education support workforce upskilling. Research is supported by competitive national funding from the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council, alongside state and industry investment. A dedicated technology transfer office and commercialization company manage IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and spin-out formation.
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