Bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria for food safety and pathogen control
Innovative use of bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to control multidrug-resistant pathogens in food safety. This approach offers alternatives to antibiotics, enhancing food preservation and targeting resistant strains in health applications.
Overview
This innovative solution leverages bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to address the growing challenge of multidrug-resistant pathogens. By utilizing bacteriocins, naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, this approach aims to enhance food safety and preservation while offering alternatives to traditional antibiotics. The research explores the application of bacteriocins in controlling foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms, with potential medical and veterinary applications for resistant strains.
Technical specifications
- Bacteriocin Production: Identification and characterization of LAB strains capable of producing novel bacteriocins for antimicrobial use.
- Applications: Development of biopreservation techniques in food safety and potential pharmaceutical uses.
- Evaluation Methods: Implementation of the Fish-Flow system for rapid assessment of microbial community shifts post-bacteriocin treatment.
- Safety and Efficacy: Physiological, biochemical, and genomic screenings to ensure strain safety and efficacy against pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant varieties.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 6, indicating a prototype has been demonstrated in a relevant environment. Ongoing efforts focus on further validation and refinement of bacteriocin applications for broader commercial deployment.
About University of São Paulo
The University of São Paulo is a comprehensive public research university, among Latin America’s largest, with multiple campuses across the state and a strong applied research culture. Industry partners engage via co-located laboratories and prototyping spaces, innovation hubs and incubators on or near campuses, and an integrated teaching hospital network for clinical translation and real‑world validation. Its position in the São Paulo metropolitan area offers access to suppliers, testbeds, and experienced talent, accelerating collaboration and scale‑up. Research is backed by competitive funding from the São Paulo Research Foundation and Brazil’s federal research agencies. A dedicated tech transfer office streamlines IP, licensing.
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