Edible biobased uv-blocking antimicrobial coating for fresh produce
An innovative edible coating using ZnO nanoparticles in a biobased matrix, offering UV protection and antimicrobial properties to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Developed by Janas Materials Inc., it is safe, transparent, and ready for scale-up.
Overview
Janas Materials Inc. introduces an advanced edible coating solution designed to enhance the longevity and safety of fresh produce. Utilizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles embedded within a hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) matrix, this transparent nanocomposite coating blocks 90% of harmful UV radiation and provides antimicrobial protection. By mitigating food degradation and spoilage, this technology significantly extends produce shelf life while maintaining safety and edibility.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Ultrathin Transparent Coating: Achieves high transparency with approximately 70% visible light transmittance, ensuring aesthetics and visibility.
- Superior UV-Blocking Performance: Blocks 90% of UV radiation, crucial for reducing food degradation.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Incorporates ZnO nanoparticles to offer inherent antimicrobial action, reducing spoilage from bacterial and fungal contamination.
- Biobased and Food Safe: Comprised entirely of food-safe ingredients, ensuring safety for human consumption.
The unique formulation within the HEC matrix promotes an efficient assembly of ZnO nanoparticles, enhancing UV blocking performance beyond conventional coatings.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, this solution is in the proof-of-concept phase. The development plan includes optimizing formulations, validating performance through comprehensive testing, and conducting shelf-life studies. Future steps involve scaling production methods and evaluating economic feasibility for industrial applications, with a focus on safety through cytotoxicity and genotoxicity testing.
About Janas Materials Inc.
Janas Materials Inc. is an Ames, Iowa-based startup and Iowa State University spin-off focused on developing sustainable specialty coatings and ink technologies. The company specializes in creating novel nanoparticle-based additives designed to enhance the performance of water-based wood stains. These additives are engineered to improve color consistency and eliminate the lapping issues often associated with water-based products, offering manufacturers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional oil-based stains without compromising quality.
This technology addresses significant industry challenges by providing wood stain producers with a way to transition to more sustainable manufacturing processes. The company has participated in programs such as the Iowa State University Startup Factory and the Iowa Go-to-Market (G2M) accelerator to support business validation and product refinement. Janas Materials has received financial support through the Iowa Economic Development Authority, including Proof of Commercial Relevance and Demonstration Fund loans, to further IP development, product benchmarking with strategic commercial customers, and operational capacity.
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