Lyophilized spice extract as a natural food preservation ingredient
A lyophilized spice extract with antibacterial, yeast, and mold control properties, and high antioxidant levels, designed to extend the shelf life of food products such as meats, baked goods, and sauces.
Overview
The proposed solution is a lyophilized spice extract developed to serve as a natural food preservation ingredient. This extract is derived from a spice commonly used in the Middle East and is characterized by its strong antibacterial, yeast, and mold control properties. Additionally, it possesses high antioxidant properties, making it effective in extending the shelf life of various food products. This innovative ingredient can be applied to meat-based products, sausages, baked goods, and clean-labeled sauces and juices, providing an all-natural solution to spoilage and microbial growth.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Antioxidant Capacity: The extract boasts a high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of 319130 μmol TE/100g, indicating strong antioxidant properties.
- Microbial Growth Control: Demonstrated effectiveness in controlling total microbial growth in minced meat at a concentration of 0.6% AntiOx extract.
- Pathogen Inhibition: Proven ability to inhibit growth of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, with ongoing tests to confirm efficacy with the lyophilized extract.
- Wide Application: Suitable for diverse food products including meats, baked goods, and sauces, ensuring broad applicability in the food industry.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, the research has validated the spice's raw antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Future studies aim to validate the lyophilized extract's efficacy within a six-month period, with plans to test its application in commercial food chains using locally sourced spices.
About Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a comprehensive private research university with campuses in Evanston and downtown Chicago and a collaborative, cross‑disciplinary culture. Integration with a major hospital system enables clinical research, diverse patient access, and rapid translation from bench to bedside. Shared research cores, prototyping facilities, a campus incubator, and dedicated corporate engagement teams make it straightforward to scope projects, structure agreements, and place talent. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD, complemented by foundation and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office advances IP strategy, licensing, and startup formation.
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