Natural antifungal peptides for mold and yeast control in food preservation
Introducing natural antifungal peptides derived from sustainable edible protein substrates to combat molds and yeasts, particularly acid-tolerant strains, as safe and stable food preservatives.
Overview
This innovative solution involves the development of natural antifungal peptides derived from sustainable edible protein substrates using green technologies like enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. These peptides exhibit potent broad-spectrum activity against molds and yeasts, including acid-tolerant strains, making them ideal for use as natural food preservatives. They offer a safe alternative to traditional chemical preservatives, extending the shelf life of food products without altering their physicochemical properties.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Derived from sustainable plant, animal, and fungi protein substrates
- Produced through enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, or a combination of both
- Effective against a wide range of yeasts and molds, especially in acidic conditions
- Stable under various food processing conditions
- Safe for human consumption as indicated by in-vitro and in-vivo safety assessments
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in laboratory environments. Future validation steps include testing for stability and effectiveness under different food processing conditions and conducting in-vivo safety assessments to ensure human safety.
About Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a comprehensive public research university in Serdang, Greater Kuala Lumpur, with a campus that integrates classroom, laboratory, and field-testing environments. Companies engage through co-located labs, on-campus testbeds, and university-run farms that enable prototyping and trials close to production supply chains. Health system integration and proximity to Putrajaya’s ministries and the Cyberjaya tech corridor facilitate collaboration and timely access to partners. Research is supported by competitive funding from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and international sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup support, connecting companies with faculty expertise and specialized facilities.
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