Natural plant-based antimicrobial for food preservation
A novel, non-toxic hop cone extract developed by NRCS demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, offering a natural solution for food preservation. This extract inhibits spoilage bacteria, leveraging hop's traditional uses in the beer industry.
Overview
Nature ReCombined Sciences (NRCS), in collaboration with the University of Manitoba, has developed a groundbreaking natural antimicrobial solution derived from hop cones, traditionally used for flavor and aroma in beer production. This non-toxic extract has demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Leuconostoc spp. and Lactobacillus spp., making it a promising candidate for extending the shelf life of food products and preventing spoilage.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Developed from the female flowering part of Humulus lupulus (hop cones)
- Non-toxic extraction method ensures safety for food applications
- Demonstrated efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria in laboratory settings
- Potential to inhibit spoilage bacteria in various food products
The extract contains natural components like desmethylxanthohumol and co-humulone, known for their antimicrobial properties. By testing whole extracts and individual components, the team aims to identify the most effective combinations for targeting specific pathogens.
Technology readiness level
This plant-based antimicrobial solution is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, having successfully demonstrated its efficacy in controlled laboratory environments. Ongoing validation efforts will include testing in real food matrices in collaboration with industry partners, aiming to refine and confirm its effectiveness in practical applications.
About University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is a comprehensive public research university in Winnipeg with a broad portfolio spanning discovery to translation. Industry engages through an on-campus research and technology park that colocates companies with university labs, and through a health sciences campus embedded in the city’s hospital district for clinical studies and clinical-grade prototyping. A well-established co-op and internship ecosystem and the region’s logistics hub position make collaboration, field trials, and pilot-scale testing accessible. Research is supported by competitive funding from NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP strategy, licensing, and startup support with flexible agreements for corporate partners.
delivered to your inbox.