Innovative smart surface coatings for enhanced produce safety and water efficiency
This project develops advanced spray-on coatings and surface treatments that inhibit microbial contamination on harvest tools, conveyor belts, and packaging surfaces. Incorporating super-hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties, these coatings aim to improve microbiological safety, reduce water use in sanitation, and extend produce shelf life, supporting food safety and sustainability in the fruit and vegetable industry.
Overview
This innovative solution focuses on creating next-generation surface coatings that make it difficult for harmful microbes to adhere to equipment and packaging used in the handling of fruits and vegetables. Backed by a significant USDA grant, the project combines food science and materials engineering to formulate sprayable coatings that can be applied to harvest tools, conveyor belts, bins, and other contact surfaces. These smart surfaces may incorporate super-hydrophobic properties to repel water and dirt, or embed antimicrobial agents that actively inhibit microbial growth, biofilm formation, and pathogen attachment. The goal is to enhance microbiological safety, improve hygiene, and facilitate easier cleaning with minimal water use, thereby supporting food safety and water conservation efforts.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Sprayable coatings with antimicrobial agents and super-hydrophobic properties
- Formulations optimized for polymer, wood, and metal surfaces common in produce handling
- Nanotexturing techniques for permanent surface modification during manufacturing
- Hydrological assays to evaluate cleaning efficiency and water savings
- Compatibility with FDA regulations for food contact surfaces
- Field trial capabilities for real-world validation
- Focus on scalability and cost-effective application methods
- Extensive outreach and training materials for stakeholders
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently in the development stage, with ongoing research to optimize formulations, test durability, and evaluate microbiological efficacy. Field trials are planned through 2026 to demonstrate real-world performance, and the project aims to facilitate widespread adoption in the specialty crop industry. The coatings are designed to be easily applied and integrated into existing manufacturing processes, with a focus on regulatory compliance and user-friendly instructions for farmers and processors.
About Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University in College Station is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship of The Texas A&M University System, combining broad academic strengths with a strong applied‑research culture. Industry collaborates on the Texas A&M‑RELLIS campus—an integrated education, research and testing environment that supports large‑scale experimentation and proving grounds—and through the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s facilities in Bryan‑College Station. A statewide extension network connects university expertise to companies and communities across all Texas counties, enabling rapid piloting and deployment. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. Texas A&M Innovation provides IP management, licensing and commercialization pathways across the system.
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