Nick Allan, StarFish Bio Services Manager, and a team of researchers have published an original research article in Foods examining the potential of antimicrobial photodynamic disinfection (aPDD) as a novel approach to combat foodborne pathogens. Titled “Photodynamic Inactivation of Foodborne Bacteria: Screening of 32 Potential Photosensitizers,” the research explores the efficacy of aPDD in eliminating microbial contaminants without the use of harsh chemicals.

The study, which focused on screening 32 food-safe pigments as candidate photosensitizers (PSs) against a spectrum of pathogenic and food-spoilage bacterial strains, revealed promising results. Four PSs—sunset yellow, curcumin, riboflavin-5t-phosphate (R-5-P), and erythrosin B all demonstrated exceptional antimicrobial properties and were selected for further optimization.

Key findings discussed in the article:

• Superior Efficacy: Among the tested PSs, riboflavin-5t-phosphate emerged as a standout performer, demonstrating a “max kill” effect against Salmonella enterica and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms on metallic food contact surfaces. This promising outcome underscores the potential of aPDD as a highly effective disinfection method in food processing settings.
• Innovative Approach: Unlike conventional sanitization practices, which often rely on harsh chemicals with potential drawbacks, aPDD offers a non-toxic alternative that harnesses the power of light-sensitive substances to eradicate microbial contaminants. This innovative approach not only enhances food safety but also mitigates the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
• Practical Applications: The optimized aPDD protocol holds immense promise for industrial applications, offering a viable solution for extending the shelf life of food products and reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. With its ability to eliminate biofilms on various food contact surfaces, including metals, aPDD represents a game-changing advancement in food safety technology.

Commenting on the significance of the research, Nick Allen stated, “Our study marks a significant milestone in the quest for safer, more effective methods of food disinfection. By harnessing the power of photodynamic inactivation, we have unlocked a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize food processing practices and safeguard public health.”

For more information about the study or to request interviews with the researchers, please contact:
Patrick Dean, Director Marketing, StarFish Medical, pdean@starfishmedical.com

About Animals

Foods is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on food science published semimonthly online by MDPI. It provides an advanced forum for studies related to all aspects of food research, with major emphasis on the “science of food”.

Editorial Staff

Prof. Dr. Arun K. Bhunia
Editor-in-Chief
bhunia@purdue.edu