TAGS: Smart Coatings
Researchers from Texas A&M University College of Engineering develop a two-step coating solution for galvanized steel. It is more hygienic and reduces the risk of corrosion. It is a collaborative effort to improve the food industry. The project is led by Dr. Mustafa Akbulut and Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos.
Exhibits Superhydrophobicity Capabilities
Galvanized steel containers and surfaces are used for harvested produce. It is because of their durability, strength and lower cost compared to stainless steel. However, bacteria residing in storage containers can cause corrosion.
The coating method for galvanized steel exhibits superhydrophobicity and antifouling capabilities. It inhibits the attachment of fungi, bacteria and mud. With this technology, we are reducing mud-related contamination.
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This material is more durable and doesn’t experience corrosion,” said Dr. Akbulut. He is a professor of chemical engineering. “
The surface itself can repel the bacteria so it doesn’t get germs stuck on it. Normal steel tends to collect pathogens and microorganisms. But the coated steel is overcoming that issue. These are the main benefits of this technology. With this technology, we are reducing mud-related contamination."
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This will have an impact because the people who consume fruits and vegetables trust that they’re buying something safe. And it will not affect their health,” said Dr. Cisneros-Zevallos. He is a professor of horticultural science.
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Right now, the industry does its best to reduce those risks. But you will hear about outbreaks of these contaminations and people getting sick. There are sometimes reported deaths because of these events,” stated Dr. Cisneros-Zevallos.
Boon to Food Engineering, Safety & Processing Fields
Research shows that this coating decreases bacterial strains over seven days. It also reduces adherence to Aspergillus. Aspergillus is a foodborne fungus.
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During the coating process, the material properties, structural properties and mechanical strength of steel do not change. Only the very top layer of the steel is coated, since that is where food comes in contact with the surface,” explained Akbulut.
This coating technology can potentially be used on grain storage silos. It can also be used in other food-related storage units and containers. This is a significant boon to the multidisciplinary fields of food engineering, safety and processing. According to Akbulut, the galvanized steel coating will also benefit agricultural farmland.
Reduces Mud-related Contamination
With the information gathered from the research, Cisneros-Zevallos said they could eventually adapt and utilize these technologies to revolutionize fewer outbreaks. And positively impact the food industry.
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Many of the food-produced commodities come to the industrial setting in some sort of soil, debris or mud,” added Akbulut. “
So, even if the produce is washed, these commodities can cause contamination. With this technology, we are reducing mud-related contamination.”
Processors will benefit in the sense that they will be handling something that they can deliver in a trustful way to consumers. And consumers will benefit because they will have something that will be safe for them. From the field to the consumer, contamination can be minimized by using these kinds of surfaces and avoiding cross-contamination.
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Our goal is to make the industry adopt this,” explained Dr. Cisneros-Zevallos.
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Processors will benefit in the sense that they will be handling something that they can deliver in a trustful way to consumers. And consumers will benefit because they will have something that will be safe for them.”
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With this research, we are ensuring that the technological developments from other fields are being pursued and implemented in agriculture. The agricultural field is catching up with other technologies. This coating directly impacts our daily life and the food we’re trying to make safer,” added Dr. Cisneros-Zevallos.
Source: Texas A&M University College of Engineering