Surfaces used in food processing industries are typically colonized by microorganisms, even following cleaning and disinfection. Microorganisms grow in the form of biofilms, which are potential contamination sources of finished food products, reducing their shelf life and causing foodborne diseases. In turn, foodborne diseases cause morbidity and mortality and are a significant impairment to socioeconomic development. The gene transfer between microorganisms exacerbates this issue because of the increased resistance of bacterial populations to antimicrobial treatments. In addition, safer food production entails high cleaning costs and severe environmental impacts associated with high water and energy consumption and wastewater production.
The SurfSAFE project focuses on surface modification and biofilm analysis to develop tailor-made antifouling and antimicrobial, non-toxic surfaces inspired by nature. In critical zones of food processing plants, where biofilms are an issue, surface modification may reduce biological fouling and facilitate the removal of deposits formed. This approach will guarantee consumers safer and higher quality products while minimizing cleaning downtimes and thus enabling substantial cost benefits to food processors. Moreover, the consumption of hazardous chemicals will be dramatically reduced by minimizing cleaning and disinfection processes. This project addresses Goal 2 (food security), Goal 9 (sustainable industrialization and foster innovation), and Goal 12 (sustainable production) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is expected to contribute to a successful intervention-and-prevention technology in the food industry.
SurfSAFE aims to position the consortium as leaders in the application of antifouling surfaces to combat the complex problem of microbial contamination in the food industry, raise public awareness concerning this problem, and train the research staff of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (UPORTO) in innovative technologies and interface science areas. The consortium is complemented by the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), and the Manchester Metropolitan University (ManMet).
In SurfSAFE, biomimetic surfaces based on plant leaves were manufactured, characterized, and tested, enabling a reduction in bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation and addressing the emergent problem of food product contamination and foodborne diseases. The effects of surface topography on gene transfer were also assessed and methods for biofilm imaging analysis were developed. The project also provided UPORTO staff with extended expertise and enhanced skills to support the research in these fields.
