16 October 2019
Preservatives are widely used in the food industry. They are necessary to extend the shelf life of products. On the other hand, preservatives reduce food quality. Some of them can cause allergies (benzoic acid) or be toxic (nitrates, nitrites). Synthetic waxy substances used to coat fruits can be carcinogenic (biphenyl is prohibited in the US and EU).
Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin, the main component of insect and crustacean shells. It has antibacterial properties and is already used in the food industry for packaging and coating products with a protective film. However, its activity is much inferior to antibiotics. To obtain non-toxic and highly active derivatives of chitosan, RUDN University chemists Andreii Kritchenkov and Margarita Kurasova and their colleagues have modified chitosan with organic azides by “sewing” them to the polymer chain.
Azides are derivatives of hydrazoic acid HN3. Both organic and inorganic azides are toxic, but their compounds with chitosan are not poisonous. Antibacterial activity of the obtained substances, azido chitosan, was significantly higher than that of chitosan. The experiment showed that samples of polymers based on chitosan had antibacterial activity at the level of antibiotics.
The researchers compared this parameter for azido chitosan with the two most common antibiotics – ampicillin and gentamicin – and found out that the polymer has almost the same antibacterial activity as antibiotics. This is extremely important, because the use of antibiotics as components of antibacterial films is highly unacceptable because it leads to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria. Chitosan compounds do not have this disadvantage. New chitosan derivatives can be used as harmless and effective preservatives to create protective films for food on their basis.
https://www.k-online.de
New material for food coatings
Chemists have developed a method for producing derivatives of the natural polymer chitosan. These derivatives are non-toxic and have an antibacterial activity comparable to antibiotics. They can be used in the production of antibacterial protective films for food.
 Photo: Elena Koycheva on UnsplashFruit coatings can be carcinogenic. |
Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin, the main component of insect and crustacean shells. It has antibacterial properties and is already used in the food industry for packaging and coating products with a protective film. However, its activity is much inferior to antibiotics. To obtain non-toxic and highly active derivatives of chitosan, RUDN University chemists Andreii Kritchenkov and Margarita Kurasova and their colleagues have modified chitosan with organic azides by “sewing” them to the polymer chain.
Azides are derivatives of hydrazoic acid HN3. Both organic and inorganic azides are toxic, but their compounds with chitosan are not poisonous. Antibacterial activity of the obtained substances, azido chitosan, was significantly higher than that of chitosan. The experiment showed that samples of polymers based on chitosan had antibacterial activity at the level of antibiotics.
The researchers compared this parameter for azido chitosan with the two most common antibiotics – ampicillin and gentamicin – and found out that the polymer has almost the same antibacterial activity as antibiotics. This is extremely important, because the use of antibiotics as components of antibacterial films is highly unacceptable because it leads to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria. Chitosan compounds do not have this disadvantage. New chitosan derivatives can be used as harmless and effective preservatives to create protective films for food on their basis.
https://www.k-online.de
More news about "K":
26 May 2025
LIGNA 2025: Found, Dare, Rethink
There is still room for improvement when it comes to start-ups in Germany – mainly due to cultural attitudes, a lower willingness to take risks, slower processes, and limited financing options. However, universities, funding programs, and start-up centers are actively promoting entrepreneurial activity across the country. (more…)17 March 2025
The quality of air at work plays a crucial role in employee well-being, health and performance. Whether in the office, working from home or in an industrial production facility, clean air is a key factor in ensuring a successful working day. A variety of parameters, such as CO2 level, humidity, particulate matter, viruses and temperature, influence indoor-air quality and, therefore, people’s working conditions. (more…)3 March 2025
bauma 2025: Focus on key topics
As an international meeting place for the industry, bauma is not only a showcase for the latest technologies, but also a platform for professional conversations and the discussion of key future topics. The world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment will be held from April 7 to 13, 2025, at the Munich exhibition center. (more…)8 October 2024
No fear of AI – Motek/Bondexpo is ready for the future
Companies in the manufacturing industry are facing major challenges – efficiency, cost-effectiveness, conservation of resources and a shortage of skilled labour. This year, suppliers and users will be exchanging ideas on how to further improve manufacturing processes at the Motek/Bondexpo industry platform. The stakes are high – and manufacturers need to prepare for the future. The industry’s traditional autumn event, complemented by a high-calibre supporting programme, aims to demonstrate new and viable paths. (more…)29 March 2023
The Industrial Security Circus breaks new ground
The topics of cyber security and IT security are giving all companies plenty to think about. Especially with increasing digitalization, protecting networks, computer systems, cyber-physical systems, machines and data is becoming increasingly important. HANNOVER MESSE offers solutions and defensive strategies. (more…)
| FAIR NAVIGATOR | |
|---|---|
|
| E-PAPER K |
 |