Activated lactoferrin, polyacrylate are antimicrobial and eliminate odor.

P. fluorescens and S. putrefaciens are associated with the spoilage of fresh poultry and the subsequent formation of odors. Polyacrylate (PA) is frequently used along with cotton pads to soak up excess purge water, reducing the potential for odors to occur in products. However, due to microbial persistence, spoilage and odor formation still occur.

Activated lactoferrin (ALF) is a natural antimicrobial intervention technology with microbial blocking activity that prevents the proliferation and attachment of bacteria. Scientists at the N-terminus Research Laboratory integrated ALF with polyacrylate and assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of the material against microorganisms associated with odor formation.

The investigators subjected PA to various physico-chemical stresses. They studied its interaction with ALF. Then they assessed the efficacy of ALF against bacteria associated with spoilage and isolates from soaker pads. Bacteria were treated with ALF (0.25 and 0.5%) and native lactoferrin (0.5%). Growth inhibition was measured as a change in media turbidity.

The researchers assessed ALF (0.5%) and LF (0.5%) efficacy in combination with PA using a growth impedance detection assay. The PA remained stable after undergoing heating, melting, autoclaving, sonication, freezing and thawing. When combined with ALF components, ionic compounds, such as salt, affected the hygroscopic nature of PA.

At 26 C and a 0.5% concentration, ALF was efficacious against isolates found on soaker pads, inhibiting the growth of bacteria for up to five days. A similar trend was noted for different strains of bacteria. In particular, S. putrefaciens and P. fluorescens were completely inhibited after 48 hours after they were exposed to a 0.5% concentration of ALF. At 5 C, similar growth inhibition was noted for all strains tested. The addition of PA did not affect ALF antimicrobial efficacy.

ALF was efficacious against spoilage bacteria associated with fresh poultry. ALF, when combined with PA, can be integrated into current packaging systems and help eliminate the formation of odors.

Further information. A. S. Narain Naidu, N-terminus Research Laboratory, 981 Corporate Center Dr., Pomona, CA 91768; phone: [phone]; URL: http://www.activinlf.com.