Light technology ‘may offer sustainable AMR solution’
9 Jun 2024
New technology pioneered by an Italian company working with University of Birmingham scientists could provide an innovative and sustainable approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Biovitae’s invention uses light at wavelengths in the visible spectrum to which microbes are particularly sensitive. The technology can be incorporated into light bulbs to sanitise whole rooms.
Now the firm is working with Birmingham researchers to test how effective the method is against some of the most common bacteria in food borne diseases, such as listeria and E. coli.
Birmingham associate professor of food microbiology Dr Helen Onyeaka, who is also deputy director of the Birmingham Institute of Sustainability and Climate Action, said:
"The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat to global health. Our research with Biovitae visible light technology presents a promising, sustainable solution to reduce microbial contamination."
The team said their data showed that the technology significantly reduced harmful bacteria on different surfaces ranging from glass to stainless steel, suggesting potential for a non-chemical, sustainable solution to food safety and public health threats.
Onyeaka’s research colleague, assistant professor of sustainable food processing in chemical engineering, Taghi Miri, added: "This technology not only supports better hygiene practices but also aligns with sustainability goals by offering a non-chemical method to combat pathogens effectively."
