Location: Characterization and Interventions for Foodborne Pathogens
Project Number: 8072-42000-093-010-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 10, 2025
End Date: Jul 9, 2026
Objective:
Food spoilage is a significant global issue, causing economic losses, foodborne illnesses, and environmental degradation. Our proposed technology leverages MXenes, a class of antimicrobial 2D materials with unique optical/electronic properties, to create smart food packaging that extends shelf life and enables sensitive, non-destructive detection of spoilage.
A collaboration between the Cooperator and the USDA-ARS (Material Transfer Research Agreement 58-8072-1-018) has generated data to support a peer-reviewed publication and a patent application regarding MXene coatings. Given the reduced timeline of 18 months and a maximum budget of $25,000, we propose to continue working on this project focusing on two key milestones: material optimization and shelf-life evaluation using one food commodity. Additionally, if time and budget permit, we will investigate the mechanism of action of MXenes against a common foodborne pathogen associated with the selected commodity.
This revised proposal maintains the core elements of our original submission while adapting to the reduced funding and timeline constraints. By focusing on material optimization, shelf-life evaluation of one food commodity, and potentially investigating the antimicrobial mechanism of MXenes, we aim to develop an innovative solution to develop a scalable and effective food package to address the pervasive issue of food spoilage.
Approach:
The cooperator agrees to conduct these portions of the research project or perform the following tasks:
a. Prepare MXene materials without harmful chemical impurities or additives in sufficient quantities to disperse using ARS equipment.
b. Characterize the material, purity, particle size, and morphology before sharing with ARS to ensure compliant with the Cooperator’s internal laboratory standards.
i. Microscopy to assess particle size, distribution and morphology
ii. Spectroscopy to assess the number of layers within the material
c. Integrate MXenes into packaging materials to ensure stability and antimicrobial efficacy.
d. Characterize the mechanical properties of the MXene-based materials.
ARS agrees to conduct these portions of the research project or perform the following tasks:
a. Disperse the MXene filled suspensions using on-site ARS dispersion equipment.
b. Determine antimicrobial properties of processed materials.
c. Evaluate the applications in food and food packaging.
• Select one perishable food commodity for testing (e.g., fresh produce, dairy, or meat).
• Package the selected food commodity using MXene-based materials.
• Monitor microbial growth and assess the sensory quality of the packaged products over time.
ARS and the Cooperator agree to jointly conduct these portions research project or jointly perform the following tasks:
a. Share equally in the exchange of research data obtained.
b. Collaborate in the analysis and interpretation of results.
c. Collaborate on development of a coating.
d. Determine antimicrobial properties of processed materials.
e. Evaluate the applications in food and food packaging.
f. Contribute to the dissemination of results by each party drafting pertinent sections of manuscripts and presentations, where
appropriate.