Location: Sustainable Biofuels and Co-products Research
Project Number: 8072-30600-006-001-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 26, 2025
End Date: Aug 25, 2028
Objective:
ARS researchers have developed lipid-based biopolymer coatings with strong antimicrobial properties. The objective of this agreement is to evaluate the coatings' performance and durability, and environmental impact with assistance from the Cooperators.
Approach:
ARS will prepare antimicrobial coatings using its patented phenolic branched-chain fatty acid products (Phenolics may include phenol, thymol, creosote, carvacrol) and (fatty acids may include pennycress, hemp, soybean, brown grease). ARS will evaluate the antimicrobial properties of these biobased polymers and measure some of their mechanical properties. The Cooperator will assess additional mechanical properties and determine the environmental safety of the products.