Development of a novel antimicrobial packaging film by 3D printing

UWE funded project – ACE/HAS Connecting Research Pilot Project Grant Scheme

Team:
Dr. Alexandros Stratakos, Senior Lecturer & Wallscourt Fellow in Sustainable Agri-Food Production, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS), UWE
David Huson, Senior Research Fellow, CFPR, Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education (ACE), UWE
Sonny Lightfoot, Research Associate & Technician, CFPR, Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education (ACE), UWE
Dr. Damien Leech, Research Fellow, University of Nottingham

Dates: 1/9/20-31/7/21

Foodborne diseases are global challenge, as they result in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. With pressures from international governments and industry to develop new ways to help ensure the safety of the food supply chain and protect public health, the aim of this project is to develop a novel antimicrobial packaging film, manufactured via 3D printing methods.  The project is lead by Dr. Alexandros Stratakos and Dr. Damien Leech and funded as part of UWE’s ACE/HAS Connecting Research Pilot Project Grant Scheme aiming to bring together researchers from the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS) and the Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education (ACE). The aim of the project is to investigate further how printing can be used as an efficient method to fabricate novel packaging films from materials with inherent antimicrobial properties. It further capitalises on the interdisciplinary nature of the project by incorporating elements of microbiology, food safety, fabrication methods and additive manufacture. Overall, the project aims to equip the UK and overseas food industry with a bespoke alternative to conventional packaging options and contribute to increases in food safety and protection of public health.