First evaluation of alkylpyrazine application as a novel method to decrease microbial contaminations in processed meat products.

Every year about 20% of the globally produced meat gets lost due to microbial spoilage. Nevertheless, the demand for processed meat is constantly rising and producers are searching for novel strategies to reduce microbial contaminations in their products. In the present study, we evaluated the applicability of alkylpyrazines as antimicrobial agents.

Replacing conventional decontamination of hatching eggs with a natural defense strategy based on antimicrobial, volatile pyrazines.

The treatment of hatching eggs relies on classic yet environmentally harmful decontamination methods such as formaldehyde fumigation. We evaluated bacteria-derived volatiles as a replacement within a fundamentally novel approach based on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are naturally involved in microbial communication and antagonism due to their high antimicrobial efficiency. Pyrazine (5-isobutyl-2,3-dimethylpyrazine) was applied passively and actively in prototypes of a pre-industry-scale utilization.

A novel assay for the detection of bioactive volatiles evaluated by screening of lichen-associated bacteria.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by microorganisms are known both for their effect on pathogens and their role as mediators in various interactions and communications. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of VOCs for ecosystem functioning as well as their biotechnological potential, but screening for bioactive volatiles remained difficult. We have developed an efficient testing assay that is based on two multi-well plates, separated by a sealing silicone membrane, two tightening clamps, and variable growth media, or indicators.

Oxidation of glycerol by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO) in the presence of laccase.

Glycerol has the potential of being a low-cost and extremely versatile building block. However, current transformation strategies such based on noble-metal-catalysts show several disadvantages including catalyst deactivation or negative environmental impacts. In this study glycerol was oxidized by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO) in the presence of laccase from Trametes hirsuta.

New model substrates for enzymes hydrolysing polyethyleneterephthalate and polyamide fibres.

Recently the potential of enzymes for surface hydrophilisation and/or functionalisation of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA) has been discovered. However, there was no correlation between enzyme class/activity (e.g.