Project R-16044

Biodegradable Bio-based Bioactive Packaging Technology for Supporting Food Safety (Research)

This proposal tackles the urgent need to replace fossil-carbon-based plastics in food production systems by developing bio-based, biodegradable materials inspired by nature. Through interdisciplinary research and innovative design, we aim to create natureinspired food packaging that not only minimizes environmental impact but also opens up a world of possibilities for sustainable food production. By maintaining the functional benefits of conventional plastics, ensuring biodegradability and sustainability throughout the product lifecycle, we are paving the way to replace fossil-carbon-based plastics. We aim to pioneer phages as antimicrobials in food packaging, sharing our PhagTec delivery system and Bio4Pack technology with other groups under this funding program. This will extend the application to agricultural, environmental, and medical sectors. Bacterial contamination, especially from Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, poses a significant challenge in poultry consumption. It reduces shelf-life and contributes to food waste and non-degradable packaging waste. Bio4Pack offers biodegradable, smart packaging solutions made from bio-based polymers to address this. The innovative PhagTec delivery system releases phages upon detecting the pathogen proteases (Salmonella-specific), providing antimicrobial properties that reduce the need for antibiotics. Nature-inspired phage coatings are consumer-safe and environmentally friendly and ensure long-term antipathogen effectiveness with full compostability. Our multifaceted approach involves an advisory board of experts in agriculture, industry, phage technology, LCA, regulatory guidance, and collaboration with other EU-funded projects. We propose an interdisciplinary strategy, including short scientific missions, events, and online hackathons to maximize the project's impact and align with the call's objectives.

01 October 2025 - 30 September 2029