Surface modification to increase microbial SAFEty in the food industry

SurfSAFE will enhance the scientific and technological capacity of FEUP-UP (PT) in the fields of surface modification and biofilm analysis, thus promoting a leading European Network that guides the future development of tailor-made antifouling and antimicrobial, non-biotoxic surfaces to reduce fouling and improve cleanability in the food industry, ensuring safe and good quality products to consumers.

A secondary facet of such work will be a reduction in the use of water and disposal of cleaning solutions into the environment.

This proposal will also enable the development of a consolidated strategic research approach and a set of guidelines for exploitation and commercialisation of the post-SurfSAFE research results that will have a strong regional, national and European impact.

This challenge will be achieved by twinning the FEUP-UP (PT) with three internationally-leading research institutions, ManMet (UK), UCPH (DK) and UMCG (NL).

ManMet is a well-recognised institution for its excellence in the fields of surface engineering and surface fouling, particularly in the food industry.

The UCPH partner is highly-experienced in the field of microbial interactions in biofilms, including gene transfer between bacteria. UMCG has core expertise in surface analysis, bacterial adhesion and biofilm imaging.

The goals of SurfSAFE are within the specific challenges and scope of the Twinning call, addressing networking gaps and deficiencies between the research institution of the Widening country and internationally-leading counterparts at EU level, through mutual learning and knowledge transfer activities and networking opportunities.

SurfSAFE integrates synergies in complementary fields of research that include surface engineering, surface biofouling, microbial interactions, hydrodynamics and biofilm analysis, which together will allow to obtain significant scientific developments that can be applied to improve food production, and thus health and the economy.