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GRAS natural protectant for extending shelf life of fresh meat

Technology

In development

University

GRAS Natural Protectant, derived from Aspergillus oryzae, offers a food-grade antimicrobial solution to extend the shelf life of perishable food products like fresh meat by combating spoilage microorganisms without affecting sensory quality.

Overview

The GRAS Natural Protectant (NP) is an innovative antimicrobial fermentation product developed from Aspergillus oryzae, a fungus recognized as safe by the FDA. It exhibits potent antimicrobial properties against a wide range of foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. NP is designed for application in food systems, particularly fresh meat, to enhance shelf life and safety without altering taste, color, or odor. This sustainable solution aims to reduce spoilage and extend the shelf life of perishable food products.

Technical specifications

Antimicrobial properties: NP effectively inhibits a broad spectrum of pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella, in various food matrices.
Safety: Derived from food-safe ingredients using GRAS fungus, NP shows no cellular toxicity at effective concentrations.
Application: Successfully tested on cheese and milk, it prevents microbial growth under refrigerated conditions.
Future testing: Planned validations on fresh meat products to assess NP's efficacy in real food matrices, with a focus on meat types like ground beef, pork, and chicken.
Additional benefits: NP's composition may scavenge free metal ions, potentially delaying lipid oxidation and further extending shelf life.

Technology readiness level

This technology has reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4, indicating that it has been validated in laboratory settings and is undergoing further testing in relevant environments, particularly focused on meat-based applications.

About University of Wisconsin, Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is the state’s flagship public research university, a comprehensive institution with a large research enterprise and broad disciplinary breadth. Industry engages through shared instrumentation, pilot‑scale testbeds, and co-located core facilities that support prototyping and scale-up. An affiliated research and technology park hosts startups and corporate R&D, while integration with a major hospital system enables clinical translation; a statewide extension network connects campus advances to companies and communities across Wisconsin. Research is sustained by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DoD, alongside state and industry partnerships. Dedicated commercialization support—through an affiliated foundation and campus offices—provides IP management, licensing, startup mentoring, and flexible, industry-friendly agreements.

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