Project Portugal 2030

Summary

Overall, this project aims to solve the problem caused by foodborne VBNC bacteria by establishing efficient disinfection protocols - improving the existing ones and developing innovative approaches (bacteriophages). Moreover, as efficient detection methods are highly needed to fill the gap in VBNC detection, a one-step detection system of VBNC based on biomarkers will also be developed. Thus, this proposal is completely aligned with the aims of the Call MPr-2023-12 because it will contribute to: - significant advances in knowledge at the frontiers of science because to overcome the problem of VBNC in food processing facilities will be needed to investigate and go forward in several areas of science; - solve complex scientific and technological problems because eliminating VBNC cells from food processing surfaces through disinfection and using a detection technique to actually detect these cells constitutes a very challenging problem that this project aims to overcome; - the consolidation of lines of research involving synergistic, complementary and coherent approaches because the fight against VBNC cells will allow consolidating lines of research in food safety, microbiology, biochemistry and surface materials through their own development, as well as through an interdisciplinary approach; - responding to specific societal challenges, including territorially contextualized ones because this project intends to respond to the problem of foodborne outbreaks due to VBNC cells that remain, due to inefficient infection and/or due to their undetectability, on food processing surfaces. Efficient disinfection protocols and an equally efficient detection method can have applications in various food companies in the Northern Region, leading to cost savings, as they reduce the need for extensive cleaning processes or improve the longevity of disinfection measures can result in financial benefits and this can lead to the development of the industry. - research activities in support of specific value chains because, without doubt the research activities of this work will benefice the specific value chains, namely of food industries but also of other kind of companies. To attain these aims the following questions will be addressed: 1- Does common disinfection of food industry induce VBNC state in pathogenic bacteria? What are the concentrations of these products that disinfect surfaces and induce the lower number of VBNC cells? 2- Are VBNC cells detected by conventional detection systems? 3 - What genes/proteins are regulated in VBNC cells? 4- Is VBNC state induced by an alternative approach: bacteriophages? 5- Is it possible to use a one-step detection method of VBNC cells in food processing? The answer of all these questions will contribute to ensure food contact surfaces cleanliness, improving food safety and, ultimately, human health.