Innovation: ENEA spin-off develops ‘antibacterial’ technology which cuts costs

ENEA has patented, jointly with the University of Messina, an innovative system that quickly destroys harmful microorganisms by puncturing their membranes. To have the exclusive right to use the patent, ENEA has created the spin-off AR-IOS, which is developing a low-energy prototype that kills bacteria, yeasts and molds in fresh food without altering its quality. The technology can be applied to various sectors, including the agri-food industry, where it would allow to guarantee products with excellent organoleptic characteristics at lower production costs.

The system is based on Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) electric fields that temporarily alter cell membranes without heating them, making it possible to extract target molecules from cells and inactivate harmful microorganisms in food.

"This innovative tool will allow a food preservation treatment entailing a reduction in thermal energy consumption of between 20 and 40 percent compared to the most common treatments. Plus, our system could also be used in medical laboratories for instant sterilization of instruments," explained Francesca Bonfà, researcher at the ENEA Radiation Systems and Applications Division and one of the founders of the AR-IOS start-up, together with Fabrizio Pisacane and the company Terra Ars srl.

In the food industry, the technology can preserve the organoleptic characteristics of flavor and color and extend the shelf life of products like meat, fruits, milk, beer, soups and juices without chemical preservatives.

"We aim to create an industrial prototype from our patent, which uses a highly competitive technological configuration and differs from those currently used in advanced modularity for its easy adjustment of voltage and pulse frequency levels by simply connecting multiple base modules, thus ensuring easy system upgrading. Production costs are reduced by emplying low-cost electronic devices and a highly versatile system that responds effectively to different working conditions and applications," Bonfà concluded.