Toronto, ON, Canada--Theralase Technologies (TSX-V: TLT) and George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts are researching the use of laser-activated photodynamic compounds to destroy microbial pathogens associated with food contamination.
The technique is aimed at combatting microbial pathogens such as Listeria and E. coli and their various strains, notes Roger Dumoulin-White, president and CEO of Theralase. Photodynamic compounds can attach to specific cell types and destroy them when activated by light.
The photodynamic compounds for the study were developed by Theralase, as were the lasers. In addition, Theralase initiated the study. "Given their history and pedigree in culinary arts and additional focus on food applied research, the George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts is a perfect partner for applied research in new and innovative sanitation protocols and techniques using the company’s patented lasers and photodynamic compounds," notes Dumoulin-White.
The study is supported by the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; results are expected in September 2011 and will be followed by further lab testing and a pilot project at a commercial food-processing facility.
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