Water resilience while preventing food spoilage: Electrolysed water
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
In my master's programme, I focused on the application of bacteria in biotechnological
processes. I am therefore experienced in both cultivating and engineering microbial strains. My
research for my master's thesis further provided me with experience in the analysis of
microbial cultures. This included genome sequencing and fluorescence based methods, such as
fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. I am therefore confident that I can bring the
required microbiological expertise to this project.
The training that I received during my bachelor in biochemistry provided me with a thorough
knowledge of organic chemistry as well as metabolic pathways in cellular systems. I believe
this will be very useful to further understand the mechanisms of the antimicrobial effects of
electrolysed water.
Additionally, I have always been interested in broadening my knowledge in different disciplines.
For instance, I learned about the different ways of maintaining food safety in a lecture during
my exchange semester in Belgium. I also have an insight into engineering solutions from a
course on bacterial biotechnology. This course focused on the application of bacteria in the
waste water treatment sector, and covered different reactor designs as well as calculating
yields and flow rates. Therefore, I am eager to contribute to this cross-disciplinary research
project and to deepen my knowledge in the different fields.
processes. I am therefore experienced in both cultivating and engineering microbial strains. My
research for my master's thesis further provided me with experience in the analysis of
microbial cultures. This included genome sequencing and fluorescence based methods, such as
fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. I am therefore confident that I can bring the
required microbiological expertise to this project.
The training that I received during my bachelor in biochemistry provided me with a thorough
knowledge of organic chemistry as well as metabolic pathways in cellular systems. I believe
this will be very useful to further understand the mechanisms of the antimicrobial effects of
electrolysed water.
Additionally, I have always been interested in broadening my knowledge in different disciplines.
For instance, I learned about the different ways of maintaining food safety in a lecture during
my exchange semester in Belgium. I also have an insight into engineering solutions from a
course on bacterial biotechnology. This course focused on the application of bacteria in the
waste water treatment sector, and covered different reactor designs as well as calculating
yields and flow rates. Therefore, I am eager to contribute to this cross-disciplinary research
project and to deepen my knowledge in the different fields.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Simon Avery (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Franziska Wohlgemuth (Student) |
Publications
Davies CR
(2021)
Evolving challenges and strategies for fungal control in the food supply chain.
in Fungal biology reviews
Wohlgemuth F
(2020)
Top-Down Characterization of an Antimicrobial Sanitizer, Leading From Quenchers of Efficacy to Mode of Action.
in Frontiers in microbiology
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N50970X/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
| 1940973 | Studentship | EP/N50970X/1 | 30/09/2017 | 22/06/2021 | Franziska Wohlgemuth |
| Description | The feasibility of electrolysed water treatments was tested against the influence of different environmental chemicals ("organic compounds"). This allows a more realistic assessment of industrial processes for the application of electrolysed water. A mode of action of electrolysed water, hypochlorite ("bleach") and potentially other active oxy-radicals in yeast cells has been discovered. This can help to understand the sensitivity or resistance of organisms to electrolysed water, and inform on measures to improve the disinfection efficiency. The response of mould to electrolysed water treatments has been studied to understand the risk of mould surviving such treatments. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes might be used by companies to inform and improve the industrial application of electrolysed water. The mechanism of action can be compared to other oxidizing stressors and might therefore be interesting to a broader scientific community both within and outside of food spoilage and disinfection research. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Environment |
| URL | https://microbiologysociety.org/our-work/75th-anniversary-a-sustainable-future/circular-economy/circular-economy-case-studies/sustainable-solutions-to-provide-food-safety.html |
| Description | Project Partners Electrolysed Water |
| Organisation | Ozo Innovations Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We attended regular project meetings and I reported on my current scientific findings to the company and other project partners. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners provided electrolysed water by sending it to Nottingham on a bi-weekly basis. They held project meetings where the current progress of the project was shared with us, and provided information on the use of electrolysed water and their practical experiences with the application. |
| Impact | na |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Science in the Park 2020 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Members of the general public, mainly children, learned about fungi, their use in food production, their morphology and their occurrence in the environment, including food spoilage. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Wonder Festival 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Families attended the event at the University of Nottingham and learned about the issue of water quality and purity by building their own water filters, exploring different materials and their effects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |