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<p>In today's world, despite the sophisticated food handling techniques right from the farm to a plate, food spoilage is a global concern. Amongst the total volume of food that is wasted annually, putridity due to microbes stands at a substantial amount. Some of the common contaminants of food include <i>Escherichia coli</i>,<i> Pseudomonas </i>and <i>Staphylococcus </i>species. In light of this, our team is genetically engineering a strain of <i>Escherichia coli</i> to produce an antimicrobial peptide called M-zodatoxin. Commonly known as Latarcin, it is a short linear peptide found in spider venom which acts against most gram negative and gram positive bacteria. Via a carpet mechanism, this peptide alters the microbial metabolism. We are aiming to enclose this peptide within two membranes(one being semi permeable), to produce a cover of sorts.This cover can then be used to conceal food items, thereby killing the microbes present on its surface whilst preventing the entry of additional microbes during its transportation and storage.</p>

<p>In today's world, despite the sophisticated food handling techniques right from the farm to a plate, food spoilage is a global concern. Amongst the total volume of food that is wasted annually, putridity due to microbes stands at a substantial amount. Some of the common contaminants of food include <i>Escherichia coli</i>,<i> Pseudomonas </i>and <i>Staphylococcus </i>species. In light of this, our team is genetically engineering a strain of <i>Escherichia coli</i> to produce an antimicrobial peptide called M-zodatoxin. Commonly known as Latarcin, it is a short linear peptide found in spider venom which acts against most gram negative and gram positive bacteria. Via a carpet mechanism, this peptide alters the microbial metabolism. We are aiming to enclose this peptide within two membranes(one being semi permeable), to produce a cover of sorts.This cover can then be used to conceal food items, thereby killing the microbes present on its surface whilst preventing the entry of additional microbes during its transportation and storage.</p>