Other Natural Solutions

Bacteriophages are viruses that only infect one type of bacteria. Existing in all environments, more than 5000 bacteriophages have currently been identified.

Human & animal health
The potential of using bacteriophages as alternatives to antibiotic treatment has been widely studied. Phage therapy has demonstrated its efficacy in dysentery treatment since 1990 and is potentially a cheaper alternative treatment for the populations of developing countries. As bacteriophages are normally eliminated by animal and human organisms as soon as the target bacteria population is reduced or weakened, their secondary effects on the intestinal tract flora is limited - unlike antibiotics.

Agriculture
The use of bacteriophages to replace chemical pesticides and fungicides in agriculture is another development area.

Lactoferrin is a protein that is  present in human colostrum and milk and cow’s milk. It reduces the ability of viruses, bacteria and moulds to attach themselves to cell membranes. The proteolysis of lactoferrin further produces an antimicrobial peptide. Lactoferrin is effective against E.coli  and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA. The USDA has  authorised the use of lactoferrin in the treatment of uncooked beef carcasses in slaughterhouses.

Antimicrobial peptides are small proteins comprising 12 to 50 amino acids and are present in all living organisms. Since the 1980s, scientists have identified more than 600 types.

These peptides have been demonstrated to be active against wide range of microorganisms, including  pathogenic strains, mycobacteria, certain viruses and moulds. Some have also been found to be cytotoxic to animal and human cells modified by cancer. 

In general, the modes of action by which antimicrobial peptides kill bacteria is varied and includes disrupting membranes, interfering with metabolism, and targeting cytoplasmic components..To date, there are no reports on any development of resistance in pathogenic bacteria.

Certain antimicrobial peptides also function as natural immunomodulators that can enhance the immune response. Clinical tests are currently underway to investigate the use of peptides in treating oral mycosis, lung infections, cystic fibrosis and skin infections. They may also be of interest in the development of modern vaccines.

Danisco Natural Solutions

Good manufacturing practices are a pre-requisite for the use of Care4U™ natural food protection solutions. Food labelling legislation varies between countries. Always be sure to check the current legal situation with the appropriate local authorities, or contact Danisco.