A&B Biotechnology Laboratories and Guserbiot are involved in the development of a biological ingredient substitutive to chemicals traditionally included in disinfecting product formulations which are used against microorganisms causing major foodborne diseases.

The ingredient is a biologically active protein-based compound known as bacteriocine; this substance has proved a significant bactericidal activity against many microorganisms causing most frequent foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes or Escherichia coli..

Such bactericidal activity implies the formation of pores in the cytoplasmic membrane of pathogenic bacteria, which provokes changes in molecular synthesis and energy production processes and, ultimately, leads to cell death. Biocidal properties are of great interest for the agro-food industry given the health risk it is subject to.

Therefore, the use of disinfecting products is essential in the food industry. However, traditional disinfectants include chemicals that pose environmental concerns and involve utilisation hazards.

The bacteriocine provided by Guserbiot and A&B Biotechnology Laboratories, which implies a technology and product innovation, results from the search for new ingredients avoiding these drawbacks and seems very promising for the formulation of new disinfectants in compliance with the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) prevention system used in the agro food industry to guarantee food safety.

From its headquarters at the Jundiz Industrial Park in Vitoria-Gasteiz, A&B Biotechnology Laboratories focuses on the research, design, manufacturing and commercialisation of chemicals and biological products for industrial use, particularly for the agro-food industry.

On the other hand, Guserbiot, also located in Jundiz, supplies raw materials of biological origin including microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) and enzymes for industrial and environmental applications. Moreover, the company develops quick diagnosis tests and biosensors for both the agro-food and the environmental sector.