# Using Bacteria to Kill Food-Poisoning Germs on Kitchen Surfaces

> A natural cleaning solution using specific bacteria and a protein to stop the growth of dangerous Listeria bacteria on food processing equipment.

- **Patent:** US 8062633
- **Original title:** Surface sanitizer for the food industry based on three new lactic acid bacteria that have antagonistic action against Listeria monocytogenes, the microorganism that causes listeriosis in humans
- **Owner:** Universidad Austral de Chile
- **Granted:** 2011
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 1
- **Field:** biotech, mechanical

## What it does

This patent describes a cleaning formula that uses three specific types of beneficial bacteria—Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and Enterococcus mundtii—along with a natural protein called nisin. These bacteria are heat-treated to become inactive, meaning they don't grow, but they still release substances that kill Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous germ that causes food poisoning. The formula can be used as a liquid spray or turned into a solid gel coating to sanitize surfaces like food factory drains, cutting boards, or machinery.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover the use of live, active bacteria for sanitization.
- Does not cover chemical sanitizers like bleach, chlorine, or quaternary ammonium compounds.
- Does not cover the use of these specific bacterial strains for purposes other than controlling Listeria.
- Does not cover general-purpose household cleaners that do not contain this specific combination of three strains and nisin.

## The clever bit

By combining inactivated fermentates from three distinct bacterial strains with nisin, the inventors created a synergistic effect where the mixture is more effective at killing Listeria than any of the components would be on their own.

## Real-world examples

1. Sanitizing liquid spray for food processing conveyor belts
2. Solid gel coating for industrial food factory drains
3. Protective surface treatment for food preparation tables

## Why it matters

Listeria is a major concern in the food industry because it survives in cold, damp environments like processing plants. This invention provides a biological alternative to harsh chemicals, which is increasingly important as food manufacturers seek safer, more natural ways to keep food supply chains free from contamination.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does Using Bacteria to Kill Food-Poisoning Germs on Kitchen Surfaces cover?

A natural cleaning solution using specific bacteria and a protein to stop the growth of dangerous Listeria bacteria on food processing equipment.

### Who owns patent US 8062633?

Universidad Austral de Chile owns this patent, granted in 2011.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on November 22, 2031, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 8062633 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

Listeria is a major concern in the food industry because it survives in cold, damp environments like processing plants. This invention provides a biological alternative to harsh chemicals, which is increasingly important as food manufacturers seek safer, more natural ways to keep food supply chains free from contamination.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover the use of live, active bacteria for sanitization.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8062633/actemra-tocilizumab

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US8062633

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._