Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The demand for safe and sustainable food preservation methods has been increasing due to concerns over chemical additives and synthetic preservatives in food products. This research project focuses on the development of a novel method for food preservation using natural antimicrobial agents. The study aims to explore the potential of natural antimicrobial agents in inhibiting the growth of foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms to extend the shelf life of food products. The introduction chapter provides an overview of the research topic, highlighting the importance of food preservation and the limitations of existing methods. The background of the study discusses the significance of natural antimicrobial agents and their potential applications in food preservation. The problem statement identifies the challenges in current food preservation techniques, emphasizing the need for alternative solutions. The objectives of the study include investigating the antimicrobial properties of selected natural agents, optimizing their concentrations for effective preservation, and evaluating their efficacy in inhibiting microbial growth in various food matrices. The limitations of the study are also outlined, including the constraints related to laboratory experiments and the need for further research in real-world applications. The literature review chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of previous studies on natural antimicrobial agents, their mechanisms of action, and their applications in food preservation. The research methodology chapter describes the experimental design, materials, and methods used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of selected natural agents against foodborne pathogens. The findings chapter presents the results of the experiments, including the antimicrobial efficacy of natural agents, the optimal concentrations for preservation, and the potential synergistic effects of combining different agents. The discussion chapter interprets the results in the context of existing literature, highlighting the implications for food preservation practices and future research directions. In conclusion, this research project contributes to the development of a sustainable and eco-friendly method for food preservation using natural antimicrobial agents. The study demonstrates the potential of these agents in inhibiting microbial growth and extending the shelf life of food products. The findings offer valuable insights for food industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers seeking innovative solutions for safe and effective food preservation.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Development of a novel method for food preservation using natural antimicrobial agents" aims to explore innovative approaches for enhancing food preservation through the utilization of natural antimicrobial agents. The research is driven by the growing consumer demand for safer and more sustainable food preservation methods, as well as the need to reduce reliance on synthetic preservatives with potential health and environmental implications. This study will investigate the application of natural antimicrobial agents, derived from plants, herbs, spices, and other sources, in inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms in food products. By harnessing the antimicrobial properties of these natural compounds, the research seeks to develop a new preservation method that can effectively extend the shelf life of various food items while maintaining their quality and safety. The project will involve a comprehensive review of existing literature on natural antimicrobial agents, their mechanisms of action, and their potential applications in food preservation. This literature review will provide a theoretical foundation for the experimental phase of the research, guiding the selection of specific natural antimicrobial agents to be tested and evaluated for their effectiveness in inhibiting microbial growth in different food matrices. In the experimental phase, various natural antimicrobial agents will be incorporated into different food products, and their antimicrobial activity will be assessed through microbiological analyses. The research will also investigate the influence of factors such as concentration, pH, temperature, and storage conditions on the efficacy of these natural agents in preserving food quality and safety. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the development of sustainable and eco-friendly food preservation methods that align with consumer preferences for natural and clean label products. By validating the effectiveness of natural antimicrobial agents in inhibiting microbial growth and extending the shelf life of food products, this study aims to offer practical insights for the food industry to enhance food safety and quality while reducing reliance on synthetic preservatives. Overall, the project on the "Development of a novel method for food preservation using natural antimicrobial agents" represents a significant step towards promoting sustainable practices in food preservation, addressing consumer concerns about food safety and quality, and fostering innovation in the food industry."