Eco-Friendly Membrane Technology: Unlocking Antibacterial Potential of Biowaste Materials Against Foodborne Pathogens

Abstract

Numerous studies have investigated the use of natural compounds for antibacterial applications. This study evaluated biowaste materials such as morro seed, moringa seed, strawberry seed, and citrus peel albedo for their antibacterial potential. The materials were subjected to hot water or acidic treatments, followed by extraction using membrane technology, and then tested against four major foodborne pathogens: Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. Citrus peel albedo extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity, effective at concentrations as low as 0.032 mg/mL across all bacterial strains. Moringa seed extract showed selective activity against Gram-positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 2500 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at 5000 mg/mL. However, extracts from morro and strawberry seeds showed no antibacterial activity even at concentrations as high as 200,000 mg/mL. This research underscores the promise of biowaste materials as viable antibacterial agents, contributing to food safety and public health, while also promoting environmental sustainability through eco-friendly membrane technology in place of conventional solvent extraction methods.