Microbial Infections have been the single most threat to animal agriculture leading to a drop in, productivity, quality, and lifespan. Antimicrobials from different categories have been applied copiously on farms to increase productivity and protect livestock. For instance, ~80% of all antibiotics manufactured are used for farm applications. So is the case with antiseptics, and hygiene products containing antimicrobial agents as key ingredients. A major blow to animal and public health resulting from the Unchecked use of antimicrobials in farms was the emergence of antimicrobials resistant forms of bacteria and other microbial pathogens. AMR bacteria often have developed multiple arsenals to counteract the action of antimicrobials. Fighting such forms of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms demands strategies that curtail resistance mechanisms and microbial survival.
ArgiSaurus is a composite material containing plasminogen silver grafted onto halloysite nanotubes that contain drugs that block resistant mechanisms. This material shows great potential for a wide range of applications in food security and safety. Application scenarios range from its use in drug formulations for treating intestinal infections involving multi-drug resistant intracellular pathogens, superficial infections (skin, paw, hoof), plant infections, food packaging, etc. Thanks to its selectivity towards microbes, high chemical stability, and low cost of production, ArgiSaurus is a sustainable solution to ward off infections in animal and plant agriculture and post-harvest storage of plant and animal products.
