Grass grub killer technology for human trials

Biotechnology company Encoate says it is looking at using technology that helps kill grass grubs to keep humans healthy.
The company – owned by Ballance Agrinutrients, Agresearch and Biopacificventures – used bio-polymers to encapsulate a naturally-occurring serratia bacteria that kills grass grub.
The bio-polymers – strings of molecules attached in long chains – protected the bacteria until it could attack the grass grups.
Now Encoate chief executive Simon Yarrow wants to apply the technology to coating unstable ingredients in foods, such as pro-biotic bacteria that boost the digestive system, repairing it after illness, or helping to maintain optimal function..
So far, these bacteria have mostly been offered in yoghurt drinks because they prefer a cool environment.
But Mr Yarrow predicted the company would be able to offer an encapsulated pro-biotic ingredient in 2008 suitable for dry products such as energy bars or cereals.
"Pro-biotics tend to have limited shelf life, and offering them in a product with extended shelf life requires long term testing on stability and ability to maintain effectiveness," he said.
A huge variation in types of pro-biotic bacteria meant the product had to be capable of adapting to the production process, such as a muesli bar which is is moister than breakfast cereal.
And the company was looking at how the technology could be used in powders for infant formula, or pet foods.
Mr Yarrow said the same technology had potential in stockfood.
"Poultry and pork producers rely on antibiotics to counter infections in densely-populated rearing units, but probiotics could prove a drug-free option," he said.
Source: stuff.co.nz