MS&E Department seminar by Prof. Jess D. Reed, Animal Sciences, UW-Madison

Naturally occurring renewable resources that inhibit microbial adhesion are important alternatives to antibiotics and may help stem the alarming increase in drug resistant bacteria. We have invented novel composite biomaterials comprising formulations of tannin, extracted from cranberries (fruit, juice or press cake), and chitosan, manufactured from shrimp shells. The composites are versatile and can be formulated into useful biomaterials such as nanoparticles, 3-dimensional foams, and films.