University of Melbourne

Melbourne researcher discovers way to turn milk protein into Listeria killer

A University of Melbourne researcher has discovered a way to modify milk protein enabling it to fight off bacteria which can lead to food poisoning and food spillage.

PhD researcher Yu(Cindy) Pan discovered that chemically modifying the protein lactoferrin increases its' ability to combat the food poisoning bug Listeria. The modified protein also combats the food spoilage bacteria Pseudomonas fluerescens.

"Lactoferrin is quite and amazing protein, which has been shown to have strong immune, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects, said Ms Pan.

"My research aimed to find out if its antibacterial effects could be increased by modifying the protein".

Ms Pan will be conferred a PhD by the University of Melbourne on the 12th of August.

By Neil Rao