Cyclopropene Preservative

Preserving the nutritional and sensory quality of food while extending their shelf life poses a challenge in the food industry. Some traditional methods of preservation such as the use of sulfites and synthetic antioxidants have been questioned for their toxicity, environmental impact, and other forms of reduced efficacy. The introduction of cyclopropene-based preservatives marks a newly-found hope in the field as these preservatives are unique because of their reactivity, biodegradability, and antimicrobial action. Cyclopropenes are compounds featuring a strained three-membered carbon ring. These compounds are extremely stable at ambient conditions, but in the presence of microbes, they yield active intermediates. My company specializes in developing food-grade preservatives derived from cyclopropenes. We blend synthetic chemistry with sustainable practices in an attempt to tackle the issues of food waste and safety on a global scale.

Fig 1. Influence of cyclopropene preservative treatment on chemical composition of fruits (Tedeschi P., 2023)

Our service on the development of cyclopropene preservatives focuses on the design, synthesis, and optimization of food-grade preservation formulations based on cyclopropene derivatives. We utilize advanced catalytic systems and photochemical processes to inhibit microbial contamination, oxidative spoilage, and improve food quality while ensuring safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainability. Our comprehensive services include molecular design, evaluation for efficacy, and compliance with GMP for international market needs and regulatory requirements.

Technical Principles

Cyclopropenes possess antimicrobial efficacy due to two mechanisms:

AE has a dual mechanism of action as follows:

• Strain-Driven Reactivity: The high ring strain of cyclopropenes permits selective reactions with biological enzymes and cell membranes, that is, microbial targets. Under carefully controlled conditions, cyclopropenes undergo [2+n] cycloaddition or ring-opening reactions which disrupt certain critical metabolic pathways in pathogens.
• Photochemical Activation: Some cyclopropene derivatives produce reactive intermediates upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) or visible light that are capable of fierce antimicrobial activity. Such a mechanism enhances preservative robustness by preventing premature breakdown and minimising overdegradation while retaining targeted activity.

Our proprietary catalytic systems allow for the sharp-optimized steric and electronic effects for specific applications, multi-substituted cyclopropenes, to be synthesized precisely.

Technical Features

• High Chemoselectivity: Customization for specific matrices is possible for food products as the reaction tolerates many diverse functional groups.
• Scalability: Cost-efficient production is guaranteed due to high yield benchmarks being achievable in bench scale syntheses.
• Low Environmental Impact: The byproducts are easily biodegradable, and the minimal residue aligns with circular economy principles.
• Adaptive Stability: Microbial enzymes or light triggers activity while storage preserves inertness.

Technical Categories

• Based on application specific needs, our preservatives are grouped in the following manner:
• Antimicrobial Cyclopropenes: For Gram-positive/negative bacteria targeting membrane disruption.
• Antioxidant Cyclopropenes: Stops lipid peroxidation via radical scavenging.
• Gas-Phase Preservatives: For modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) volatile cyclopropenes.

Application Areas

• Fresh produce: Climacteric fruits ethylene inhibition for apples and bananas.
• Processed Foods: Oxidation control of meats, oils and dairy products.
• Beverages: 'Microbial stabilization' of juices and fermented beverages.

Environmental Benefits

• Reduced carbon footprint because cyclopropenes break down into non-toxic fragments. This contrasts with the persistent halocarbons.
• Increased Efficiency: Energy Output: Reduced use of high temperatures in processing due to photochemical activation.
• Resource Preservation: Reduced food waste due to increased shelf life.

Our Services

We provide a comprehensive suite of solutions:

• Custom Synthesis: Design and scale-up of cyclopropene derivatives.
• Analytical Validation: Comprehensive profiling to guarantee purity and compliance.
• Microbial Efficacy Testing: Set-tests against representative pathogens.
• Regulatory Support: Market certification and dossier compilation for other jurisdictions.
• Pilot-Scale Production: Commercial grade (cGMP) food trial manufacture.

Company Service Advantages

• Agile development through iterative prototyping increases the speed to market.
• Cross-disciplinary expertise through the application of synthetic chemistry, microbiology, and food science.
• Sustainability metrics or lifecycle assessments to estimate environmental benefits

Contact Us

CD BioSciences believes the combination of innovation and sustainability happens with cyclopropene preservatives. We apply strain-driven chemistry and catalytic precision to transform food preservation and safekeeping for when it is needed while reducing the ecological footprint. Collaborate with us to enhance your preservation strategy through science that is beneficial for business and the environment.

How to Place an Order

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.