Bleach Solution Research Articles

Pretreatment: Improving Endogenous Ancient DNA Yields Using a Simple Enzymatic Predigestion Step.

Ancient DNA samples generally contain a mixture of both endogenous and exogenous (contaminant) DNA. The authentic endogenous DNA content varies widely between samples and substrates but usually constitutes only a small fraction of the total DNA, while the remainder comprises contamination deriving from bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms and in some cases also modern human DNA. Recently, several protocols have been developed to improve access to the endogenous DNA fraction by decreasing the exogenous fraction prior to extraction. The most common of these involve pretreatment with single or multiple washes with weak sodium phosphate or sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solutions, as described in Chapter 2 . Here, we present an alternative, less aggressive pretreatment protocol that uses a brief predigestion step in an EDTA-based lysis buffer to increase the endogenous fraction prior to extraction.

Estimation of Hypochlorites in Commercial Bleaching Solutions by Cl-ISE and Platinum Electrode

Chloride ion-selective and platinum electrodes were successfully applied in the determination of hypochlorites in commercial bleaching solutions. The results obtained with Cl-ISE are compared to those obtained with Pt electrodes since the reactions are oxidation-reductions where the Pt responds to their potential change. A clear change and jump at equivalence points were found and titration curves are in S form which were approved by first and second derivatives. The percentages obtained with Cl-ISE are relatively larger than results with Pt electrode which are due to practical errors, interference of I-ions and little Cl-by-Product of hypochlorite manufacture. In general, almost both electrodes offered results in the range of 3–8% solutions of hypochlorites within the period of storage. Low results may by due to wasting and decomposition by temp, transferring, dilution and stirring the solution.

Synthesis of antibacterial N‐halamine acryl acid copolymers and their application onto cotton

ABSTRACTA series of N‐halamine copolymers are synthesized by reacting hydantoinylacrylamide (HA) with acrylic acid (AA) in several mole ratios. The synthesized copolymers are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and1H NMR and coated onto cotton fabrics. The coated cotton fabrics are rendered antibacterial by chlorinating with dilute household bleach solution. The ultraviolet (UVA) light stabilities of the resulting copolymers on the coated cotton fabrics are investigated; the results show that UVA exposure has minimal effect on the structure of the copolymers but can cause partial loss of the chlorine loading on the coated cotton fabrics. The coated cotton fabrics exhibit excellent antibacterial efficacies achieving inactivations of about six logs ofStaphylococcusaureusandEscherichiacoliO157:H7 within 1 min of contact time. The cotton fabrics coated with the copolymers would best be employed in disposable fabric applications because of lack of washing fastness due to the weak bonding interaction between the AA unit and cellulose. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47426.

Removal of aniline blue dye using live microalgae Chlorella vulgaris

In this work, the efficiency of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris was evaluated in the removal of aniline blue dye, one of the most demanded dyes in the tanning industry; evaluating the effect of the initial concentration of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/L of dye on the percentage of removal of aniline blue. The removal of the dye was evaluated by measuring the absorbance in a UV-VIS spectrophotometer of the bleached solutions until 11 days of treatment were completed. All treatments presented dye removal. By means of ANOVA analysis it was demonstrated that the removal of the dye depends on the initial concentration and the removal time; the best results in the 11 days of treatment were obtained at an initial concentration of 75 mg/L of aniline blue.

Highly Efficient, Chemically Stable, and UV/Blue-Light-Excitable Biluminescent Security Ink to Combat Counterfeiting.

A strategy has been demonstrated to design a biluminescent security ink using Eu(TTA)3Phen (ETP) and fluorescein for protecting the currency and other essential documents, viz., passport, bank check, certificates, etc. against counterfeiting. The biluminescent security ink exhibits strong red and green emission under 367 and 445 nm excitations, respectively. As it is quite challenging to prepare a material that possesses two prominent (green and red) and distinguishable colors upon excitation with two separate light-emitting diode (LED) sources, emitting at different wavelengths, the biluminescent security ink would be hard to counterfeit as compared with the existing luminescent security ink that exhibits single color under UV light exposure. To check its feasibility for security application, the patterns printed out using the biluminescent security ink were kept under a hot and humid atmosphere for 150 days. Also, the ETP and fluorescein fluorophores were exposed to UV light for a prolonged time, which do not show any sign of deterioration in their luminescence intensities. Furthermore, to check their chemical stability, printed patterns were also exposed to chemicals that have potential to wipe out ink, viz., detergent, ethanol, acetone, and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution, and it was noticed that it is well stable against these chemicals. Because of the reasons mentioned above and easy availability of 367 and 445 nm LEDs at low cost, authors believe that the application of this biluminescent security ink can trigger the realization of the full potential of this advanced security feature in detecting fake currency.

Occurrence of European Tar Spot (Rhytisma acerinum) on Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Causing Severe Infections in Minnesota

Rhytisma species causing tar spot of maple (Acer spp.) have a worldwide distribution wherever maples are found. In North America, three Rhytisma species are found affecting Acer: R. americanum (Hudler & Banik), R. punctatum (Pers.) Fr., and R. acerinum (Pers.) Fr. For a number of years, R. americanum was erroneously called R. acerinum, despite early reports that there may be two distinct species (Bracher 1924). Hudler et al. (1998) described R. americanum as a separate species that occurs on red (A. rubrum) and silver (A. saccharinum) maples, whereas R. acerinum is only found on Norway maple (A. platanoides) in North America. Norway maple was introduced to the United States in about 1856 from England (Nowak and Rowntree 1990), and since then it has been planted widely as an urban ornamental tree. It is currently considered one of the most common invasive exotic tree species in the United States. R. acerinum appears native to Europe and was introduced into the United States, with the first outbreaks of severe defoliation noted in New York (Hudler et al. 1987). R. acerinum infects Norway maple, causing lesions on leaves and black masses of stromatal tissue. During severe infections, multiple lesions coalesce and remaining leaf tissue becomes necrotic, leading to defoliation. However, there are conspicuous morphological differences between the three Rhytisma species in North America. In the late summer of 2017, we observed extensive infections on Norway maple in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, area, including the maple collection at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, which includes several A. platanoides cultivars, most of which showed severe infection. Several cultivars (‘Olmstead’, ‘Emerald Queen’, and ‘Crimson King’) appeared to have more leaf necrosis, which affected large portions of the crown compared with others (‘Columnare’), indicating there may be differences in susceptibility. In addition, two sugar maple (A. saccharum) cultivars (‘Sweet Shadow’ and ‘Bailsta’) showed limited infection, as well as a hybrid (A. truncatum × A. platanoides ‘Keithsform’), which to our knowledge has not yet been reported as a host. Further observations and testing are needed to identify possible resistance in Norway maple cultivars. R. acerinum DNA was extracted directly from infected leaves by carefully excising small portions of tar spots and briefly surface sterilizing with a 5% bleach solution, rinsing with 95% EtOH, and air drying, followed by a CTAB extraction protocol, which provided the template for the amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA (Blanchette et al. 2016). A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using ITS data showed that R. acerinum samples separated from other Rhytisma species that formed two clades. One Minnesota sample shared a clade with the type specimen (GenBank GQ253100) originating from Germany along with tar spot samples obtained from Germany for this study with a posterior probability of 100%. The other Minnesota samples grouped in a closely related clade with samples from Massachusetts, Maine, and New York. R. americanum grouped with strong support with the type species described by Hudler et al. (1998). R. acerinum has just started to cause severe infection in Minnesota, and it is important to recognize the damaging impacts of this pathogen across the regions where Norway maple is planted in order that specific control measures may be implemented.

Further progress with in vitro anther culture of European hazelnut

The fastest way to reach homozygosis is doubling the chromosome number of a haploid genotype. Doubled haploids are useful for fixing traits in desirable combinations, and facilitating marker development, mapping, and marker-assisted selection (MAS). Immature catkins were harvested from branches of selected plants of ‘Nocchione’, ‘Tonda di Giffoni’ and ‘Tonda Gentile Romana’ when the pollen had reached the uninucleate and early bi-nucleate stages. The catkins were surface-sterilized by vigorous shaking in 70% ethanol for 30 s, immersion for 10 min in a 20% solution of commercial bleach with a few drops of Tween 20, and washing three times in sterile distilled water. The catkins were stored in sealed plastic bags and maintained for three days at 4°C in darkness. The anthers were placed on two basal media (N6 and BN) with three combinations of growth regulators. The results confirmed the remarkable influence of the genotype on callus formation. No clear information was obtained, as the analysis of variance revealed a marked interaction among the factors studied. 2,4-D plays a key role in callus formation in hazelnut. No haploid tissues were obtained, although many cells showed chromosome number instability. The better medium and growth regulator combinations were identified to induce callus formation from the inner parts of the anthers. This information could be useful for future investigations.

The role of chelating agents and amino acids in preventing free radical formation in bleaching systems

The control of bleaching reaction is important in hair bleaching and laundry detergents to ensure quality of the final product. A better understanding of the reaction mechanisms is needed to minimize product failures. 31P NMR-spectroscopy-based spin trap technique was employed to detect and quantify the free radical species that were generated in different bleaching solutions. These solutions contained the key actives in an alkaline hair colorant/bleaching product, an ammonium salt and hydrogen peroxide at pH = 10. Generally, the main radical species detected in hair oxidative coloring or bleaching processes, were hydroperoxyl/superoxide radicals HO2·/O2.-, amino radicals ·NH2 and hydroxyl radicals ·OH. Their amounts showed a variation based on the chemical composition of the bleaching systems and the metal ion content. The generation of free radicals from reactions between transition metal ions, such as copper, and hydrogen peroxide at pH = 10 was evaluated. In the absence of chelating agents, the copper ions generated a significant level of hydroxyl radicals in a Fenton-like reaction with hydrogen peroxide at pH = 10. Besides that, an increase in copper ion content led to an increase of amino radical ·NH2, whereas the concentration of superoxide radical O2·- decreased which was not yet well reported in the previous literature.The effect of chelating agents like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), tetrasodium-iminodisuccinate (IDS), a mixture of basic amino acids and dicarboxylic acid on free radical formation was investigated in the presence of binary Cu2+-Ca2+ bleaching systems. As expected, in the binary Cu2+-Ca2+ ion system EDTA did not suppress hydroxyl radical formation effectively, but the mixture containing sodium succinate, lysine and arginine reduced hydroxyl radical formation, whereas IDS (nearly) completely inhibited hydroxyl radical formation. The results indicated that each bleaching solution has its characteristic performance and damage profile. Whereas the reactivity can be controlled by the usage of chelating agents.

Chipping and Chemical Scarification Effects onSclerocactus glaucus(K.Schum.) L.D.Benson (Cactaceae) Seed Germination

Sclerocactus glaucus (K.Schum) L.D.Benson (Cactaceae) may have a very low germination rate (2–3%) in the wild. The seeds of this cactus species might need cold stratification and/or scarification to trigger germination. It has been suggested that chipping off a portion of the seed coat or soaking the seed in a bleach solution might increase germination rates for Sclerocactus spp. The purpose of our study was to determine if chipping off the pointed tip of the seed coat of Sclerocactus glaucus seeds and soaking them in a bleach solution would increase germination rates when compared to germination rates of untreated seeds.

Rapid colorimetric flow injection sensing of hypochlorite by functionalized graphene quantum dots

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with oxygen-containing functional groups along their edges have been prepared by controlled thermalization of citric acid to develop a new spectrophotometric reagent for hypochlorite determination. 2, 4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) was reacted with hypochlorite to form 2, 4-dinitrophenyl diazonium cation (DNPDC) in acidic condition through a flow injection manifold and then coupled to GQDs to produce a colored product. Characterization of the appropriate materials were performed by applying different imaging and spectroscopic techniques. The results obtained from the CCD optimization approach revealed that all of the chemical reagents had a significant role individually while their interactions were not of any importance. Under optimum condition, Beer’s law was obeyed for hypochlorite determination at 423 nm in the range of 0.2–12.3 μg mL−1. The obtained detection limit of hypochlorite was 0.1 μg mL−1. Also, the intra-day experiments (n = 10 at 0.7 and 11.0 μg mL−1 of hypochlorite) showed recoveries of 100.2 and 99.8%, respectively and that of inter-day (n = 5 at 0.7 and 11.0 μg mL−1 of hypochlorite) presented, respectively, 99.3 and 99.5% recoveries. The sample throughput was about 100 h−1. Tap and pool water samples as well as bleach solutions were analyzed by this and other appropriate reference analytical methods. No statistical differences were observed between the results of the presented method and the results obtained by the reference methods. Beside the studies, a model structure of a typical functionalized GQD was optimized using density functional theory. The natural charges on the carbons along the edge of GQD were calculated, and the results indicated that the ortho positions with respect to the phenolic OH moieties are the most preferable sites for the electrophilic substitution reactions.

Nursing Shared Governance Helps Eliminate “Sacred Cow” Using an Evidence Based Rapid Cycle Improvement Process

Home instructions for clients who require an indwelling urinary catheter after a urologic surgical procedure have not changed significantly since the 1990’s despite the focus on Evidence Based Decision Making in healthcare. The practice of daily rinsing of the urinary drainage bag with a vinegar or bleach solution has been largely unquestioned until recently.

Production of Nanostructured Silver from Waste Radiographic Films Using a Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method

Radiographic films, widely used in medical and dental diagnosis, are an excellent source of silver (Ag), due to their content of light-sensitive Ag compounds. After their use, the films are commonly incorrectly thrown away in the regular trash, causing potential environmental damage. Thus, sustainable methods for recovering Ag from discarded radiographic films are desirable for economic reasons and environmental preservation. In this study, we performed the Ag recovery from waste radiographic films and carried out its structural, chemical, and morphological characterization. First, a solution of commercial bleach, based on sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), was used to separate Ag from radiographic films. Then, a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method was applied to produce nanometric metallic Ag using sucrose as a green reductant and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The obtained product was composed of relatively high purity (~ 97%) nanostructured Ag (NS-Ag). Thus, the proposed procedure was efficient, and a promising approach for Ag recovery from radiographic films since the obtained NS-Ag might be used in a wide range of technological applications.

Primary Prevention of Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea: Current Controversies and Future Tools

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients and rates in most places have not decreased significantly despite broad efforts by both hospitals and public health entities. This review aims to provide readers with a better understanding of the limitations of current prevention strategies. We also review potential future tools that may be available for the primary prevention of CDI in the next decade. Research over the last decade has expanded our appreciation of the role of asymptomatic shedding in the healthcare setting and in the community. This review demonstrates that poor quality data underlies even well-established guidance from national authorities on basic topics such as contact precautions, avoidance of alcohol-based hand hygiene products, CDI testing, supplemental cleaning modalities, and the use of bleach solutions. Additionally, we review research on novel preventative interventions such as identification of asymptomatic carriers, supplemental environmental cleaning technologies, vaccines, and the manipulation of the intestinal microbiome. While there is preliminary data that supports further research in all of these areas, the research is not yet robust enough on which to base local or national policy recommendations, though late-phase human clinical trials of CDI vaccine trials are ongoing. Over the last decade, researchers have begun to reassess the traditional infection prevention model for CDI. Data suggesting a greater role for asymptomatic shedders has increased our understanding of current vertical prevention techniques and is forcing researchers to look more at new processes and technologies to decrease disease incidence.

Development of a protocol for <i>In- vitro</i> establishment of <i>Gyrinops walla</i>

Gyrinops walla is a fragrance-producing resinous tree growing in the natural forests of Sri Lanka. There has been a very high demand for G. walla, resulting over-exploitation of the species. Tissue culture techniques can be used to conserve this species and to produce bioactive secondary metabolites responsible for the fragrance. The establishment of the aseptic culture is considered as the critical stage of in-vitro culture. The present study was carried out to develop a protocol for the establishment of in vitro cultures of G. walla using the explants of leaf, shoot tips and axillary buds. Among the treatments, the best results in producing uncontaminated, green and alive cultures were obtained when the explants of shoot tips and leaves (80% and 100%, respectively) were treated with 10% (v/v) of bleach (NaOCl) solution with two drops of tween-20. Immature axillary buds from the 3rd to 5th nodes from shoot tips produced the best explant in producing the aseptic culture. Surface sterilization with 10% (v/v) bleach coupled with 0.2% of HgCl2 for 5 min reduced the percentage of contaminated cultures by 20% and improved the percentage of uncontaminated green and live cultures of axillary bud to 73%.

Decontaminating surfaces with atomized disinfectants generated by a novel thickness-mode lithium niobate device.

We evaluated the ability of a novel lithium niobate (LN) thickness-mode device to atomize disinfectants and reduce microbial burden on model surface materials. A small-scale plastic model housed the LN thickness-mode device and circular coupon surface materials including polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and natural rubber. Coupon surfaces were coated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii), atomized with disinfectant solutions of varying viscosity (including 10% bleach, 70% ethanol (EtOH), or 25% triethylene glycol (TEG)) using the LN thickness-mode device, and assessed for surviving bacteria. The LN thickness-mode device effectively atomized disinfectants ranging from low viscosity 10% bleach solution or 70% EtOH to highly viscous 25% TEG. Coupons harboring MDR bacteria and atomized with 10% bleach solution or 70% EtOH were effectively decontaminated with ~ 100% bacterial elimination. Atomized 25% TEG effectively eliminated 100% of K. pneumoniae (CRE) from contaminated coupon surfaces but not MRSA. The enclosed small-scale plastic model established proof-of-principle that the LN thickness-mode device could atomize disinfectants of varying viscosities and decontaminate coupon surface materials harboring MDR organisms. Future studies evaluating scaled devices for patient rooms are warranted to determine their utility in hospital environmental decontamination.

A Non-invasive Method to Collect Fecal Samples from Wild Birds for Microbiome Studies.

Over the past few decades, studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiota strongly influences the physiology, behavior, and fitness of its host. Such studies have been conducted primarily in humans and model organisms under controlled laboratory conditions. More recently, researchers have realized the importance of placing host-associated microbiota studies into a more ecological context; however, few non-destructive methods have been established to collect fecal samples from wild birds. Here, we present an inexpensive and easy-to-use kit for the non-invasive collection of feces from small birds. The portability of the collection kit makes this method amenable to field studies, especially those in remote areas. The main components of the collection kit include a flat-bottomed paper bag, a large modified weigh boat (tray), vinyl-coated hardware cloth fencing (grate), a clothespin, and a 10% bleach solution (to sterilize the tray and grate). In the paper bag, a sterile tray is placed under a small grate, which prevents the birds from contacting the feces and reduces the risk of contamination. After capture, the bird is placed in the bag for 3-5min until it defecates. After the bird is removed from the bag, the tray is extracted and the fecal sample is moved to a collection tube and frozen or preserved. We believe that our method is an affordable and easy option for researchers studying the gut microbiota of wild birds.

Mechanisms to Explain the Elemental Composition of the Initial Aragonite Shell of Larval Oysters

AbstractCalcifying organisms face increasing stress from the changing carbonate chemistry of an acidifying ocean, particularly bivalve larvae that live in upwelling regions of the world, such as the coastal and estuarine waters of Oregon (USA). Arguably the first and most significant developmental hurdle faced by larval oysters is formation of their initial prodissoconch I (PDI) shell, upon which further ontological development depends. We measured the minor metal compositions (Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca) of this aragonitic PDI shell and of post‐PDI larval Crassostrea gigas shell, as well as the water they were reared in, over ∼20 days for a May and an August cohort in 2011, during which time there was no period of carbonate under‐saturation. After testing various methods, we successfully isolated the shell from organic tissue using a 5% active chlorine bleach solution. Elemental compositions (Sr, Mg, C, N) of the shells post‐treatment showed that shell Sr/Ca ranged from 1.55 to 1.82 mmol/mol; Mg/Ca from 0.60 to 1.11 mmol/mol, similar to the few comparable published data for larval oyster aragonite compositions. We compare these data in light of possible biomineralization mechanisms: an amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) path, an intercellular path, and a direct‐from‐seawater path to shell formation via biologically induced inorganic precipitation of aragonite. The last option provides a mechanistic explanation for: (1) the accelerated precipitation rates of biogenic calcification in the absence of a calcifying fluid; (2) consistently elevated precipitation rates at varying ambient‐water saturation states; and (3) the high Ca‐selectivity of the early larval calcification despite rapid precipitation rates.

Enzymatic scarification of Anacamptis morio (Orchidaceae) seed facilitates lignin degradation, water uptake and germination.

The seed coat of many species contains hydrophobic lignins, and in soil the action of microbial ligninases may contribute to release from dormancy. Laboratory use of ligninases to stimulate germination is promising because of the specific action on the seed coat, whereas chemical scarification agents may also corrode the embryo. We hypothesised that exposure of Anacamptis morio (Orchidaceae) seeds to fungal laccase would stimulate germination, and that the mechanism involves lignin degradation and increased imbibition. Germination capacity invitro was quantified with 1 U filter-sterilised laccase added to agar medium following autoclaving, compared to a 10% bleach solution (standard bleach surface sterilisation/scarification method used in orchid seed sowing). Lignin degradation was quantified using an optical method (phloroglucinol-HCl staining) combined with image analysis, following experimental pre-treatments involving immersion in laccase solution, distilled water (negative control) or bleach (positive control). Water uptake after experimental treatments was quantified as the proportion of seeds exhibiting visible uptake of an aqueous fluorochrome under UV excitation. Laccase stimulated a doubling of germination invitro with respect to bleach surface sterilisation/scarification alone, from 23.7 to 49.8% (P=0.007). Laccase and bleach methods both significantly decreased the optical signal of phloroglucinol (for laccase, to 79.9±1.3% of controls; anova: F=10.333, P=0.002). Laccase resulted in a modest but highly significant (P<0.0001) increase in water uptake with respect to the control (11.7%; cf 99.4% for bleach). Laccase scarification can stimulate germination of A. morio through a mechanism of targeted seed coat degradation. The results demonstrate the potential of this relatively non-invasive enzymatic scarification technique.

Inactivation of Bacillus Spores in Wash Waters Using Dilute Chlorine Bleach Solutions at Different Temperatures and pH Levels.

Inactivation of Bacillus globigii spores in wash water was studied to simulate chlorine inactivation of Bacillus anthracis spores in water generated during biological cleanups. Eight waters were studied, with six containing detergent. Chlorine levels were approximately 3000 mg/L. Results across different waters showed decreasing inactivation with increasing pH. Inactivation did not appear to be influenced by chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, turbidity, or dissolved solids. Inactivation efficacy was expressed as the time calculated to yield 6 log10 inactivation at 3000 mg NaOCl/L. This time ranged from 5 to 51 minutes at ~21 °C and from 11 to 209 minutes at ~5 °C. For one wash water, inactivation was conducted when there was no pH adjustment, and when the pH was buffered at 7 and 8. Inactivation in these buffered waters was rapid, but inactivation decreased sharply at a pH above ~9.3.

The Effect of Various Preparation Methods on the Spoilage Rate of Roma Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

As levels of food waste continue to rise, it is essential to find improved techniques of prolonging the shelf life of produce. This study aimed to find a simple, yet effective, method of slowing down spoilage in tomatoes. Roma tomatoes were soaked in water, salt water, bleach solution, vinegar solution, or vegetable oil. One half of the tomatoes washed in each solution were dried, while the rest were not. The tomatoes were then stored in individual plastic containers for 14 days and scored each day on a semi-quantitative scale that measured spoilage. While we originally hypothesized that the bleach treatment with drying would perform the best, soaking the tomatoes in salt water and leaving them undried resulted in the least spoilage over time. The salt water undried group had an average spoilage score of 7 out of 20 by the end of the first iteration and 4.3 out of 20 by the end of the second. These scores were both the lowest in their respective rounds of the experiment, demonstrating significantly reduced spoilage compared to the control. Linear regression analysis revealed that the salt water undried tomatoes displayed the lowest correlation between time and spoilage, confirming that this preparation was the most effective. Additionally, bacterial counts from the second iteration revealed that higher bacterial levels did not correlate to more visible spoilage. In conclusion, application of a simple 1% salt water solution to tomatoes could significantly extend their shelf life and thus reduce waste.