Microbiological Control Research Articles

Volatile constituents, physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of black and fresh garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Black garlic is produced from fresh garlic by heat treatment at a controlled temperature and humidity for a certain period of time. The processing conditions are responsible for a series of changes in the plant material that culminate in the alteration of its physicochemical and bioactive properties. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of fresh and black garlic, as well as the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of their essential oils. Regarding the physicochemical parameters evaluated, there was a significant difference in all parameters, showing that black garlic bulbs had a lower pH, water activity, and L* and b* parameters and higher values of ash, acidity and proteins. The chemical characterization of the essential oils from two batches of fresh garlic (FG1 and FG2) and two batches of black garlic (BG1 and BG2) was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. In the case of fresh garlic essential oil, diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide represented more than 70% of the chemical composition of the two batches evaluated. For black garlic essential oils, 4-methyl-1,2,3-trithiolane and 5-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrathiolane were the main components. Both fresh and black garlic essential oils have been shown to be rich in organosulfur compounds. As for antimicrobial activity, the black garlic essential oil showed greater inhibitory and bactericidal potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to fresh garlic. The black garlic essential oils evaluated are more promising for the microbiological control of food bacteria than those from fresh garlic.

Impact of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff ) Sorokin on Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith), an invasive maize pest in Chad

The invasion of agricultural plots by Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith) constitutes a serious constraint to the sustainable maize production in Chad. Since then, farmers have unsuccessfully used available chemical insecticides to control this pest at that respect, the present study evaluated the bio-efficacy of two strains (Chinese and Senegalese) of Metarhizium anisopliae on the pest, both under laboratory and field conditions. Laboratory results showed that both strains were virulent against FAW resulting in a mortality of 90 ± 5.77% for the strain from Senegal and 75 ± 5.00% for that from China. In the field, significant differences were observed among the four treatments tested, namely the two M. anisopliae strains (2.5 kg/ha), the control and Emamectin benzoate (20g/ha) for both the infestation of maize plants and FAW densities (P <0.05). Meanwhile, maize grain yields were significantly the highest in plots treated with Emamectin benzoate followed by plots treated with either of the two strains of the fungus whose yields were statistically similar (df = 3; F = 27.13; P <0.0001). This biopesticide was more virulent under laboratory and field conditions and could be a promising biological control agent against S. frugiperda as an alternative to synthetic insecticides. However, additional studies that evaluate the implementation cost of the microbiological control are very necessary for more objective and robust conclusions. Key words: Fall armyworm, microbiological control, Zea mays, Emamectin benzoate, biopesticides.

Nanopore sequencing in surveillance of fungicide resistance

By detecting plant pathogens as early as possible, swift action can be taken to mitigate the spread of disease. Monitoring fungicide is another key part of effective disease control as pathogens can develop resistance to fungicides, rendering them ineffective. The area of plant disease management is advancing apace thanks to innovative research incorporating technical advances in detection and monitoring. For example, Dr Semcheddine Cherrad, Research and Development Manager at Conidia Coniphy, is conducting innovative studies on microbiological assessment and contamination control. The research team at Conidia Coniphy has been working on the detection of plant pathogens and monitoring of fungicide resistance for over 15 years and the teamâ–™s collective efforts in bioassay and molecular analysis, combined with the adoption of new technologies and processes is overcoming challenges in the field. For example, the researchers are utilising new generation sequencing (NGS) with long-read sequencing to generate huge datasets on DNA molecules of genes coding for proteins targeted by fungicides. The team has developed a tool for mould identification called ID-Fungi Plates (IDFP). It is a user-friendly medium that accelerates the identification of fungal pathogens by Maldi-tof. They have also developed a software called FUNGI MESURE, which can quantify fungal spores in samples, providing an accurate overview of fungal measures and facilitating lab routine tasks of methods with fungi. In addition, a database established by the team called FUNGI DNA supports the identification and study of fungal strains through DNA analysis.

Far-UVC light (222 nm) efficiently inactivates clinically significant antibiotic-resistant bacteria on diverse material surfaces.

This study is crucial, providing compelling evidence on Far-ultraviolet radiation C (Far-UVC) light's efficacy against clinically significant antibiotic-resistant bacteria-a pressing issue in microbiology and infection control. Our research employs antibiotic-resistant strains from clinically isolated bacteria, emphasizing real-world relevance. Simultaneously, we assess Far-UVC light (222 nm) across diverse material surfaces commonly found in clinical settings. This dual approach ensures practical applicability and broad relevance. Our comprehensive setup and rigorous methodologies unequivocally demonstrate Far-UVC light's potency in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Since 222 nm far-UVC has a disinfection capability and is harmless to mammalian cells, this dual effectiveness positions Far-UVC as a secure tool for infection control, with potential applications in healthcare settings, mitigating antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread, and reducing healthcare-associated infections.

Effect of Different Postharvest Pre-Cooling Treatments on Quality of Water Bamboo Shoots (Zizania latifolia) during Refrigerated Storage

Post-harvest pre-cooling of water bamboo shoots (WBS) [Zizania latifolia] can effectively delay its quality deterioration. Six types of pre-cooling treatments were used to pre-cooling post-harvest WBS, including cold slightly acidic electrolytic water pre-cooling (CSAEW), cold water pre-cooling (CWPC), vacuum pre-cooling (VPC), strong wind pre-cooling (SWPC), refrigerator pre-cooling (RPC), and fluid ice pre-cooling (FIPC). The effects of different pre-cooling treatments on the quality of refrigerated WBS were investigated. The results showed that the FIPC treatment was harmful to the storage quality of WBS, while the other five pre-cooling treatments could extend the shelf life of WBS to some extent. These pre-cooling treatments can inhibit the respiration of WBS, slow down its weight loss and lignification process, and maintain its relatively high levels of nutrient content and antioxidant activity. The CSAEW treatment outperformed other treatments in terms of bactericidal action and microbiological content control for WBS during storage. The protective effect of CSAEW treatment on the storage quality of WBS was relatively the best, and extended the shelf life of WBS by 12 days compared to the control group. This study indicated that the CSAEW pre-cooling treatment offers a new choice for pre-cooling root vegetables.

Microbiological quality of vegan alternatives to dairy and meat products in England during 2022-3.

Plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products have become increasingly popular in the UK. Despite a public perception that they have a relatively low microbiological risk, outbreaks of illness have been linked with these foods. This study aimed to assess the microbiological safety and quality of vegan alternatives to dairy and meat products available in England. Samples were collected between September 2022 and March 2023 from retail, production, and catering premises, and tested for a range of bacterial pathogens and hygiene indicators using standard procedures. A total of 937 samples were tested, of which 92% were of a satisfactory microbiological quality, 3% were borderline, and 5% were unsatisfactory. Those interpreted as unsatisfactory were due to elevated counts of Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli (indicators of poor hygiene) rather than pathogenic microorganisms. Listeria monocytogenes was present in five samples of tofu, all from the same producer (all at counts of<100 CFU g-1), while other Listeria species were detected at counts of<20 CFU g-1 in two burgers and two 'vegan chicken' products. The majority of samples did not have pH and water activity values that would significantly contribute to preventing microbial growth: 62.4% had pH>5.0 and 82.4% had Aw>0.94. The majority of vegan products examined were of a satisfactory quality, but results demonstrate that microbiological control must be maintained using appropriate processing and storage temperatures, and application of a safe length of shelf life.

Evaluación de la actividad antiinflamatoria de geles con extracto etanólico de baccharis macrantha (Chilco)

In the present research, the anti-inflammatory activity of gels with ethanolic extract of baccharis macrantha collected in the community of Llucud Alto, Chimborazo Province, Ecuador was evaluated. The maceration method was used to obtain the ethanolic extract, executing the phytochemical screening with it and determining the secondary metabolites that produced the anti-inflammatory property. Consequently, the concentrated extract was obtained through the lyophilizer, which was used for the preparation of the gels at 10%, 15%, and 18.75%, to which quality control was performed, determining physicochemical characteristics and microbiological control. The anti-inflammatory determination was evaluated by measuring the plantar edema induced with 0.5% carrageenan in 36 male mice, separated into 6 groups of 6 mice, where they were then treated with positive groups (1% diclofenac and 5.5% naproxen) and the prepared gels, making measurements every hour for 6 hours. For the statistical analysis, the ANOVA test of the Minitab program was used, in which a significant difference was identified among the 6 groups. Therefore, due to this difference, the Tukey test was used, resulting in the 18.75% gels and 5.5% naproxen having a difference with the other groups, having greater anti-inflammatory power. It is concluded that certain secondary metabolites of the leaves of baccharis macrantha are responsible for the anti-inflammatory property of the prepared gels, with the 18.75% gel having a high anti-inflammatory power. Keywords: Baccharis macrantha; Inflammation; Gel; Ethanolic extract; Anti-inflammatory; Carrageenan-induced plantar edema

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF PROCESSING BEEF, FISH AND FISH SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCTS USING THE ILU-10 ELECTRON ACCELERATOR, DEPENDING ON THE DOSIMETRIC PARAMETERS IN RELATION TO CLOSTRIDIUM SPP

This article presents the results of a study the effectiveness of radiation treatment using the ILU-10 electron accelerator in order to extend the shelf life of food products by controlling bacterial contamination (sulfite-reducing clostridium – Clostridium spp.). The ILU-10 device is designed for sterilization and disinfection of products without the use of chemicals. Clostridia spp. are an important indicator of microbiological control in the food industry. They are the cause of food spoilage, and some types of clostridium can cause massive disease of the human digestive system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this device in reducing of Clostridium spp. with different radiation doses in the range from 3 to 9 kGr. It was found that a dose of 3 kGr is sufficient to reduce bacterial contamination of beef, fish (pike), and fish cutlets. In general, the maximum antibacterial effect was achieved at three doses.

Natural Antioxidants from Acmella oleracea Extract as Dermatocosmetic Actives

Compounds from plant extracts make dermatocosmetic products more effective as they avoid the adaptation and resistance of the organism and achieve a synergistic effect of the molecular properties of interest. Acmella oleracea extract is considered to have great potential in preventing oxidative damage and improving the appearance of the skin. The purpose of this article is to support the product formulated by preliminary studies of two types of O/W emulsions with 3% and 5% concentrations of Acmella oleracea extract. Physico-chemical methods were performed to evaluate the stability, microbiological control, rheological behavior and diffusion through the membrane. Good homogeneity, structural strength and flexibility, adequate skin diffusion, and high physico-chemical and microbiological stability were confirmed. The conclusions lead to the idea that these results require further in vivo studies as well as studies of toxicity and cytotoxicity to obtain the necessary data to place this product on the market.

Pharmacopeial parametric release strategy in microbiological quality control of radiopharmaceuticals

Nuclear medicine is used to assess body functionality at various levels of biological organization and is increasingly employed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Nearly 5% of radiopharmaceuticals are used therapeutically, whereas approximately 95% are used for diagnosis. Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are generally considered safe because they are administered in subpharmacological doses, and the radiotracer components are employed in minimal doses. Consequently, the radiation exposure to the body during nuclear medicine investigations is typically low. However, when radiopharmaceuticals are used for therapeutic applications such as tumor ablation and bone pain palliation, the emitted radiation is highly localized and potent. Radiotracers and radiation doses are more carefully selected for young patients, as the radiation-induced risk of adverse health effects is greater in children than in adults. Radiopharmaceutical preparations should adhere to the established standards of pharmacopoeia worldwide to ensure safety and efficacy. Adherence to current good manufacturing practices, sterility, and good radiation practices are prerequisites for ensuring effective quality assurance and quality control systems during radiopharmaceutical preparation. The quality control test parameter for radiopharmaceuticals primarily involves physicochemical and biological tests. However, significant concerns exist regarding the biological testing of radiopharmaceuticals, necessitating their parametric release. The time-intensive traditional sterility test, bacterial endotoxin test, and rabbit pyrogen tests have been critical quality control issues due to the short half-lives of most radiopharmaceuticals, as they should be dispensed at the earliest to ensure optimal diagnostic/therapeutic benefit. Therefore, manufacturers of radiopharmaceuticals, dispensers, and nuclear medicine specialists should be cognizant of the issues posed by biological quality control as a primary obstacle to ensuring consistent quality through parametric release from a compendial test method standpoint.

Impact of UV-C irradiation on pests and fungi in stored wheat

The application of UVC radiation in stored wheat grains in Brazil is still very recent and the study of the parameters of this technology in stored products becomes important for the advancement in the scientific as well as technological areas. This is mainly due to the fact that it is a cheap technology that does not leave residues, and can be used to replace chemical pesticides. Thus, the objective of the present work is to evaluate the effect of UV-C radiation on the control of insect pests and fungi in wheat grains. For this purpose, wheat grains containing 20 adult insects of Sitophilus sp were irradiated with UVC light for 15 and 30 minutes at intervals of 15 days for 120 days of storage. At the end of the period, live and dead insects, mass loss and total fungal count were evaluated. Based on the analyses carried out, the use of UV-C Light has been reaffirmed as an effective microbiological control method. On the other hand, the study of its use as a method of biological control, under the conditions of the experiment in which the plant material used were wheat grains with moisture content below 10%, is not feasible since the exposure of wheat grains infested with Sitophilus sp. During the 15 and 30 minute periods, every 15 days there was no statistical difference when compared to the control group.

Surface Cleaning with a Microfiber Cloth and Water followed by Ultraviolet-C Light Exposure Achieves Non-Inferior Disinfection of a Pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus Strain versus Use of Germicidal Wipes.

We hypothesized that ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation (Surfacide, Waukesha, WI) following use of microfiber cloths (Sanny Shop LLC, Longmont, CO) soaked in waterwould be noninferior to surface disinfection wipes containing a quaternary ammonium compound and alcohol (PDI Healthcare, Woodcliff Lake, NJ)for the pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) sequence type 5 (ST5). This was a randomized laboratory study of disinfection approaches for S. aureusST5. A total of 270 polycarbonate slides loaded with ST5 were prepared for the standard surface disinfection group (N=18) and water-soaked microfiber cloths and UV-C treatment group (N=144), along with positive and negative microbiological controls. All 18 samples of S. aureus ST5 bacteria treated with standard chemical wipes showed complete disinfection (colony forming units (CFU) = 0). All 144 treatments with water-soaked microfiber wipes followed by UV-C exposure showed complete disinfection (CFU =0) regardless of soiling, height from the floor, or orientation to the emitters. The upper 95% exact one-sided confidence limit for any CFU >0 was 2.1%. These data affirm our hypothesis that surface wiping with a damp cloth followed by triangular UV-C irradiation delivery is noninferior to surface disinfection for S. aureusST5 using germicidal wipes, even when UV-C is compromised by height from the floor and orientation to the emitters and surface disinfection is targeted. Removing bioburden with chemical-free microfiber cloths followed by triangular UV-C delivery is a noninferior strategy to targeted surface disinfection with chemical disinfecting wipes for the pathogenicS. aureusST5 strain in the laboratory setting.

Зависимость качества винопродукции сорта Красностоп АЗОС от подкормок разными группами веществ

Abstraсt. The impact of climatic changes in external conditions on the terroirs of the planet forces the grape plant to acquire new properties and characteristics that can negatively affect the quality of the wine made from them. Many countries around the world are faced with the problem of producing grape raw materials with high sugar content and insufficient ripening of phenols. One of the effective methods of reducing the negative impact of unfavorable terroir factors is the use of various fertilizers, including foliar fertilizers. In viticulture at the present stage, there is no systematic scientific knowledge about the mechanisms of action of certain drugs on the quality parameters of grapes and wine. The objects of study are preparations of various spectrums of foliar action: complex amino acid-humic fertilizer with vitamins and microelements of the CAGS brand; Chlorella extract (amino acid complex, highly effective natural biostimulator of plant growth.); Agrumax (mineral complex); biodux – growth regulator arachidonic acid, a complex of biologically active polyunsaturated fatty acids of the fungus Mortierella alpina; must and wine from the Krasnostop AZOS variety. The work used: modern instrumental and analytical methods for studying fruit crops and grapes; methods of technochemical and microbiological control in winemaking; wine parameters were determined according to GOST methods and original certified methods of the winemaking center of the NCFSCHVW; polyphenolic and anthocyanin substances in wine were studied using the technique of V.G. Gerzhikova, Research Institute "Magarach". Agricultural technology is generally accepted, adapted to the local terroir. Work on studying the impact of foliar preparations on the quality of must and wine, analysis of wine materials from the Krasnostop AZOS variety and their organoleptic evaluation, allows us to conclude that with an increase in the concentration of the extract, phenolic substances, and the total content of biologically active substances in it, the hygienic value and general quality of the wine itself; the highest tasting score was given to wine samples from the variants of treating grapes with foliar preparations from the group of biologically active substances: Chlorella algae extract and Biodux. Keywords: grape quality, microfertilizers, microwinemaking, wine quality, tasting analysis Financing source: The research was carried out within the State Task of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for the FSBSI NCFSCHVW.

Fogging vs immersion techniques for sustainable pathogen inactivation on stainless steel surfaces using commercial sanitizers

Fogging or aerosolization can be considered a sustainable method for hygiene in the food environment, based on the diffusion of a fine mist into the air using liquid disinfectant, enabling the decontamination step to have three-dimensional coverage, reaching even difficult-to-access areas. This study aimed to evaluate the decontamination process and microbiological inactivation of three pathogens: Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. It compared fogging with traditional immersion methods using two commercial sanitizers: one with sodium hypochlorite (200 ppm) and the other with peracetic acid (108 ppm). Stainless steel surfaces were tested over four time points for 15 min. Fogging with the sodium hypochlorite-based disinfectant reduced S. aureus by 4.4 logs and S. Typhimurium and E. coli by at least 5 logs. The peracetic acid-based disinfectant achieved a reduction of 5.4 logs for S. aureus and at least 6 logs for S. Typhimurium and E. coli. In addition to the effect on microbial inactivation, the Fogging technique resulted in a reduction in the consumption of sanitizing solution by approximately 50% compared to the immersion process, after 15 min. The results of this study show that the decontamination step using fogging of commercial sanitizers can be of great assistance in microbiological control in factories and an alternative to be explored reducing the quantity of water in relation with traditional immersion method.

Preparation and characterization of carboxymethylated pullulan/butyric acid-modified chitosan active sustainable bi-layer coatings intended for packaging of cheese slices

Dependence of the food industry on conventional plastic and the generation of enormous amounts of food waste caused by microbiological spoilage have been imposed as inspiration for this work, to develop active sustainable packaging for sliced cheese using the bi-layer design. Pullulan was modified using a green approach to obtain a polyanionic character in the coating formulation. Chitosan, which has a cationic character in an acidic environment, has been modified using a butyric acid to obtain an amphiphilic character. The formed active bi-layer has demonstrated an improved barrier (decreased permeability for moisture vapor 72.2 and 77.7 times) and mechanical properties (increased tensile strength value up to 3.9 and 9.4 times) compared to the monolayer films. A novel approach to microbiological control of sliced cheese has been established, which implies a synergistic effect of Helichrysum italicum essential oil (EO) and corresponding hydrolate (HY) incorporated in separated layers. This design has ensured avoiding surfactants and preserving cheese's sensory properties, prolonging its shelf-life by 50 % at least. Improvements in cheese storage conditions using this packaging lie in the improved barrier, mechanical and antimicrobial properties, the order of lamination, and a good covering of the cheese surface by spraying.

Potentially pathogenic culturable bacteria in hemodialysis waters

BackgroundHemodialysis patients are at risk of acquiring healthcare-related infections due to using non-sterile water to prepare hemodialysis fluid. Therefore, microbiological control and monitoring of used water are of crucial importance.Materials and methodsIn this work, we identified bacterial populations occupying a hemodialysis water distribution system for almost a 6-month period in Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran. A total of 18 samples from three points were collected. We found high colony counts of bacteria on R2A agar. 31 bacteria with different morphological and biochemical characteristics were identified by molecular-genetic methods based on 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Endotoxin concentrations were measured, using Endosafe® Rapid LAL Single-Test Vials.ResultsA diverse bacterial community was identified, containing predominantly Gram-negative bacilli. The most frequently isolated genus was Sphingomonas. Five species including M. fortuitum, M. lentiflavum, M.szulgai, M. barrassiae, and M. gordonae was identified .Despite the presence of Gram-negative bacteria the endotoxin analysis of all samples revealed that their endotoxin values were below the detection limit.ConclusionThe members of Sphingomonas genus along with Bosea and mycobacteria could be regarded as pioneers in surface colonization and biofilm creation. These bacteria with others like Pelomonas, Bradyrhizobium, staphylococcus, and Microbacterium may represent a potential health risk to patients under hemodialysis treatment.

Evaluation of effectiveness, viability and potential of molecular techniques as a research tool of Salmonella spp. in eggs

The majority of food intoxication is caused by Salmonella spp. originating from the intake of contaminated food, particularly of poultry and eggs. It is one of the most important zoonoses for Public Health, to be difficult to control, due to its high endemicity and morbidity and cause great socioeconomic impacts. This study aimed to investigate and identify the presence of Salmonella spp. in eggs and to verify the effectiveness of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as a test for the diagnosis of Salmonella spp. For this, eggs commercialized in the city of Patos-PB were used. It was identified that the isolates have genes encoding virulence factors (spvC e invA), important indicators of pathogenicity and high risk to the consumer. Despite the high specificity, PCR showed high complexity in the identification of the colonies compared to conventional biochemical techniques, however, it was found that the use of more than one identification method contributes favorably, by increasing the probability of detection of Salmonella spp. Nevertheless, it is imperative more researchs of the identification of Salmonella spp., in order to standardize PCR techniques, with the purpose of making it more efficient and viable for microbiological control in the food industry.

Microbiological air control of food industry enterprises: Relevance, regulatory documents and research methods

Microbiological air control of food industry enterprises: Relevance, regulatory documents and research methods

Providing microbiology education to rural nurses: A case study

Objective: This case study assesses a microbiology and infection control education workshop delivered to rural nurses. The study assesses workshop value through changes in respondents’ self-assessed confidence using measures of microbiology knowledge, teaching, and best practice. Respondents also identified the aspects of the education perceived as most useful to their practice and barriers to implementing microbiology education in practice. Study design and methods: Pre- and post-workshop surveys were administered to the participants. The surveys used a 7-point ordinal scale to measure respondents’ confidence in explaining key concepts and their perception of the influence of such education opportunities on positive patient outcomes. Change in ratings was analysed using Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests; whilst the open-ended survey responses were analysed using a manifest content analysis. Results: All thirteen nurses who participated in the education workshop responded to both surveys. The results demonstrated a significant increase post-workshop in confidence measures and belief that microbiology and infection control education influence positive patient outcomes. The perceived barriers to implementation of microbiology education in practice included poor organisational culture, lack of access to training, and lack of resources. Discussion: This case study describes a method of providing microbiology education to rural nurses and highlights the benefit of this access, particularly in the mode of face-to-face learning. A suggestion for future iterations of the program is to include content that would support nurses’ implementation of theory to practice. Conclusion: A face-to-face microbiology and infection prevention workshop, which enables participants to discuss content and undertake a tour of the pathology laboratory for practical insights, enhances nurses’ self-rated confidence on this topic. Implications for research, policy, and practice: This study demonstrates the significance of microbiology education for rural nurses and describes how this can be undertaken in practice, with insight provided on the most valued aspects. It also shows the importance of supporting in-person education. Future research could address the medium to long terms effects of this education for nurses and their practice. What is already known about the topic? Access to continuing professional development is difficult for rural nurses, particularly in comparison to their urban counterparts. Nurses hold a vital role in infection prevention and infection control. Increased knowledge leads to positive patient care and positive patient outcomes. What this paper adds It demonstrates that providing microbiology education to rural nurses increases their confidence in the topical area. It provides an example program for delivering microbiology education to rural nurses. It highlights the benefits of the face-to-face aspect of education and practical component of the laboratory tour.

STUDY OF THE SAFETY OF GRAIN POST-ALCOHOLIC GRAIN

Introduction. When producing alcohol, only the starch is extracted from the grain; the remainder of the grain containing various biologically active substances (BAS): proteins and amino acids, reducing substances, uronides, flavonoids, lipids, vitamins and provitamins, with added enzymes is called post-alcohol grain grains, its volume is 12-13 times greater than the volume of alcohol and practically not used. To substantiate the prospects for the pharmaceutical use of grains, two areas of processing have been proposed: to obtain total biologically active substances (“Biobardins”) and in-dividual betaine hydrochlorides with different pharmacological properties. The assumption that the cause of grains spoilage is labile biologically active substances, the isolation of which will determine the stability of grains, requires experimental confirmation. The purpose of the work is to study the chemical and microbiological safety of grains (wheat, corn, barley, millet) before and after its processing (after obtaining Biobardins and betaines). Material and methods. The object of the study is various types of grain grounds (wheat, corn, barley, millet) produced in 2021–2022 by distilleries in the Stavropol Territory. We studied the chemical safety of industrial waste according to the integral and most informative indicator of anthropogenic environmental pollution - the indicator “chemical oxygen consumption” (COC), determined by dichromatometry. Microbiological quality control of grain grounds was carried out in accordance with the requirements of general pharmacopoeial monograph GPM.1.2.4.0002.18 “Microbiological purity” of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XIV. Results. The indicator of “chemical oxygen consumption” (COC), which characterizes the chemical safety of waste and determined by dichromatome-try, decreased by 4.1 times (by 75.6%) when obtaining Biobardinov from stillage (from 54503 to 13205 mg O/l), and when obtaining betaines - 3.5 times (by 71.4%) (from 54503 to 15490 mg O/l). In both options, the recycled grains corresponds to non-hazardous industrial waste. According to the results of specific qualitative reactions, the processed grains contains no biologically active substances characteristic of the original grains: proteins and amino acids, reducing sugars, uronides. Microbiological control of the processed grains also confirmed its microbiological safety in terms of the content of aerobic bacteria, enterobacteria, fungi and the absence of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella. Conclusion. Thus, the use of various types of post-alcohol grain grains as pharmaceutical raw materials for the production of total and individual medicines made it possible to solve 2 problems: to use grains as a medicinal raw material and to reduce the technogenic impact of grains on the en-vironment.