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TNO is an independent research organisation with a wide diversity of expertise and research facilities. Innovation with purpose is what TNO stands for. We develop knowledge not for its own sake but for practical application: to create new products that make life more pleasant and valuable and help companies innovate; to find creative answers to the questions posed by society.
The food industry faces various challenges affecting food safety and quality. Changing consumer demands, raw materials with fluctuating quality, new emerging food pathogens, and the changing scale of production, can all influence the microbiological status of the (end-) product.
These challenges require adequate tools. TNO offers the industry and community tailor-made solutions to address and prevent these complex microbiological issues.
We apply the tools and theory of genomics and molecular biology to generate insights into the physiology and ecology of microbes and microbial communities in the food production chain, and develop more efficient and safe food production and preservation technologies.
The application of state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technology allows us to rapidly determine community composition of various ‘food associated microbial ecosystems’ and characterise complete genomes of microbial isolates. For example, we have sequenced the genomes of several food-born pathogens and were able to make quantitative risk assessments based on genomic features that are involved in virulence, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance.
TNO performs culture-independent analysis of the dynamics of microbial populations. This includes:
TNO’s capabilities in the characterisation and identification of microorganisms include: the rapid identification of microbial outbreaks of illness allowing support of subsequent measures (detection, tracing, intervention); source tracking and tracing; prediction of microbial behavior in processing; and strain selection for microbial productions and/or probiotics.
TNO employs rapid sensitive detection systems for specific pathogens and spoilage organisms. These new technologies are designed to improve QC-lab and service performance and reduce detection time. They are quickly replacing conventional culture-dependent microbiological analysis with improved culture independent methodology. They provide quantitative screening of shelf-life effects resulting from changes in product formulation.
Prognostic viability detection systems are new technologies for cleaning and disinfection. They improve hygiene testing and hygiene prediction and enable knowledge-based reduction of cleaning, allowing prolonged production runs.
TNO uses molecular sensors based on microorganisms for monitoring the functionality of physical, chemical and biological interventions. These are used for:
Consumers increasingly expect products with a long shelf life, good quality and 'natural ingredients'. Food producing companies aim at delivering these high-quality products, but fulfilling these requirements is no easy task.