The Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ARIES) department at Centennial College has collaborated with Pennsylvania State University, McMaster University and Suncor Energy on a review paper published in the Photochemical and Photobiological Science journal on August 2nd, 2023. Wenzi Ckurshumova, Manager Research and Innovation, is a contributing author to the paper.
Widespread pesticide use in agriculture has led to a global concern for antimicrobial and pesticide resistance, where pesticides are becoming less and less effective against pathogens. Despite financial and environmental consequences from these challenges, there is a lack of practical solutions for growers that are sustainable, low cost and environmentally friendly.
This review paper explores a new approach to combat antimicrobial resistance using a method called antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI), where a special molecule – a photodynamic agent, a fascinating molecule – when activated by light produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which attack critical molecules and kill the pathogen.
This method is a promising new approach towards the eradication of pesticide resistant strains. With all new methods, research is needed to understand all the related challenges, issues, and results of the method. The review paper highlights some of the strategies that have been explored to overcome challenges in the field.
The review is an Open Access article available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43630-023-00466-6