Innovation for a Safer World
AEMTEK’s research staff is composed of highly qualified Ph.D. scientists and industrial experts with extensive experience. AEMTEK leverages technical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to solve complex problems related to microbial detection, and to perform research in applied and environmental microbiology and mycology.
At AEMTEK, we design research projects to meet a wide variety of needs, including:
- New product accelerated shelf life testing
- Microbial challenge studies
- Preservative system selection & efficacy studies
- Optimal processing and multiple contamination barrier selection
Below are some of our research projects and interests.
Shelf-Life Studies
At AEMTEK, we aid in the development process of new and innovative foods and beverages through the careful study of product performance and stability. We work closely with small to large scale businesses to design and perform shelf life testing customized for your unique needs.
Challenge & Validation Studies
Microbial challenge studies evaluate the ability of a food product to inactivate or inhibit the growth of specific microorganisms. Challenge studies monitor the microbial growth of an inoculated product, over time, when held under its intended storage conditions. This data demonstrates if the product is able to withstand contamination by potentially hazardous organisms.
Relatedly, validation studies evaluate the ability of a process to inhibit or reduce the microbial load of a specific microorganism in a product. Validation studies monitor the reduction in microbial load of an inoculated product after undergoing such processing.
AEMTEK offers customized challenge and validation studies designed to meet the goals of each specific project. Our experienced Ph.D. microbiologists and mycologists will help guide you through the process in order to design a scientifically valid study for the product of interest. Examples of our expertise in inoculation challenge and validation studies include the following microorganisms:
- Salmonella
- Listeria monocytogenes
- E. coli O157:H7
- Bacillus cereus
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Spoilage microorganisms, including Yeast & Mold and Lactic Acid Bacteria
Product Spoilage Investigations
The Problem
Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of finding bulging packages or spoiled food before the end of its expiration date? Were you left puzzled by the cause of the rapid spoilage? Did you need an immediate and practical action plan to correct the issue?
Believe it or not, premature food spoilage is a common problem that continues to trouble food manufacturers today. Some of the major factors include sanitation practice, ingredient quality, processing variability, and environmental monitoring. Examining these key components can help processors narrow down the cause of the spoilage and develop practical solutions.
At AEMTEK, we offer expert services in spoilage investigations and environmental monitoring strategy to help food and beverage industries take immediate corrective actions.
The Solution
Our seasoned team of microbiologists and mycologists at AEMTEK can support you through your toughest product spoilage challenges. We provide investigative solutions including:
- Microbiological testing and identification of the spoilage containment
- Environmental monitoring plan design and verification
- On-site facility assessments and sampling
- Air and environmental sampling for fungal spores and bacteria
- Technical consultation and corrective action plan development
Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing / Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET)
Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing
Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing is also known as Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET). This testing evaluates how effective an antimicrobial agent, or preservative, is at inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in a product.
The effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent is determined by measuring the microbial load of a product after it has been inoculated in the laboratory.
Our experienced scientific team can adhere to standard procedures or develop specific methods according to your needs. AEMTEK’s standard PET testing includes 3-4 test points over a period of 28 days. Our laboratory follows the USP <51> method with inoculation of all 5 microorganisms including:
- Candida albicans
- Aspergillus brasiliensis
- Escherichia coli
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcus aureus
We perform testing following the procedures outlined by the U.S. Pharmacopeia, ASTM, NCCLS, AOAC, etc. Testing is conducted in adherence to rigid quality control requirements to provide you with reliable and reproducible data for optimizing your services and/or formulating your products.
Our laboratory is staffed with experienced Ph.D. microbiologists and mycologists and equipped with advanced instrumentation to ensure the generation of scientifically accurate data. AEMTEK follows a strict quality assurance program and participates in accreditation programs.
Ask for a Quote for Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing!
Product Development Testing
AEMTEK uses state-of-the-art equipment to test products under development. This testing allows the manufacturer to see how the product will perform under varying conditions. These conditions include different temperatures, substrates, the potential for microbial degradation, and more.
AEMTEK has experience testing numerous types of products in their development stage, including:
- Industrial and household cleaning products
- Antimicrobial treatment products
- Health care products
- Biodegradable and compostable products
- Industrial filtration products and devices
Molecular Detection
AEMTEK’s scientists are experienced in molecular research techniques for the detection and enumeration of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including:
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis
- Quantitative PCR
- DNA fingerprinting
- DNA sequencing
- ELISA
Reach out and tell us about your project to receive a quote for testing!
Sampling Device Evaluation
AEMTEK performs the evaluation of microbial sampling devices to determine the validity of the device under diverse conditions. The microbial analysis is performed by our qualified mycologists or microbiologists in accordance with product specifications or client requirements. Testing procedures follow ASTM standard methods, or highly accurate custom methods developed by AEMTEK scientists, as required. Equipment that may be used to evaluate sampling devices includes a compressor, nebulizer, aerosol chamber, walk-in environmental chamber, and sampler.
