The project is based on the mass spectrometry technique and aims to develop a new methodology for detecting contaminating bacteria in the production of ethanol from sugarcane. To this end, the researchers are using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF), a device widely used in the health sector for microbiological diagnoses.
The new methodology could significantly reduce the time needed to identify contaminants compared to current methods, allowing plants to respond more quickly and accurately to combat contamination while optimizing the use of antimicrobials and inputs.
