BACKGROUND: The non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serotypes are a primary cause of foodborne illnesses worldwide. As well as causing infections, these bacteria are very often asymptomatically carried in the intestinal microbiota of livestock, which is a major concern in pigs and chickens. The main preventive measures currently are hygiene practices such as handwashing, safe food preparation, quarantine, as well as antibiotics treatment.

This platform at a Swiss university provides measurements, data analysis and scientific expertise in the field of surface chemistry and materials physics. Techniques directly probe microscopic properties such as surface termination, and elemental and molecular composition, as well as bulk chemistry and bonding. These properties underpin surface functionalities such as adhesion, catalysis and bio-compatibility as well as bulk properties such as electrical conductivity and hardness.

Biofilm, corrosion, and calcium carbonate scale depositions induce significant damage in industrial, domestic and agricultural equipment using water. This causes reductions in hydrodynamic performance through pipe blocking and membrane clogging, alteration of surface structure, a decrease in heat transfer efficiency, and higher energy consumption.

Population growth, climate change and limitations of natural resources mean that agriculture must become more productive, efficient and environmentally sound. According to the United Nations (UN), the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, placing further strain on food production. Global agriculture is tasked with meeting this demand, with cereals as its cornerstone. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) believes food demand will require raising cereal production by 70% globally. As part of improving agricultural yields, irrigation plays a crucial role.