Inhibition and suppression of bacterial growth by Sphagnum moss biopolymers

Remarkably, a pectin-like polysaccharide found in the leaves of Sphagnum moss displays direct anti-microbial properties with the ability to preserve a whole Zebra fish for a number of weeks at room temperature in the presence of oxygen. Using whole leaves of moss, we have even preserved a chicken breast fillet, and a whole trout for over 6 months. Sterile Sphagnum moss bandages also show excellent wound healing properties and their use dates back to the Bronze Age. Recent unpublished results also show that Sphagnum moss polysaccharides can directly inhibit/suppress bacterial growth in pure culture. Full e valuation of the anti-bacterial properties of sphagnan/holocellulose is necessary. Our initial experiments, however, are promising and provide the basis for this application. For us to bring the biopolymers of Sphagnum moss closer to a commercial product we need to establish a new project focusing on the ability of different Sphagnum biopolymer preparations to prevent growth of microbes and possible inhibition of toxin activity