Described herein are methods of preparing cutin-derived monomers, oligomers, or combinations thereof from cutin-containing plant matter. The methods can include heating the cutin-derived plant matter in a solvent at elevated temperature and pressure. In some preferred embodiments, the methods can be carried out without the use of additional acidic or basic species.

Alkaline in-use solutions that may be used to disinfect and/or sanitize hard surfaces and which may act as anti-biofilm agents, comprise a disinfectant/sanitizer cleaner solution and an activator solution that are mixed together to form the alkaline in-use solutions. Disinfectant/sanitizer cleaner solution may comprise quaternary ammonium compound and hydrogen peroxide. Activator solution may comprise alkaline buffering agent, chelating agent and soluble silicon dioxide.

Alkaline in-use solutions that may be used to disinfect and/or sanitize hard surfaces and which may act as anti-biofilm agents, comprise a disinfectant/sanitizer cleaner solution and an activator solution that are mixed together to form the alkaline in-use solutions. Disinfectant/sanitizer cleaner solution may comprise quaternary ammonium compound and hydrogen peroxide. Activator solution may comprise alkaline buffering agent, chelating agent and soluble silicon dioxide.

Described herein are methods of preparing cutin-derived monomers, oligomers, or combinations thereof from cutin-containing plant matter. The methods can include heating the cutin-derived plant matter in a solvent at elevated temperature and pressure. In some preferred embodiments, the methods can be carried out without the use of additional acidic or basic species.

A system and methodology for rehydrating perishable items (e.g., flowers, fresh food items, such as fruits, vegetables, other produce, and nuts) during storage and transportation thereof. The osmotic rehydration apparatus includes a pressurized chamber, a humidifier, an ozone generator, an electrostatic sprayer, a reservoir containing saline, and an air compressor. The perishable items are placed in the osmotic chamber under positive pressure. A film of saline solution is applied to the surface of the perishable items via an electrostatic sprayer. The saline/chlorine film on the perishable items is dried, and the osmotic chamber is saturated with ozone gas via an ozone generator. The osmotic chamber is then saturated with tiny pure water droplets via a humidifier or an electrostatic sprayer. The pressure within the chamber is raised to a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The osmotic chamber is then placed inside a cooler at a temperature slightly above freezing.

Alkaline in-use solutions that may be used to disinfect and/or sanitize hard surfaces and which may act as anti-biofilm agents, comprise a disinfectant/sanitizer cleaner solution and an activator solution that are mixed together to form the alkaline in-use solutions. Disinfectant/sanitizer cleaner solution may comprise quaternary ammonium compound and hydrogen peroxide. Activator solution may comprise alkaline buffering agent, chelating agent and soluble silicon dioxide.

Alkaline in-use solutions that may be used to disinfect and/or sanitize hard surfaces and which may act as anti-biofilm agents, comprise a disinfectant/sanitizer cleaner solution and an activator solution that are mixed together to form the alkaline in-use solutions. Disinfectant/sanitizer cleaner solution may comprise quaternary ammonium compound and hydrogen peroxide. Activator solution may comprise alkaline buffering agent, chelating agent and soluble silicon dioxide.

A method of washing a food product with a short-term, intense treatment solution. One example method generally includes: applying, using a short-term wash device, a short-term wash treatment solution to the food product; and applying, using a wash device coupled to the short-term wash device, a wash treatment to the food product such that the wash treatment rinses the short-term wash treatment solution from the food product, wherein: the short-term wash treatment solution is applied to the food product for a shorter duration than the wash treatment is applied to the food product; the short-term wash treatment solution is chemically different from the wash treatment; and the short-term wash treatment solution comprises an acidulant and a polyol.

A method of washing a food product with a short-term, intense treatment solution. One example method generally includes: applying, using a short-term wash device, a short-term wash treatment solution to the food product; and applying, using a wash device coupled to the short-term wash device, a wash treatment to the food product such that the wash treatment rinses the short-term wash treatment solution from the food product, wherein: the short-term wash treatment solution is applied to the food product for a shorter duration than the wash treatment is applied to the food product; the short-term wash treatment solution is chemically different from the wash treatment; and the short-term wash treatment solution comprises an acidulant and a polyol.

A dip tank and recycling system for applying antimicrobial solution to food items, including a dip tank having a bottom and sides, and holding a liquid antimicrobial solution. A conveyor to convey food items through the tank passes through the liquid antimicrobial solution held in the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are dipped in the liquid antimicrobial solution. At least two discharge nozzles spray fresh antimicrobial solution into the tank. The discharge nozzles are located in the sides of the tank, and are positioned above the level of the conveyor but below an expected top level of the liquid antimicrobial solution contained within the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are agitated by the force of the spray from the discharge nozzles. The spray from the discharge nozzles causes unstacking of items on the conveyor, producing an even application of the antimicrobial solution.