Organic flaxseed oil could be a new line of defence against the superbug golden staph (Staphylococcus aureus) according to Australia’s top government science agency, the CSIRO.
The agency collaborated with start-up company Kayban to develop anti-microbial healthcare products using the oil.
“The challenge was to come up with a cost-effective manufacturing technology that consistently produced excellent quality, highly enriched alpha-linolenic acid,” CSIRO organic chemist, Dr Peter Duggan said.
“What we’ve achieved is a smarter, more efficient process that’s been pivotal in Kayban’s journey to commercialising a unique saleable product.”
Testing shows the products are fast-acting and effective at killing golden staph, the cause of many hospital-acquired infection cases.
Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid with known anti-microbial properties. Kayban Director, Frank Palermo, said the products will be marketed under the brand Bio3 Guardian.
“Our products contain a unique antimicrobial formula that uses natural flaxseed oil properties, instead of ethanol, to kill bad bacteria while leaving essential good bacteria intact,” Palermo said.
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
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