Bioactive efficacy of low‐density polyethylene films with natural additives

Abstract

Active packaging can be defined as packaging that includes additives that help to extend the shelf life of food; among the advantages of its use is the possibility to reduce the amount of additives added to the food during processing. The aim of this study was to develop, characterize, and apply active films of low‐density polyethylene, incorporating carotenoid and yerba mate extracts as active additives. Active films were obtained by extrusion and were characterized for water vapor permeability, thickness, color, and mechanical and thermal properties. The effectiveness of the films was evaluated using butter packed in the formulated films. There was a significant reduction in thickness, and mechanical, thermal, and water vapor barrier parameters of the films compared to the control. The concentration of additives directly influenced coloration and antioxidant and antimicrobial action of the films. The formulated films provided protection against oxidative action and inhibition of microbial growth. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46461.

Microbial Colorants Production in Stirred-Tank Bioreactor and Their Incorporation in an Alternative Food Packaging Biomaterial

“…Biodegradable films were produced by a formulation of cassava starch, plasticizers, and the fermented broth containing the T. amestolkiae colorants produced in stirred-tank bioreactor. The incorporation of natural additives from plants for active packaging has been increasingly applied, such as: coffee-cocoa [ 42 , 43 ], carotenoid and yerba mate extract [ 44 ], green tea and palm oil extract [ 45 ], among others. However, natural additives produced by biotechnology is an innovative approach.…”

“…However, additional studies on the concentration of colorants in the formulation should be performed in order to avoid a possible pro-oxidant effect. Since a high content of antioxidant additives can act as a pro-oxidant agent [ 44 , 45 ].…”

Embalagens ativas: uma tecnologia promissora na conservação de alimentos

“…Segundo Moura et al (2018), o uso de aditivos naturais como alternativas aos aditivos sintéticos estão sendo estudados. A potencialidade desses compostos atuando como antioxidantes, antimicrobianos, analgésicos, antitumorais, inseticidas, antidiabéticos e anti-inflamatórios.…”

“…Alguns aspectos devem ser considerados na seleção do agente antimicrobiano a ser incorporado na embalagem, tais como o mecanismo de inibição do agente; suas características físico-químicas; suas cinéticas de migração e difusão no alimento; tipo e população de microrganismos contaminantes; fisiologia do microrganismo-alvo; processo de fabricação do material de embalagem; processabilidade do material de embalagem; e aspectos relacionados à legislação pertinente (OLIVEIRA; OLIVEIRA, 2004;VERMEIREN;DEVLIEGHERE;DEBEVERE, 2002apud BRAGA, 2010REALINI;MARCOS, 2014;FANG et al, 2017). Moura et al (2018) desenvolveram filmes de polietileno de baixa densidade (PEBD) incorporando extratos de carotenoides comerciais naturais e erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) na embalagem. Foram avaliadas as propriedades térmicas, mecânicas e de barreira à água, bem como a eficácia antioxidante e antimicrobiana desses filmes no armazenamento de manteiga.…”