Innovative HDPE Composites Enriched with UV Stabilizer and Diatomaceous Earth/Zinc Oxide for Enhanced Seafood Packaging and Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

The fisheries industry encounters distinct packaging challenges, including the need to protect perishable seafood from rapid spoilage caused by UV radiation while allowing for reuse. This study tackles these issues by introducing advanced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites enhanced with a UV stabilizer and inorganic fillers, such as diatomaceous earth/zinc oxide (DZ). Our investigation explores the transformative effects of weathering on these pioneering composites, evaluating shifts in mechanical, physical, thermal properties, and sub-zero temperature stability. Incorporating a UV stabilizer alongside DZ within the HDPE matrix significantly enhances mechanical performance and weathering resilience. These enhancements extend the longevity of seafood packaging while preserving product quality. Moreover, our findings reveal a substantial breakthrough in antimicrobial properties. The inclusion of DZ, with or without a UV stabilizer, results in an impressive up to 99% enhancement in antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This discovery not only bolsters the protective attributes of HDPE packaging but also presents a compelling case for the development of active packaging materials derived from DE/ZnO composites. This study bridges the gap between packaging and seafood quality, introducing advanced polymeric packaging technology for seafood products. It highlights the mutually beneficial link between packaging improvements and ensuring seafood quality, meeting industry needs while promoting sustainability.

Antimicrobial Packaging for Plum Tomatoes Based on ZnO Modified Low-Density Polyethylene

“…Therefore, the thermal stability is enhanced by ~100 • C, up to 400 • C, when compared with the control film. Similar findings were reported in the literature [13,33,72], but with a lower stabilization effect from the ZnO NPs. The presence of ZnO NPs in the final composite is improving the long-term stability of the material (ageing) as it can generate ROS that can act as scavengers for LDPE fragments, blocking further the propagation of radical reactions and, therefore, slowing degradation.…”

“…The weight loss increases with storage time, but there are important differences among samples; the composite film with the highest ZnO content preserves the tomatoes better. Similar reports on strawberries [34], lettuce [48], meat [26], or seafood [13] were found in the literature.…”

“… Similar reports on strawberries [ 34 ], lettuce [ 48 ], meat [ 26 ], or seafood [ 13 ] were found in the literature. …”

“…As low-density polyethylene (LDPE) does not have antimicrobial activity, introducing antimicrobial agents in the polymer film is the only strategy that can generate polyethylene-based antimicrobial packaging. Various strategies were reported in the literature employing organic [ 12 ], inorganic [ 13 ], or mixed agents [ 14 ]. Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) represent a special class of antimicrobials that can be used in packaging films; here are worth mentioning ZnO, Ag, CuO, TiO 2, or SiO 2 [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”