Low-density polyethylene films incorporated with silver nanoparticles to promote antimicrobial efficiency in food packaging

Abstract

Technological innovations in packaging are intended to prevent microbiological contaminations for ensuring food safety and preservation. In this context, researchers have investigated the antimicrobial effect of low-density polyethylene films incorporated with the following concentrations of silver nanoparticles: 1.50, 3.75, 7.50, 15.00, 30.00, 60.00, and 75.00 µg/ml. The films were characterized using field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. From the results of these techniques, it could be concluded that the silver nanoparticles incorporated in the low-density polyethylene films did not influence their physical, chemical, and thermal properties. The direct contact assays, shake-flask assays, and bacterial images obtained using scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the antimicrobial activity of the films. In the microbial analyses, it was verified that the nanostructured films exhibited antimicrobial properties against all the microorganisms studied, although more notably for fungi and Gram-negative bacteria than the Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, it was discovered that the packages, in which silver nanoparticles were incorporated, inhibited the growth and reproduction of bacterial cells during the early stages. These results suggest that the extruded low-density polyethylene films incorporated with silver nanoparticles may be an essential tool for improving food quality and safety.

Low-density polyethylene based nanocomposite packaging films for the preservation of sugarcane juice

“…They highlighted that the PE based nanocomposite-packaging material eliminate the ethylene and control the carbon dioxide and oxygen level, which extended the shelf life of mushroom up to 14 days. Low-density polyethylene films contained silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of fungi and gram negative bacteria (Costa Brito et al 2019). Nanocomposite based packaging is the best way to preserve the liquid foods (Manikantan et al 2017) and has the commercial potential (Donglu et al 2016).…”

A review of silver nanoparticles in food packaging technologies: Regulation, methods, properties, migration, and future challenges

“…Mechanical properties and water vapor transmission rate of CS-gelatin films can be improved due to addition of AgNPs, while optical and oxygen permeability properties remained unchanged. These films had the ability to inhibit growth of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and B. cereus [58] Nanocomposite films based on CS-PVA and AgNPs CS-AgNPs have no cytotoxicity effect, which suggests the possibility of CS-AgNPs use in food packaging applications [59] AgNPs-silk/PVA film The prepared AgNPs-silk/PVA film showed excellent mechanical performance and stability, as well as good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria [60] PLA/ZnO:Cu/Ag bionanocomposite films PLA/ZnO:Cu/Ag bionanocomposites were promising materials for food packaging application [61] PVC films with AgNPs The composites with AgNPs exhibited better antimicrobial and antifungal activities compared to without AgNPs [62] LDPE/AgNPs films The proposed films were effective to inhibit E. coli [63] PVC-based films with AgNPs An improvement in the mechanical strength, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the films was observed [64] PE films incorporated with AgNPs The improved films exhibited antimicrobial properties against all tested microorganisms [65] CS/AgNPs/purple corn extract (PCE) films CS/AgNPs/purple corn extract (PCE) films showed antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [66] PHBV films with AgNPs The addition of AgNPs can lead to a significant reduction in the water vapor and oxygen permeability of the films the neat matrix. Moreover, the developed nanocomposites films showed a strong and prolonged antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria [67] AgNPs/PVA/BNC film prepared via the ultraviolet (UV) method showed higher antimicrobial activity than the reduction method.…”

Antimicrobial Properties of Food Nanopackaging: A New Focus on Foodborne Pathogens

“…Ascorbic acid content of fresh-cut carrots was also maintained ( Becaro et al, 2016 ). A recent study reported that LDPE/AgNP films had a greater effect on gram-negative bacteria and fungi than gram-positive bacteria ( Brito et al, 2020 ). Additional, antimicrobial properties of nanocomposites of carrageenan/AgNPs/Laponite was demonstrated against the both gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive S. aureus ( Vishnuvarthanan and Rajeswari, 2019 ).…”