In this study, synergetic and controlled-release low-density polyethylene (LDPE) antioxidant active films were prepared by cast extrusion. A well-ordered (4 nm) Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) was prepared to carry α-tocopherol for reducing the diffusivity (D), while improving the D of quercetin. Characterization of MCM-41 included small angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption testing. New films added α-tocopherol and α-tocopherol loaded with MCM-41 on the base of a LDPE film containing quercetin. Testing of new films covered the physical properties, release behavior, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging assays. The physical properties discussed differences among any additives, which contain mechanical and barrier properties. Release experiments showed the controlled-release of MCM-41 to α-tocopherol, while addition of α-tocopherol promoted the release of quercetin in food simulant (95% ethanol). Free radical scavenging increased obviously after adding α-tocopherol and α-tocopherol loaded with MCM-41. This study demonstrated the feasibility of synergetic and controlled-release antioxidant active packaging films.
Practical ApplicationThis work provides a method to control the release of α-tocopherol in the packaging films using molecular sieve MCM-41, and promotes the release of quercetin. The preservation of easily oxidized fatty foods is very important. In addition to the usual high-barrier composite packaging, the release-type antioxidant packaging is also a method. Food antioxidant packaging film is an important research direction in the field of intelligent packaging, and has great potential in the field of food flexible packaging. Release-type antioxidants are added to the packaging substrate, and the release rate of antioxidants is adjusted to prevent the oxidation of contents, to extend the shelf life of butter, and other commodities in the process of commodity storage and transportation.