Enhanced antimicrobial activity of konjac glucomannan nanocomposite films for food packaging

Infection with pathogenic microorganisms is of great concern in many areas, especially in healthcare, but also in food packaging and storage, or in water purification systems. Antimicrobial polymer nanocomposites have gained great popularity in these areas. Therefore, this study focused on new approaches to develop thin antimicrobial films based on biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) with clay mineral natural vermiculite as a carrier for antimicrobial compounds, where the active organic antimicrobial component is antifungal ciclopirox olamine (CPX). For possible synergistic effects, a sample in combination with the inorganic antimicrobial active ingredient zinc oxide was also prepared. The structures of all the prepared samples were studied by X-ray diffraction, FTIR analysis and, predominantly, by SEM. The very different structure properties of the prepared nanofillers had a fundamental influence on the final structural arrangement of thin PCL nanocomposite films as well as on their mechanical, thermal, and surface properties. As sample PCL/ZnOVER_CPX possessed the best results for antimicrobial activity against examined microbial strains, the synergic effect of CPX and ZnO combination on antimicrobial activity was proved, but on the other hand, its mechanical resistance was the lowest.

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Biodegradable Hybrid Nanocomposite of Chitosan/Gelatin and Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Food Packaging

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods9091143 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 1143 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Santosh Kumar ◽

Abhinab Mudai ◽

Barnali Roy ◽

Indra Bhusan Basumatary ◽

Avik Mukherjee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Zinc Oxide ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Nanocomposite Films ◽

Hybrid Nanocomposite ◽

Hybrid Films ◽

Zno Nps ◽

Gram Positive Bacteria ◽

Average Size

In the context of emerging global concerns with synthetic plastic packaging, alternative natural biodegradable packaging materials are gaining increasing attention for food packaging applications. In this study, chitosan and gelatin nanocomposite hybrid films containing green synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed and microstructural properties were studied. Antimicrobial activity of the developed films was evaluated using both Gram negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Green synthesis protocol was used for the precipitation of ZnO NPs using fruit extract of Cassia fistula. The as-synthesized polyhedral ZnO NPs were in the range of 20–40 nm (average size ≈29 nm). Reinforcement with ZnO NPs in the hybrid films lead to improved thermal stability, elongation-at-break (EAB), and compactness properties. The developed films with 2% and 4% ZnO NPs showed a smooth, compact, and heterogeneous surface morphology compared to the control (chitosan-gelatin hybrid) films. Disc diffusion assays showed that the nanocomposite film had significant antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The developed hybrid nanocomposite films have potential to be developed as biodegradable alternative for postharvest packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Incorporation of Poly(Itaconic Acid) with Quaternized Thiazole Groups on Gelatin-Based Films for Antimicrobial-Active Food Packaging

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13020200 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 200

Author(s):

Celeste Cottet ◽

Andrés G. Salvay ◽

Mercedes A. Peltzer ◽

Marta Fernández-García

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Itaconic Acid ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Crosslinking Agent ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ◽

Esterification Reaction ◽

Alkylation Reaction ◽

Vapor Permeability ◽

Active Food Packaging

Poly(itaconic acid) (PIA) was synthesized via conventional radical polymerization. Then, functionalization of PIA was carried out by an esterification reaction with the heterocyclic groups of 1,3-thiazole and posterior quaternization by N-alkylation reaction with iodomethane. The modifications were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), as well as ζ-potential measurements. Their antimicrobial activity was tested against different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. After characterization, the resulting polymers were incorporated into gelatin with oxidized starch and glycerol as film adjuvants, and dopamine as crosslinking agent, to develop antimicrobial-active films. The addition of quaternized polymers not only improved the mechanical properties of gelatin formulations, but also decreased the solution absorption capacity during the swelling process. However, the incorporation of synthesized polymers increased the deformation at break values and the water vapor permeability of films. The antioxidant capacity of films was confirmed by radical scavenging ability and, additionally, those films exhibited antimicrobial activity. Therefore, these films can be considered as good candidates for active packaging, ensuring a constant concentration of the active compound on the surface of the food, increasing products’ shelf-life and reducing the environmental impact generated by plastics of petrochemical origin.

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Synergistic Antimicrobial Activities of Combinations of Vanillin and Essential Oils of Cinnamon Bark, Cinnamon Leaves and Cloves

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10061406 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1406

Author(s):

Rita Cava-Roda ◽

Amaury Taboada-Rodríguez ◽

Antonio López-Gómez ◽

Ginés Benito Martínez-Hernández ◽

Fulgencio Marín-Iniesta

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Antimicrobial Effect ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Inhibitory Effects ◽

Cinnamon Bark ◽

E Coli ◽

Pure Compounds ◽

Main Component

Plant bioactive compounds have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that allow them to be used as a substitute for synthetic chemical additives in both food and food packaging. To improve its sensory and bactericidal effects, its use in the form of effective combinations has emerged as an interesting possibility in the food industry. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of essential oils (EOs) of cinnamon bark, cinnamon leaves, and clove and the pure compounds vanillin, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde were investigated individually and in combination against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The possible interactions of combinations of pure compounds and EOs were performed by the two-dimensional checkerboard assay and isobologram methods. Vanillin exhibited the lowest antimicrobial activity (MIC of 3002 ppm against L. monocytogenes and 2795 ppm against E. coli O157:H7), while clove and cinnamon bark EOs exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity (402–404 against L. monocytogenes and 778–721 against E. coli O157:H7). For L. monocytogenes, pure compound eugenol, the main component of cinnamon leaves and clove, showed lower antimicrobial activity than EOs, which was attributed to the influence of the minor components of the EOs. The same was observed with cinnamaldehyde, the main component of cinnamon bark EO. The combinations of vanillin/clove EO and vanillin/cinnamon bark EO showed the most synergistic antimicrobial effect. The combination of the EOs of cinnamon bark/clove and cinnamon bark/cinnamon leaves showed additive effect against L. monocytogenes but indifferent effect against E. coli O157:H7. For L. monocytogenes, the best inhibitory effects were achieved by cinnamon bark EO (85 ppm)/vanillin (910 ppm) and clove EO (121 ppm)/vanillin (691 ppm) combinations. For E. coli, the inhibitory effects of clove EO (104 ppm)/vanillin (1006 ppm) and cinnamon leaves EO (118 ppm)/vanillin (979 ppm) combinations were noteworthy. Some of the tested combinations increased the antimicrobial effect and would allow the effective doses to be reduced, thereby offering possible new applications for food and active food packaging.

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Evaluation of New Antimicrobial Materials Incorporating Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate or Silver into Different Matrices, and Their Safety in Use as Potential Packaging

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13030355 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 355

Author(s):

Sofía Manso ◽

Magdalena Wrona ◽

Jesús Salafranca ◽

Cristina Nerín ◽

María José Alfonso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Salmonella Enterica ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Effective Solution ◽

Inductively Coupled ◽

Antimicrobial Materials ◽

Icp Ms ◽

Plasma Mass Spectrometry

A big challenge for today’s industry is antimicrobial preservation and the safety of food. An effective solution to this problem can be a modern invention such as antimicrobial packaging. In the presented research the antimicrobial activity of two new active films incorporating silver, as IONPURE IPL, and ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE) were evaluated, by employing a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix and a biofilm material, respectively. Additionally, LAE was also incorporated into polystyrene (PS) pads by two different methods: by spraying and by immersion of the PS pads into an aqueous LAE solution. LDPE films containing silver did not show any antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus, whereas the biofilm containing LAE reduced the growth of Salmonella enterica but did not inhibit Aspergillus flavus. The active PS pads, both sprayed and immersed in LAE solution, also showed antimicrobial activity, causing a reduction of 99.99% of Pseudomonas putida growth. Thermal treatment at 180 °C for 6 and 15 min did not modify the antimicrobial activity of LAE against Salmonella enterica. Moreover, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was performed to check the migration of silver from developed material intended for food packaging applications into food simulant.

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Basil Essential Oil: Composition, Antimicrobial Properties, and Microencapsulation to Produce Active Chitosan Films for Food Packaging

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10010121 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 121

Author(s):

Ghita Amor ◽

Mohammed Sabbah ◽

Lucia Caputo ◽

Mohamed Idbella ◽

Vincenzo De Feo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Shelf Life ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Edible Films ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Oil Composition ◽

Packaging System ◽

Cooked Ham

The essential oil (EO) from basil—Ocimum basilicum—was characterized, microencapsulated by vibration technology, and used to prepare a new type of packaging system designed to extend the food shelf life. The basil essential oil (BEO) chemical composition and antimicrobial activity were analyzed, as well as the morphological and biological properties of the derived BEO microcapsules (BEOMC). Analysis of BEO by gas chromatography demonstrated that the main component was linalool, whereas the study of its antimicrobial activity showed a significant inhibitory effect against all the microorganisms tested, mostly Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, the prepared BEOMC showed a spheroidal shape and retained the EO antimicrobial activity. Finally, chitosan-based edible films were produced, grafted with BEOMC, and characterized for their physicochemical and biological properties. Since their effective antimicrobial activity was demonstrated, these films were tested as packaging system by wrapping cooked ham samples during 10 days of storage, with the aim of their possible use to extend the shelf life of the product. It was demonstrated that the obtained active film can both control the bacterial growth of the cooked ham and markedly inhibit the pH increase of the packaged food.

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Novel konjac glucomannan films with oxidized chitin nanocrystals immobilized red cabbage anthocyanins for intelligent food packaging

Food Hydrocolloids ◽

10.1016/j.foodhyd.2019.105245 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 ◽

pp. 105245 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Chunhua Wu ◽

Yaoling Li ◽

Jishuai Sun ◽

Yinzhu Lu ◽

Cailing Tong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Konjac Glucomannan ◽

Red Cabbage

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Antimicrobial activity of green synthesized biodegradable alginate–silver (Alg-Ag) nanocomposite films against selected foodborne pathogens

Applied Nanoscience ◽

10.1007/s13204-021-01882-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sri Shaila Purna Kanagaraj ◽

Shyam Kumar Rajaram ◽

Maqusood Ahamed ◽

Shajahan Subedhar ◽

Karthikumar Sankar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Nanocomposite Films

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Sustainable use of biowaste for synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its incorporation into gelatin‐based nanocomposite films for antimicrobial food packaging applications

Journal of Food Process Engineering ◽

10.1111/jfpe.13641 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Elumalai Kowsalya ◽

Kithiyon MosaChristas ◽

Pannerselvam Balashanmugam ◽

Veerasamy Manivasagan ◽

Thiyagarajan Devasena ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Silver Nanoparticles ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Nanocomposite Films

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The Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Chitosan-Based Materials Modified with Phenolic Acids Irradiated by UVC Light

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22126472 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (12) ◽

pp. 6472

Author(s):

Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska ◽

Marcin Wekwejt ◽

Olha Mazur ◽

Lidia Zasada ◽

Anna Pałubicka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thin Films ◽

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Ferulic Acid ◽

Phenolic Acid ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Force Microscopy ◽

Atomic Force ◽

Before And After

This paper concerns the physicochemical properties of chitosan/phenolic acid thin films irradiated by ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 200 and 290 nm (UVC) light. We investigated the preparation and characterization of thin films based on chitosan (CTS) with tannic (TA), caffeic (CA) and ferulic acid (FA) addition as potential food-packaging materials. Such materials were then exposed to the UVC light (254 nm) for 1 and 2 h to perform the sterilization process. Different properties of thin films before and after irradiation were determined by various methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), mechanical properties and by the surface free energy determination. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the films and their potential to reduce the risk of contamination was assessed. The results showed that the phenolic acid improving properties of chitosan-based films, short UVC radiation may be used as sterilization method for those films, and also that the addition of ferulic acid obtains effective antimicrobial activity, which have great benefit for food packing applications.

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