Use of biodegradable films for fresh cut beef steaks packaging

A comparative study on the use of biodegradable films for fresh cut meat packaging is presented. Beef steaks were packaged using three different films: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is actually used to package this food product, a biodegradable polymeric film composed of starch and polyester and a biodegradable film composed of a mixture of three biodegradable polyesters. The packaged beef steaks were stored at 4 and 15 °C to simulate actual storage conditions and thermal abuse, respectively. Colour, total viable counts as well as spoilage microorganism counts were monitored over a period of 6 days. No substantial differences were observed among the beef steaks packaged using the three investigated films, suggesting that biodegradable films, such as those used in this investigation, could be advantageously used to replace PVC films in packaging of fresh processed meat, reducing in this way the environmental impact of polymeric films.     

Physical performance of biodegradable films intended for antimicrobial food packaging

Antimicrobial films were prepared by including enterocins to alginate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and zein films. The physical performance of the films was assessed by measuring color, microstructure (SEM), water vapor permeability (WVP), and tensile properties. All studied biopolymers showed poor WVP and limited tensile properties. PVOH showed the best performance exhibiting the lowest WVP values, higher tensile properties, and flexibility among studied biopolymers. SEM of antimicrobial films showed increased presence of voids and pores as a consequence of enterocin addition. However, changes in microstructure did not disturb WVP of films. Moreover, enterocin-containing films showed slight improvement compared to control films. Addition of enterocins to PVOH films had a plasticizing effect, by reducing its tensile strength and increasing the strain at break. The presence of enterocins had an important effect on tensile properties of zein films by significantly reducing its brittleness. Addition of enterocins, thus, proved not to disturb the physical performance of studied biopolymers. Development of new antimicrobial biodegradable packaging materials may contribute to improving food safety while reducing environmental impact derived from packaging waste. Practical Application: Development of new antimicrobial biodegradable packaging materials may contribute to improving food safety while reducing environmental impact derived from packaging waste.     

Water vapor and oxygen-barrier performance of corn–zein coated polypropylene films

A novel corn–zein coating structure on polypropylene (PP) films was developed to examine its feasibility as an alternative water vapor and oxygen-barrier for flexible packaging industry. The barrier properties of the resulting films were evaluated as affected by coating formulation (solvent, corn–zein, plasticizer concentration and plasticizer type). Corn–zein with different amounts (5% and 15%) was dissolved in 70% and 95% aqueous ethanol solution at 50 °C, respectively. Solutions of corn–zein plasticized by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and glycerol (GLY) with various levels (20% and 50%) were applied on corona-discharged-treated PP by using solvent-casting method. The significant improvements in water vapor and oxygen-barrier properties of uncoated PP films were obtained with corn–zein coating. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of the coated films decreased significantly with increasing corn–zein concentration. The application of plasticized corn–zein coating on PP films showed nearly more than three order of reduction in oxygen permeability (OP). The high water vapor and oxygen-barriers were obtained for films coated with coating formulation consisting of higher amounts of corn–zein plasticized by GLY. The statistical analysis defined the key parameters of coating formulation that had major effect on the final properties of coated PP films as corn–zein, plasticizer concentration, and plasticizer type.     

Use of antimicrobial biodegradable packaging to control Listeria monocytogenes during storage of cooked ham

The antimicrobial effect against L. monocytogenes of biodegradable films (alginate, zein and polyvinyl alcohol) containing enterocins was investigated. Survival of the pathogen was studied by means of challenge tests performed at 6 degrees C during 8 and 29 days, for air-packed and vacuum-packed sliced cooked ham, respectively. Air packaging was tested with two concentrations of enterocins (200 and 2000 AU/cm2). Control air-packed cooked ham showed an increase of L. monocytogenes from 10(4) to 10(7) CFU/g after 8 days. By contrast, packaging with antimicrobial films effectively slowed down the pathogen's growth, leading to final counts lower than in control lots. Air-packaging with alginate films containing 2000 AU/cm2 of enterocins effectively controlled L. monocytogenes for 8 days. An increase of only 1 log unit was observed in zein and polyvinyl alcohol lots at the same enterocin concentration. Vacuum packaging with films containing enterocins (2000 AU/cm2) also delayed the growth of the pathogen. No increase from inoculated levels was observed during 15 days in antimicrobial alginate films. After 29 days of storage, the lowest counts were obtained in samples packed with zein and alginate films containing enterocins, as well as with zein control films. The most effective treatment for controlling L. monocytogenes during 6 degrees C storage was vacuum-packaging of sliced cooked ham with alginate films containing 2000 AU/cm2 of enterocins. From the results obtained it can concluded that antimicrobial packaging can improve the safety of sliced cooked ham by delaying and reducing the growth of L. monocytogenes.     

Shelf life extension of durum semolina‐based fresh pasta

In this work, the combined effects of chitosan, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and packaging barrier properties on shelf life of fresh pasta is presented. In particular, all pasta samples were packaged under active and passive MAP in two different polymeric films with high and low barrier properties. In order to assess the influence of the variables described beforehand on the shelf life of pasta, the sensorial and microbiological quality has been monitored during storage. Results confirmed the antimicrobial properties of chitosan. Moreover, the findings recorded in this study suggest that the shelf life of fresh pasta is limited by the sensorial characteristics. Statistically significant differences between the shelf life of pasta packaged in low barrier and high barrier films were found. The best result was obtained for samples packaged in high barrier film, due to the ability of the packaging to maintain the gas headspace conditions during the storage.     

Applications of natural polysaccharide-based pH-sensitive films in food packaging: Current research and future trends

With the increased awareness of food safety and growing environmental concern of plastic packaging disposal, the research and development of novel food packaging is extremely urgent and attracts much attention. Natural polysaccharides are ideal candidate materials to develop “green” food packaging due to their biodegradable properties and good film-forming properties. Especially, the natural polysaccharides-based intelligent films can provide consumers the real-time information about the quality and safety of the packaged food through the pH-sensitive indicators. Consequently, this paper summarized the current researches on the development of natural polysaccharides-based pH-sensitive films. Then, the applications of natural polysaccharides-based pH-sensitive films in food packaging, including the packaging for meat products, fruits and vegetables, etc., are emphasized. Finally, an overview of the trends/challenges of pH-sensitive films in food packaging is discussed. Taken together, the natural polysaccharide-based pH-sensitive food packaging films show more advantages as compared with the common food package films, which can not only protect the packaged food, but also monitor the quality of packaged food in real time. Nevertheless, the further studies should continue to focus on the commercially sustainable key points including consumer acceptance and trust, cost, regulatory considerations and multifunctional performance of the pH-sensitive food packaging films.     

Packaging Influenced Total Chlorophyll, Soluble Protein, Fatty Acid Composition and Lipoxygenase Activity in Broccoli Florets

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) degradation by lipoxygenase (LOX) may contribute to postharvest deterioration of vegetables and fruits. In broccoli, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), automatic misting (AM) and vent packaging (VP) may reduce postharvest deterioration. MAP storage resulted in increased chlorophyll and C-18 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in broccoli florets by 96 hr. Reduced chlorophyll, PUFA and soluble protein were observed in nonpackaged (NP) samples. Chlorophyll remained near initial levels in vent packaged (VP) products. AM resulted in increased relative PUFA and reduced losses of soluble protein. VP reduced PUFA and soluble protein. Optimal pH of broccoli floret LOX was 5.5-6.0. Water-soluble LOX activity in MAP and NP samples followed a trend similar to PUFA changes in both samples. No differences were found among treatments when enzyme activity was expressed on soluble protein basis.     

Ready-to-eat sweet cherries: Study on different packaging systems

In this study the influence of different packaging systems on quality loss of ready-to-use cherries was assessed. In particular, the fruits were packaged in oriented polypropylene-based bag and in a bio-based polymeric matrix under ordinary and modified atmosphere conditions (MAP). Cherries quality during storage was determined by monitoring headspace gas concentration, weight loss, titrable acidity, total soluble solids, maturity index, antocyanins level, pH, viable cell load of various microbial groups and sensory quality. Results suggest that under ordinary atmosphere conditions, OPP shows the best performances. Otherwise, under MAP, both investigated films exert similar effects on the portioned fruit.

Industrial relevance

Due to changes in consumer attitudes, ready-to-use fruit market has grown rapidly in recent years. At the same time there is a real need to prevent the environmental pollution provoked by packaging material. Therefore, the combination of a biodegradable film to modified atmosphere packaging could gain widespread acceptance by the industry. This paper, in fact, suggests effective packaging solution to delay the quality decay kinetic of ready-to-use cherries.     

Corn Zein Packaging Materials for Cooked Turkey

Mechanical and barrier properties of corn zein films with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), bacterial enzyme, and emulsifier additives were investigated and compared to those of polyvinylidine chloride (PVDC) films. No significant differences (P < 0.05) occurred in elongation, tensile strength, or Young's modulus among corn zein films. PVDC had the lowest apparent water vapor permeability (WVP_app), and no significant differences in WVP_app were found between zein films and PVDC. Cooked turkey breast was packaged, evaluated by a trained sensory panel, and analyzed for hexanal content. Turkey breast wrapped in corn zein film with antioxidant and emulsifier had lower hexanal content than samples packaged in PVDC.     

Development of Antioxidant Packaging Material by Applying Corn‐Zein to LLDPE Film in Combination with Phenolic Compounds

Abstract: Functional active packaging materials were successfully developed by incorporating antioxidant agents into corn‐zein‐laminated linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) film. The minimum effective concentrations of the active compounds (for example, thymol, carvacrol, eugenol) were determined and these compounds were then laminated into LLDPE films to develop corn‐zein‐laminated films with antioxidant agents. The release rate of antioxidant agents in gas and liquid media were determined along with the mechanical and water barrier properties of the films containing these compounds. Tensile strength and percentage elongation at break were reduced in the corn‐zein‐laminated LLDPE films when compared to typical LLDPE film. Furthermore, the ability of the corn‐zein‐laminated films to repel moisture decreased by approximately 12.2%, but was improved by incorporating hydrophobic antioxidant compounds in the corn‐zein layer. Examination of release kinetics in the gas and liquid phases verified that antioxidants were effectively released from the films and inhibited oxidation during testing. Finally, the films were used for fresh ground beef packaging, and effectively inhibited lipid oxidation and had a positive effect on the color stability of beef patties during storage. These results indicate that the developed antioxidant films are a novel active packaging material that can be effectively implemented by the food industry to improve the quality and safety of foods. Practical Application: Zein protein, a by‐product of corn processing industry, was laminated into plastic films in combination with natural phenolic compounds to develop antioxidant packaging films. The films demonstrated their efficient release patterns of antioxidant compounds, which are suitable for packaging applications and food protection.     

Zein-based anti-browning cling wraps for fresh-cut apple slices

The usage of cling wraps is emerging as an easy and cost-effective approach to protect fresh-cut fruits and vegetables from dust, whilst improving visual appeal on retail counters. This study focused on developing an alternate, protein-based packaging material as a food grade cling wrap for food packaging applications. Zein-based cling wraps were produced, and their physical and mechanical characteristics were evaluated and compared with conventionally used chitosan biopolymer films and commercial synthetic polymer films. Antioxidant potential of the prepared films was studied, and the effectiveness of the developed films as anti-browning cling wraps was evaluated using studies conducted on fresh-cut apple slices at ambient conditions. Anti-browning effects were in par with polymeric counterparts; however, zein cling wraps could better prevent weight loss in apple slices. Zein-based films can be adopted as biodegradable food grade cling wraps as an alternative to chitosan and synthetic polymeric materials.     

Fresh-cut broccoli florets shelf-life as affected by packaging film mass transport properties

In this work, the influence of packaging film mass transport properties on the quality loss of fresh-cut broccoli florets is addressed. The work was divided into two subsequent experimental steps; first, the selection of potential packaging films was carried out by monitoring the headspace gas concentrations in package of broccoli. Then, the mass transport properties of some previous selected films were assessed on product shelf-life. To this aim, unpackaged fresh-cut broccoli and intact broccoli wrapped in polyvinyl chloride were used as controls. Headspace gas concentration, mass loss, sensorial quality and spoilage microbial growth were monitored. The micro-perforated films were the most effective in reducing mass loss, wilting and maintaining sensory quality for a longer period. In particular, the micro-perforated film that had the lowest OTR value showed the best performance in prolonging of the product shelf-life if compared to either control samples and fresh-cut broccoli packaged in the non-perforated film. The results highlighted that an approximately 50% shelf-life increase of fresh-cut florets broccoli compared to whole broccoli, and of about 30% respect to the unpackaged fresh-cut produce was obtained.     

Minimally processed butternut squash shelf life

The effects of dipping in antimicrobial solution and efficacy of proper film and modified atmosphere packaging conditions (MAP) on the quality decay of packaged fresh-cut butternut squash were investigated. The work was divided into three subsequent experimental trials: the first two were aimed to select the optimal packaging film mass transport properties, being micro-perforated and no-perforated films been tested. In the third experimental step, the best film (i.e., no-perforated oriented polypropylene, OPP40) was used to package sliced butternut squash under passive and active MAP. Each slice of product was dipped in aqueous solution of potassium sorbate, while no dipped samples were stored as the controls. During storage at refrigerated temperature (4 ± 1 °C) headspace gas concentrations, mass loss, microbiological and sensory quality were monitored. Results obtained from the preliminary pre-screening showed that micro-perforated films did not match fresh-cut butternut squash respiratory requirements. In these films a high proliferation of moulds occurred, probably due to elevated oxygen levels. Among the no-perforated films with different thickness, the OPP40 showed better performances. In the third trial samples dipped in potassium sorbate and packaged in OPP40 under active MAP recorded a shelf-life of about 22 days respect to the no-dipped samples packaged under both passive and active MAP that reached a shelf life of about 2 weeks.     

Modified atmosphere packaging of broccoli florets

A retail packaging system was used to study the atmosphere modification which developed within sealed packages of prepared broccoli florets with a range of polymer films of different gas permeabilities (oxygen permeability 3000–32,500 ml/m²/day/atm). Three methods of sealing were investigated and modified atmospheres (MA) were produced both naturally by respiration and by application of gas flushing techniques. The effects of these MA conditions on sensory quality were observed by monitoring colour change and development of off-odours. A 2–3% O₂, 2–3% CO₂ equilibrium MA was established using LF film to package broccoli florets when stored at 5°C. This, the only consistently aerobic MA attained, did not markedly improve retention of quality of broccoli florets when compared with broccoli stored in air. When broccoli florets were packaged with films which resulted in very low O₂ atmospheres (1% or less) foul of-odours shortened broccoli storage life.     

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on visual quality and glucosinolates of broccoli florets

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) florets were packaged in polyethylene bags with no holes (M₀), two microholes (M₁), and four macroholes (M₂), and then stored at 4 or 20 °C. The effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on visual quality and glucosinolate contents were determined by comparing with non-wrapped florets. The results showed that MAP treatments, especially with M₀ and M₁, extended the shelf life and reduced the postharvest deterioration of broccoli florets stored at 4 and 20 °C. All three MAP treatments reduced the decreasing concentration rates of individual, total aliphatic and indole glucosinolates in broccoli florets when compared to those in the control, with M₀ being the most significant, followed by M₁ and M₂ during 23 days of storage at 4 °C or 5 days of storage at 20 °C. Broccoli florets with M₀ treatment maintained the visual quality and glucosinolate contents for 13 days at 4 °C and 3 days at 20 °C.     

Wettability, surface microstructure and mechanical properties of films based on phosphorus oxychloride-treated zein

BACKGROUND: Zein, the predominant protein in corn, has been extensively studied as an alternative packaging material in edible and biodegradable films. However, films made from 100% zein are brittle under normal conditions. The aim of this investigation was to improve the film‐forming properties of zein by chemical phosphorylation. The surface hydrophobicity, surface microstructure and mechanical properties of films based on untreated and phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃)‐treated zein were evaluated and compared. The effect of POCl₃ treatment on the rheological properties of zein solutions was also studied. RESULTS: POCl₃ treatment, especially at pH 7 and 9, led to an increase in the apparent viscosity of zein solutions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis showed that the film based on POCl₃‐treated zein at pH 7 had a stone‐like surface microstructure with a higher roughness (R_q) than the untreated zein film. The AFM data may partially account for the phenomenon that this film exhibited high surface hydrophobicity (H₀). POCl₃ treatment diminished the tensile strength (TS) of zein films from 4.83–6.67 to 1.3–2.29 MPa. However, the elongation at break (EAB) of the films at pH 7 and 9 increased from 3.0–4.5% (control film) to 150.1–122.7% (POCl₃‐treated film), indicating the potential application of zein films in wrapping foods or in non‐food industries such as sugar, fruit or troche that need good extension packing materials. CONCLUSION: The data presented suggest that the properties of zein films could be modulated by chemical phosphorylation treatment with POCl₃ at an appropriate pH value. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of plasticizing sugars on water vapor permeability, surface energy and microstructure properties of zein films

Sugars are natural plasticizers for food biopolymers and zein is the most important protein of corn. In this research, sugars (fructose, galactose and glucose) were used as plasticizers and the water vapor permeability (WVP), contact angle and microstructure of the zein films were studied. The pure zein film had high WVP and adding of sugars to 0.7 g/g zein caused to decrease of WVP. Films containing galactose had the lowest WVP.All samples had the lowest contact angle with ethanol and the highest contact angle with water. The zein films containing galactose had the highest water contact angle within the plasticized films. The pure zein films and the films containing fructose had higher critical surface tension of wetting (γ_c) than the films containing glucose and galactose. Adding sugar plasticizer to zein films increased the surface tension of zein films. In the unplasticized zein films, loose structures with a lot of cavities and voids were observed. The films plasticized by fructose had smooth surface and plasticizer particles distributed throughout of the films.     

Different packaging strategies for fresh-cut 'barattiere' melon cultivar (cucumis melo L.)

Optimising packaging for minimally processed 'Barattiere' melon cultivar ( Cucumis melo L.) is addressed in this work. Melon slices were dipped in water solution containing ascorbic acid (1%) and calcium chloride (0.2%). Dipped and untreated fresh-cut produce was packaged in four different polymeric materials (two biodegradable films, a commercially available multilayer film (MLF) and polypropylene), before storing at 5 °C. During storage, headspace gas composition, microbial quality, pH and mass loss were monitored for a period of 2 weeks. Results suggest that film characteristics strongly influenced gas concentrations in the headspace, microbial growth and weight. Among the tested packaging materials, the MLF seemed to delay significantly the detrimental phenomena involved in quality acceptance, even if clearly anaerobic atmospheres were recorded. The biodegradable films, combined with a dipping pre-treatment, could represent a good compromise between film performance and environmental impact.     

包装方式和宰后不同时间包装对羊肉品质的影响

为探究包装方式和宰后不同时间包装对羊肉贮藏品质的影响,本研究对宰后1 h热分割羊肉和冷却成熟24 h后的分割羊肉分别进行热收缩包装、真空包装、贴体包装、50%（体积分数,下同）O2+50%CO2气调包装,测定其在（2±2）℃贮藏过程中pH值、色泽、贮藏损失率、蒸煮损失率、离心损失率、剪切力、挥发性气味的变化。结果表明：与宰后24 h包装相比,宰后1 h包装羊肉pH值在贮藏14 d时更高,但其贮藏期间色泽较好,色泽稳定性更高,贮藏损失率更低。从整体来看,3种真空处理（热收缩包装、真空包装、贴体包装）羊肉嫩度均优于气调包装羊肉,且宰后1 h包装时真空条件处理对羊肉嫩化效果最好,宰后24 h羊肉在贮藏前期气调包装对羊肉嫩化效果较好;而无论何时包装,热收缩包装和气调包装羊肉贮藏损失率均显著小于其他处理组（P<0.05）,在贮藏前期色泽及稳定性较好,但贮藏后期色泽稳定性下降明显,气调包装羊肉在14 d时已部分发绿,贮藏21 d时挥发性气味变化显著。综上,宰后1 h包装有利于提高羊肉贮藏期间色泽及持水力,改善真空处理羊肉嫩度,宰后24 h包装可提高50%O2+50%CO2气调包装羊肉贮藏前期...     

玉米醇溶蛋白膜的降解性能和水蒸气透过率的研究

对玉米醇溶蛋白（zein）与3%油酸增塑的玉米醇溶蛋白（OA-zein）膜的降解性能和水蒸气透过率进行了研究,实验结果表明：zein膜和OA-zein膜具有良好的抗酸性,但在pH 10以上时开始发生降解,蛋白酶水解实验表明了24h内蛋白膜不被酶水解.这些数据说明了蛋白膜在人体内不能被消化,但在碱性环境中可以降解.水蒸气透过率实验证明了蛋白膜所具备良好的阻气性能,可以作为疏水性的包覆材料应用于医药、食品和化工领域.