Characterization of antimicrobial films containing basil extracts

The properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)‐based films containing either linalool or methylchavicol as antimicrobial (AM) additives were evaluated. Slight decreases in transparency, water vapour and oxygen transmission rates were found in the extruded films containing 0.34% w/w linalool or methylchavicol. The infrared (IR) spectra of the AM films were similar to that of additive‐free LDPE film. However, carbonyl peaks could also be observed in the spectra of the AM films. There was no significant difference in the degree of crystallinity and the melting temperature range of the different films. Derivative thermogravimetry mass‐loss curves showed that the thermal decomposition temperatures of the AM films were marginally lower than that of LDPE film. Electron micrographs indicated that AM LDPE‐based films exhibited no evidence of changes in microstructure to suggest that linalool and methylchavicol were not evenly distributed in the film. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of multilayer films with improved aroma barrier properties for durian packaging application

The symmetrical A/B/A structure of multilayer blown films was fabricated in this study. The immiscible low‐density polyethylene/polylactic acid (LDPE/PLA) blend was set as a core (B) layer and LDPE was used as skin (A) layers. The compositions of PLA in the core layer were varied from 20 to 50 wt%. The thickness of each layer was 10 μm (total film thickness of ~ 30 μm). In a blown film co‐extrusion process, the morphology of the fiber/ribbon‐like structures of LDPE/PLA blend was developed. Such structures had interesting effects on gas permeability and aroma barrier properties of the films. For instance, multilayer LDPE films containing 40 and 50 wt% PLA (P40 and P50) showed the reduction of oxygen permeability (PO₂) approximately 20% and 43%, respectively, compared with the neat LDPE film. A long tortuous path for gas and aroma transportation through film thickness was created from the developed ribbon‐like structures of the PLA minor phase. For durian packaging application, fresh‐cut durian of 300 g was packed in the developed multilayer films, LDPE, and HDPE (Control), stored at 4°C for 7 days. Results demonstrated that the steady‐state condition of 10% to 13% O₂ and 8% to 10% CO₂ was achieved in all packages except in the HDPE. Moreover, the P40 and P50 films exhibited an outstanding aroma barrier property for three major durian volatiles : diethyl sulfide, ethyl propanoate, and 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol. Overall results clearly indicated that the multilayer LDPE films containing PLA exhibited a significantly improved aroma barrier performance with optimum gas permeability desirable for modified atmosphere packaging to retain quality of fresh‐cut durian throughout the storage period.     

Production of active PET films: evaluation of scavenging activity

The current trends in packaging technology are focusing on the development of functional materials that interact with the environment and with the food, playing an effective role in the preservation of quality. In particular, the so‐called active packaging technologies were developed as a response to the market needs for minimally treated foodstuffs, in order to preserve their freshness and flavours by regulating the gas composition of the packaging headspace through active scavengers. One of the most promising approaches for this technology is the incorporation of active scavengers into a polymeric matrix. Nevertheless, the design and the production of a functional and efficient active flexible package can be difficult to realize because of the complexity of the system. This work was thus focused on the production and the analysis of monolayer polyester films containing an oxygen scavenger. The active film was obtained by adding the active phase into a polyethylene terephthalate matrix during the extrusion process. The barrier properties of the films were investigated by means of conventional permeability measurement, to assess their activity with respect to oxygen. Additionally, the oxygen absorption of the active samples was analysed by an innovative oxygen meter system, in order to determine their scavenging capacity and reaction kinetics. The analysis of colour was carried out on packaged fresh apple slices, to verify if the active films produced were able to limit the oxidation processes on a sensitive food. Finally, the optical properties of the samples were investigated through haze measurements. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Polyethylene Packaging Modified with Silver Particles on the Microbial,Sensory and Appearance of Dried Barberry

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) packages containing submicrometre‐sized silver particles (Ag‐LDPE) were produced by extrusion method and used as packaging material for barberry packaging. The effects of Ag‐LDPE packages on the microbial factors, apparent color and sensory factors of dried barberry were investigated in comparison with the pure polystyrene packages. Ag‐LDPE packages showed antimicrobial effects on barberry compared with pure polystyrene packages. In comparison with pure polystyrene packages, Ag‐LDPE film with 2 weight percent (wt%) of silver particles revealed antimicrobial activity against mold and total bacteria count of approximately 2.3 and 2.84 log₁₀ reductions in colony‐forming units, respectively. Ag‐LDPE packages in concentration of more than 1 wt% of silver particles preserved the appearance quality of the barberry better than pure polystyrene packages. The barberries packaged in Ag‐LDPE film with 1 wt% of silver particles retained their red color and brightness for approximately 2 to 3 weeks more than barberries packaged in pure polystyrene films. Ag‐LDPE packages assisted in the improvement of aroma, taste and total acceptance of barberry in comparison with pure polystyrene packages except in the low concentration of silver particles of approximately 0.02 wt%. The taste, aroma, appearance and also total acceptance of barberries packaged in Ag‐LDPE film with 1 wt% silver particles were preserved for approximately 2 to 3, 1 to 4, 2 to 5 and 2 to 4 weeks, respectively, more than barberries packaged in pure polystyrene films. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LDPE/PET laminated films modified with FeO(OH) × H2O,Fe2O3, and ascorbic acid to develop oxygen scavenging system for food packaging

The iron compounds (iron(III) oxide‐hydroxide monohydrate FeO(OH) × H₂O, iron(III) oxide Fe₂O₃, and ascorbic acid) were used as oxygen scavengers modifiers in laminating of polymer films. This oxygen‐scavenging system was coated on preselected films (low density polyethylene [LDPE] and polyethylene terephthalate [PET]) from which the laminates were formed. It presents the new form of composite material packaging that has the function of oxygen scavenging, which could be suitable for food packaging. The scope of the research included studies of morphology of oxygen scavengers by scanning electron microscope and their average particle size distribution measure by particle size analyzer, the effect of type, and concentration of these substances on viscosity of adhesive and seal strength of laminates. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of laminates was also performed to observe the potential interaction of functional groups of polyurethane adhesives with oxygen scavenger components. The most important ability of the developed system for oxygen scavenging was confirmed by measuring oxygen concentration (% vol) in a headspace with the prepared laminates. The concentrations of selected oxygen scavengers (4‐6 wt%) and their combinations were studied. The most effective oxygen scavenger system integrated within the PE/PET composite film consists of 6 wt% ascorbic acid and 1 wt% FeO(OH) × H₂O, where the oxygen concentration of 1.0 vol% (±0.20 vol%) was obtained after 15 days of storage. It was found that in this system the oxygen scavenging reaction occurs through ascorbate oxidation to dehydroascorbic acid, which is catalyzed by reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe2⁺ ions.     

Fabrication and Properties of Antioxidant Polyethylene‐based Films Containing Marigold (Tagetes erecta) Extract and Application on Soybean Oil Stability

Four films were extruded in a pilot‐plant scale blown extrusion machine: a monolayer low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film added with 2.90% of marigold (Tagetes erecta) extract, a two‐layer high‐density polyethylene/LDPE film added with 3.59% of the extract in the LDPE layer and the corresponding two control films without addition of the extract. More than 64% of astaxanthin contained in the extract was lost during the extrusion process. Spectroscopic, optical and mechanical properties of the films were affected by the addition of the marigold extract. The films showed to be light sensitive when exposed to commercial light at 25 °C; however, bags made of the films showed a positive effect on soybean oil stability when used as packaging. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microperforation of Three Common Plastic Films by Laser and Their Enhanced Oxygen Transmission for Fresh Produce Packaging

Three different plastic films of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were perforated using Nd‐YAG laser. Effects of laser pulse energy were examined by varying energies from 50 to 250 mJ where the pulse duration and pulse repetition were kept constant at 10 ns and 1 Hz, respectively. It was found that perforation diameters of all films increased with increasing pulse energies. Observed perforations were different among the three film types. Explanation was contributed to material inherent property and its interaction with laser. Incorporation of an inorganic filler (i.e. silica based anti‐blocking agent used in packaging film) of 0.5 wt% into the LDPE films (0.5Si‐LDPE) could improve perforation performance for LDPE. This was attributed to an increased thermal diffusivity of the 0.5Si‐LDPE film. Commercial BOPET and BOPP films containing 97 microholes/m² (hole diameter of ~100 µm) showed an improvement in oxygen transmission rates (OTR) of 18 and 5 times that of the neat films without perforation. In the case of perforated 0.5Si‐LDPE films having similar perforations of 97 microholes/m² and perforation diameter of 100 µm, a two‐fold increase of OTR was obtained. Gas transmission rates of the microperforated films were measured based on the static method. Measured OTR and CO₂TR values of the three films with varying perforation diameters in a range of ~40–300 µm were compared and discussed. Overall results clearly indicate that perforation by laser is an effective process in developing breathable films with tailored oxygen transmission property for fresh produce packaging. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ethylene and oxygen permeability through polyethylene packaging films

Oxygen and ethylene permeabilities have been determined at 19°C for three kinds of polyethylene films (LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE) and in the temperature range 4–30°C for LDPE. At constant temperature, ethylene and oxygen permeabilities decrease with increasing density. The temperature dependence of oxygen and ethylene permeabilities was found to be Arrhenius in the temperature range tested, with activation energies of 47.7 and 44.1 kJ/mol for ethylene and oxygen respectively. Permeabilities were found to be independent of film thickness and oxygen and ethylene permeabilities were independent of the composition of oxygen/nitrogen mixtures. Gas permeabilities for zeolite-filled LDPE films were found to be larger than oxygen and ethylene permeabilities for unfilled LDPE film. The adsorption isotherm of ethylene on the ceramic component of the films has been measured at room temperature: the absorption isotherm corresponds to monolayer adsorption and the adsorption capacity of the ceramic was measured as 3.06 mmol/g. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

硅藻土添加对HDPE/LDPE基抗氧化活性膜性能的影响

目的研究硅藻土添加量对HDPE/LDPE基抗氧化活性膜的拉伸强度、阻氧阻湿性能、热封性能等物理性能及抗氧化剂在活性膜中释放性能的影响。方法以硅藻土为活性膜内层的无机填料,乙烯-醋酸乙烯共聚物(EVA)为无机填料增容剂,槲皮素为抗氧化剂,采用共挤流延法制备外层为HDPE、内层为LDPE的HDPE/LDPE基多层抗氧化活性膜,通过改变内层膜中硅藻土的添加量调整槲皮素从活性膜中的释放。结果添加硅藻土的质量分数为0,1%,2%,3%,4%时,槲皮素扩散系数D(cm2/s)分别为5.91×10-13,2.30×10-11,1.59×10-11,2.44×10-11,3.22×10-11。随着硅藻土的增加,活性膜的热封强度逐渐减小,拉伸强度先增加后减小,透氧系数、透湿系数均呈先减小后增加的趋势。结论硅藻土的添加对活性膜的拉伸性能、阻氧阻湿性能影响较小,显著削弱了活性膜的热封性能,使达到平衡时槲皮素的最终释放量增加;硅藻土的添加及添加量的改变能有效调整槲皮素的释放。     

Toward New Polymeric Oxygen Scavenging Systems: Formation of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Oxygen Scavenger Film

Active packaging is a term that refers to the use of package to do more than merely protect the food from the outside environment. Amongst active packaging, oxygen scavengers can prevent oxidative damage to flavour and colour in a wide range of foods. They offer advantages in maintaining quality and extending shelf life. We thus present the use of a cobalt(II) complex with the ligand l ‐threonine as a new oxygen scavenger. This complex, in addition to its high reactivity with oxygen after water activation, can be obtained easily in large amounts and does not react with oxygen in solid state. Thus, the incorporation of the Co(II)(l ‐Thr)₂(OH₂)₂ natural complex in organic polar polymer (poly(vinyl alcohol)) by casting process was conducted. The reactivity towards oxygen of the obtained films was evaluated by oxidation kinetics monitoring using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry as a function of time and relative humidity. Oxygen consumption of the active film was found equal to the complex alone (2.5 mg of O₂ per gramme of complex) after water activation (90.5% relative humidity). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Whey protein isolate coating on LDPE film as a novel oxygen barrier in the composite structure

To examine the feasibility of whey protein isolate (WPI) coating as an alternative oxygen barrier for food packaging, heat‐denatured aqueous solutions of WPI with various levels of glycerol as a plasticizer were applied on corona‐discharge‐treated low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films. The resulting WPI‐coated LDPE films showed good appearance, flexibility and adhesion between the coating and the base film, when an appropriate amount of plasticizer was added to the coating formulations. WPI‐coated LDPE films showed significant decrease in oxygen permeability (OP) at low to intermediate relative humidity, with an Arrhenius behaviour and an activation energy of 50.26 kJ/mol. The OP of the coated films increased significantly with increasing relative humidity, showing an exponential function. Although the coated films showed a tendency to have less oxygen barrier and more glossy surfaces with increasing plasticizer content, differences in the OP and gloss values were not significant. Haze index and colour of the coated films were also little influenced by WPI coating and plasticizer content. The results suggest that whey protein isolate coating could work successfully as an oxygen barrier and have potential for replacing synthetic plastic oxygen‐barrier layers in many laminated food packaging structures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Plasma modification of polyolefin surfaces

In order to functionalize the surface of blown low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and cast polypropylene (CPP) films, and ultimately to maximize the attachment of active molecules onto them, the optimum treatment parameters of capacitively‐coupled radio‐frequency (13.56 MHz) oxygen plasma were investigated by using contact angle, toluidine blue dye assay, X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). Contact angle values of LDPE and CPP samples decreased significantly after oxygen plasma treatment. They further decreased as the plasma power level increased. The treatment time had no substantial effect on contact angle value. The optimum treatment conditions for LDPE and CPP films for maximizing carboxyl functionality without causing observable surface changes were found to be 200 W/200 mTorr and 250 W/50 mTorr, respectively, when treated for 3 min. The maximum carboxyl group concentration obtained with LDPE and CPP films were 0.46 and 0.56 nmol/cm², respectively. The percent of oxygen atoms on the surface of plasma‐treated LDPE and CPP films was determined by XPS analysis to be 22.6 and 28.7%, respectively. The ATR‐FTIR absorption bands at 1725–1700 cm^?1 confirmed the presence of carboxylic acids on LDPE and CPP films. By exposing the plasma‐treated sample to air rather than water and treating films repeatedly with oxygen plasma, a higher carboxyl group concentration could be obtained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of a bio‐coating as a solution to improve barrier,friction and optical properties of plastic films

The present research dealt with evaluating barrier, friction and optical properties of three different plastic films after deposition of a gelatin‐based bio‐coating. The composite films showed improved barrier properties against oxygen and UV radiation. The oxygen transmission rate decreased in the order of 73% for oriented polypropylene (OPP), 56% for low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and 40% for polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The increased UV barrier characteristics ranged from 20% for OPP to 12% for both LDPE and PET. Static and kinetic coefficients of friction significantly decreased both in the film‐to‐film and in the film‐to‐metal tests, leading to a desirable value for many applications. However, bio‐coated films showed lower optical performances in terms of transparency and haze. Transparency decreased mainly for LDPE (36%), whereas the haze index increased especially for OPP (85%). Non‐significant differences were observed as far as the water vapour permeability was concerned, except for a slight reduction for PET (from 15.78 to 13.53 cm³/m²/day at 23°C and 90% of relative humidity), suggesting that non‐meaningful effects arose from the addition of a hydrophobic component in the original formulation. Finally, the solubility of the coating in water was around 25% for all the three plastic substrates. The obtained data suggest that the lipid protein coating tested in this study, in spite of its great potential for enhancing some characteristics of plastic packaging films, still exhibits negative aspects which necessitate further improvement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anhydrides as antimycotic agents added to polyethylene films for food packaging

Incorporation of free acids or salts of antimycotic food additives, including propionic acid, benzoic acid or sorbic acid, into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films failed to inhibit mould growth when the films contacted inoculated media. However, LDPE films into which benzoic anhydride was incorporated exhibited antimycotic activity when in contact with media and cheese. Benzoic anhydride, which had been added to LDPE film, was hydrolysed within 5h and detected as benzoic acid in potato dextrose agar (PDA) and cheese after contact with the film. LDPE films, into which 1% benzoic anhydride was incorporated, completely inhibited Rhizopus stolonifer. Penicillium spp., and Aspergillus toxicarius growth on PDA. Lower amounts of anhydride partially inhibited growth by increasing the lag phase and reducing the rate of growth in most cases. LDPE films incorporated with 0.5–2% benzoic anhydride delayed mould growth on cheese. These data suggest that addition of antimycotic agents to LDPE during film manufacture may be a feasible way of controlling surface mould growth in foods such as cheese.     

Studies on the oxygen barrier and mechanical properties of low density polyethylene/organoclay nanocomposite films in the presence of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer as a new type of compatibilizer

Nanocomposite films based on low density polyethylene (LDPE), containing of 2, 3, and 4 wt.% organoclay (OC) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer as a new compatibilizer were prepared and characterized using rheological tests, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, oxygen permeation measurements, and tensile tests. There was no exfoliation or intercalation of the clay layers in the absence of EVA, while an obvious increase in d-spacing was observed when the samples were prepared with EVA present. This issue was reflected in the properties of nanocomposites. The oxygen barrier properties of the LDPE/EVA/OC film were significantly better than those of the LDPE/OC film. The average aspect ratio of clay platelets in nanocomposites was determined from permeability measurements and using Lape–Cussler model. In addition to barrier properties, the LDPE/EVA/OC film also had better elastic modulus than their counterparts without EVA. The modulus reinforcement of nanocomposites was studied using Halpin–Tsai equations, which are universally used for composites reinforced by flake-like or rod-like fillers.     

Application of ceramic-filled polymeric films for packaging fresh produce

The permeabilities of two commercial ceramic-filled LDPE films were measured and compared with those of a plain LDPE film. The ceramic films have higher oxygen (0₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and ethylene (C₂H₄) permeabilities, higher CO₂ to O₂ permeability ratio, and higher C₂H₄ to 0₂ permeability ratio. The temperature dependence of the permeability was found to follow the Arrhenius relationship. The data suggest that these ceramic films are more suitable than plain LOPE film for packaging fresh produce of high respiration rate.     

转光薄膜对绿颜色蔬菜品质影响的研究

目的延长绿颜色蔬菜的货架寿命,保护绿色蔬菜品质。方法模拟某超市果蔬区的销售环境,以鲜切西兰花为例,选择单基双能转光剂(RBI),吹制添加质量分数为0.5%,0.8%,1.2%,1.5%,2.0%的低密度聚乙烯(LDPE)薄膜。对转光薄膜的气体透过性和光学性能进行测试,分别将添加不同含量单基双能转光剂的LDPE薄膜包装鲜切西兰花,并置于模拟超市的光照环境下,测定试验样品的质量、维生素C含量、叶绿素含量等变化,并对试验样品进行感官评价。结果对比超市现有绿颜色蔬菜的包装薄膜,在LDPE薄膜中添加适量转光剂可以达到保护鲜切西兰花品质、延长其货架寿命的效果。结论添加质量分数为1.2%单基双能转光剂的低密度聚乙烯薄膜的保鲜效果最好。     

Development and characterization of PET/Fish Gelatin–nanoclay composite/LDPE laminate

A three‐layer laminate film was developed with the following structure: polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/fish gelatin (FG)–nanoclay composite/low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). The FG–nanoclay composite material functioned as the oxygen barrier layer and demonstrated comparable oxygen barrier properties when compared with a similar laminate utilizing ethylene vinyl alcohol as the barrier layer at a relative humidity (RH) of up to 50%. The introduction of nanometer‐sized filler clay into the FG matrix lowered the oxygen permeability (OP) because of the tortuosity effect of the clay particles. In addition, the FG–nanoclay composite film exhibited bond strengths similar to both LDPE and PET. The hydrophilic nature of FG significantly increases OP under high (>50%) RH conditions. However, this new FG laminate film could be a possible alternative for packaging designers desiring a more sustainable packaging material for low‐RH (<50%) applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PE/CaCO3保鲜膜研制及其在小油菜保鲜中的应用

以LDPE和LLDPE(80/20)为基材,选择CaCO3为无机填充剂,研制PE/CaCO3功能性保鲜膜.测试该功能性保鲜膜的拉伸强度、撕裂强度、透光率、雾度、热封强度、摩擦性能以及透气和透湿性能.并利用该保鲜膜对小油菜进行保鲜包装,通过测定包装内的O2、CO2含量,小油菜的折光率、失重率,并目测每天小油菜的外观变化,考察该保鲜膜对小油菜保鲜的影响,结果表明:Ca-40保鲜膜对小油菜的保鲜效果较好.     

Role of package headspace on multilayer films subjected to high hydrostatic pressure

The objective of this study was to systematically examine the effect of high‐pressure processing and package headspace on package integrity and properties. Working pressures were 400 and 600 MPa, and starting vessel temperatures were 30°C, 60°C, and 90°C. Coextruded and laminated multilayers packaging films were studied: film A: (PA/EVOH/PP) and film B: (PET‐AlO_x‐OC/PA6/PP), respectively. The films were made into pouches (0.05 m × 0.10 m) and filled with 30‐mL water as a model food. Various headspace volumes (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30‐cc air/mL H₂O) were introduced into the packaging before processing. Imaging was used to quantify defects such as the formation of white spots on the package surface and delamination of film layers. The results showed that the headspace level and processing initial temperature had a greater effect than the operating pressure on visual defects. The package with 0% headspace did not show any physical damage to the tested films. Furthermore, thermal and mechanical analyses showed that the coextruded film A had better resistance to testing conditions than the laminated structure of film B. The X‐ray diffraction results showed that film B had more defects than film A that altered the crystalline structure. Visual observation revealed white spots and delamination in the inside layer (PP) in both films. The same processing conditions affected the oxygen and water vapour transmission rates of film B more than film A. This work provides a basic guideline to select the right headspace for a given type of packaged food whenever heat and pressure are used simultaneously.