The influence of α‐tocopherol concentration on the stability of linoleic acid and the properties of low‐density polyethylene

In food packaging applications where low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film containing α‐tocopherol is used, the antioxidant may have a dual function, i.e. to protect the polymer from oxidative degradation during processing, and to delay the onset of oxidation of the packaged foodstuff during storage. Incorporation of high levels of α‐tocopherol into LDPE film was found to inhibit oxidation of a linoleic acid emulsion stored in contact with the film at 6°C. However, the presence of 360 ppm caused changes in mechanical properties and an increase in oxygen transmission. Levels as high as 3400 ppm α‐tocopherol also caused yellowing and reduction in crystallinity of the material. Thus, the use of high amounts of α‐tocopherol in LDPE, which might be needed in active packaging applications, requires careful consideration of the protective requirements for each specific food and the maintenance of the desired properties of the packaging material. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

EVOH Films Containing Antimicrobials Geraniol and α‐Terpilenol Extend the Shelf Life of Snakehead Slices

Various studies have provided information on active packaging to prevent food putrefaction effectively . In this work, ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) films with geraniol (Ger) and α‐terpilenol (Ter) were successfully prepared by extrusion. The mechanical, thermal, oxygen barrier and antimicrobial properties of the packaging films were characterized, and the application of the films in snakehead preservation was examined. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the addition of Ger and Ter did not decrease the films properties but improved their oxygen barrier property and thermostability. Moreover, the incorporation of Ger and Ter inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. Both of the films, EVOH/Ger (EVOH/Ger) and EVOH/Ter (EVOH/Ter), reduced Salmonella enterica by 2.36 ± 0.17 and 1.91 ± 0.06 log units, respectively. Meanwhile, the effects of EVOH/Ger and EVOH/Ter on quality assessment of snakehead slices were examined through sensory tests and analyses of biochemical indices during refrigerated storage (4°C ± 1°C) for 10 days. Sensory properties, total viable counts, total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid and pH values were evaluated. On eight day, compared with the control fish samples, the total viable counts and total volatile basic nitrogen values cut down 1.98 ± 0.02 log units and 11.3 ± 0.11 mgN/100 g, respectively, for fish samples packaged by EVOH/Ger. The active films containing 6% (wt) Ger and 6% (wt) Ter inhibited the growth of E. coli, S. enterica and L. monocytogenes and effectively extended shelf life by 4–5 days under cold‐storage conditions compared with the control group. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of composition on structure and barrier properties of active PET films for food packaging applications

A very attractive solution in food packaging technology is the functionalization of packaging materials by incorporating an active phase into polymeric matrices. Nowadays, the applications of active substances into flexible packaging are very limited due to difficulties in realizing performing films by common manufactory processes. This work is focused on the production and characterization of monolayer poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) active films at different concentrations of an oxygen scavenger by cast extrusion process. Rheological, thermal, morphological analyses and oxygen absorption measurements were carried out on the produced samples to investigate the structure of active PET films and to determine their scavenging properties. Overall migration analyses were performed on active films to asses their safety in use with foodstuff, and finally the produced films were used to package fresh banana slices for evaluating their capability in quality foods preservation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

聚乙烯醇/蒙脱土/山梨酸钾活性包装膜制备及释放

目的 通过制备聚乙烯醇（PVA）/蒙脱土（MMT）/山梨酸钾活性包装膜,考察其包装性能及山梨酸钾在膜材内的释放效果。方法 通过流延法制备含有不同浓度MMT的聚乙烯醇/山梨酸钾活性包装膜,分析活性包装膜的色度、透明度、拉伸性能和含水量,同时研究山酸钾在活性膜内向脂肪性食品模拟物中的释放行为。结果 通过添加MMT改善膜材的包装性能,MMT的添加在显著提高PVA膜拉伸强度的同时还降低了PVA膜的断裂伸长率,加深了膜材的色度,降低了膜的透明度;PVA膜的含水率随着MMT浓度的提高而降低。MMT的添加可明显改变山梨酸钾向脂肪类模拟物的释放行为,当MMT的质量分数为2%时明显地降低了山梨酸钾的释放量。结论 通过调整膜内MMT的浓度可以改变活性膜的色度、拉伸强度、含水量及膜内山梨酸钾的释放行为;使用Fickian第二定律模拟山梨酸钾释放是可靠的,可为山梨酸钾抗菌包装材料的进一步开发利用提供参考。     

Investigating the diffusional behaviour of Irganox®1076 antioxidant in HDPE/Cloisite®15A nanocomposite‐based food contact packaging films: Effect of nanoclay loading

In this research work, the prediction of the diffusion coefficient (D_p) of Irganox ® 1076 (Ir‐76) antioxidant in HDPE‐based food contact packaging films was carried out. The diffusion of this additive was studied both, in neat HDPE film and in HDPE nanocomposites films made of HDPE matrix filled with 1, 3, and 5 wt% of a commercially available organoclay (Cloisite ® 15A). The diffusion experiments were carried out by using the Roe's method on films consisting of a stack of several polymer films having a total nominal thickness of 120 ± 01 μm. Diffusion coefficients were determined in the temperature range 80°C to 100°C according to the second Fick's law by measuring the evolution of the Ir‐76 concentration in the films by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. The results indicated that the diffusion coefficient of Ir‐76 in HDPE films decreased with the addition of the organoclay, and a maximum reduction of 78% (at 23°C) in the diffusion rate of the Ir‐76 was observed at an optimum filler content of 3 wt%, thus making these films attractive for the plastic packaging industry.     

Whey protein active films incorporated with a blend of essential oils: Characterization and effectiveness

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) films incorporated with a blend of Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils were characterized and evaluated for their effectiveness as an antioxidant for food applications. The effect of the incorporation of essential oils (EOs) at different concentrations (1, 2, 2.7, and 5% w/w) in WPC were studied by measuring their physical, optical, mechanical, and microstructural properties, in order to evaluate their behavior as a food packaging. The effectiveness of these active WPC films as a packaged was evaluated using a fatty food model (salami). The state of the salami oxidation was measured by the TBARs and hexanal assays during 180 days of storage. A yellowish characteristic color and opacity of WPC‐based films tend to increase with the increase of the EO concentration in the film formulation. While films containing 1 and 2% of EOs showed to be the most hydrophobic and present the lowest moisture content and solubility in water, films with higher EOs % (2, 2.7, and 5%, w/w) presented the highest water vapor transmission rate. The developed WPC active films showed to be heterogeneous, presenting cracks and pores due to the weakening of the polymer chain interaction forces by the EOs, which affected their mechanical behavior. WPC films incorporated with EOs may retard lipid oxidation induced by UV light in food. Besides, they showed to be very effective in the reduction of lipid oxidation in a previous assay with salami, with a longer storage time.     

Active biodegradable films produced with blends of rice flour and poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate): Effect of potassium sorbate on film characteristics

The objective of work was to produce and characterize biodegradable films from rice flour, poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT), glycerol and potassium sorbate, for application as active packaging for fresh lasagna pasta. The films were evaluated with respect to their optical, water vapor barrier, mechanical and microstructural properties. The mechanical properties and microstructure were evaluated after use as packaging material for fresh pasta for 45 days at 7 °C. The blends of rice flour, PBAT, glycerol and potassium sorbate showed good processability and allowed for the pilot scale production of films by blow extrusion process. The addition of 1 to 5% potassium sorbate as plasticizer agent of films in place of glycerol did not alter the film mechanical properties and a sorbate concentration greater or equal than 3% reduced the opacity, although increasing the water vapor permeability. The films could be used as active packaging for fresh food pasta, since they remained integral and easy to handle after application. The rice flour was shown to be an excellent material for the formulation of biodegradable films, since it is a low-cost raw material from a renewable source. The addition of potassium sorbate did not affect the extrusion process, and could be used in the production of packaging for use with foods.     

Synthesis of biodegradable films based on cassava starch containing free and nanoencapsulated β‐carotene

β‐Carotene may represent an excellent natural antioxidant, and nanoscale encapsulation may contribute to development of a new technique for addition of antioxidants in active packaging. The objective of this work was to develop active biodegradable films with addition of free β‐carotene or β‐carotene–loaded lipid‐core nanocapsules and to evaluate the interaction with the polymeric matrix. The addition of free β‐carotene led to a decrease in the mechanical properties of films, result of their hydrophobic character and less interaction with the matrix. β‐Carotene nanocapsules caused the increase of colour intensity of films, elongation at rupture, and less light transmission, with the gradual increase according to increase in concentration. Films with β‐carotene nanocapsules presented greater protection of sunflower oil, with lower formation of oxidation products. The lower stability of free antioxidant led to behavior similar to control film, with less oxidation protection. The addition of nanocapsules can provide better interaction with the structure, since the encapsulated carotenoid exhibits solubility in aqueous medium and present better distribution, without altering the rapid biodegradability and thermal stability of films. The results show that encapsulated bioactive compounds can be used as hydrophobic natural antioxidants and added in active biodegradable packages for maintaining food safety and extending the shelf life.     

Potential of migration of active compounds from protein‐based films with essential oils to a food and a food simulant

Migration tests at different temperatures and storage periods were performed to evaluate the release of active compounds from active whey protein films (WPFs) to a food and food simulants. Whey protein film incorporated with different levels of an optimized essential oils (EOs) blend (1%, 2%, 2.7%, and 5%, w/w) were prepared by casting. This blend contained EOs from rosemary and 2 species of cinnamon. Salami was packaged with WPF and stored during 180 days at 5°C. Temperature influenced significantly the migration of compounds (P<.1). It was observed that eucalyptol was the compound that presented the highest potential of migration into 95% ethanol (v/v). After contact of film with salami, it was observed that, in general, more than 50% of active compounds released from WPF to salami. It was observed that higher amounts of active compounds were released to salami than to fatty food simulant. Results suggested that the release of compounds depends on their affinity with the food/food simulant, temperature, their concentration in packaging, and composition of food. Active packaging may ensure the quality of food due the migration of compounds from EO with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity incorporated in the film to the foodstuff.     

抑菌及抗氧化活性食品包装膜的研究进展

目的论述活性食品包装膜的研发技术与功能分类,为食品包装行业的材料开发与研究提供基础。方法以抑菌及抗氧化活性食品包装膜为主,总结活性包装膜的制备方法及应用效果,对活性膜研究过程中存在的问题进行较为深入的分析,并总结抑菌性、抗氧活性食品包装膜在国内外的研究进展,同时展望活性包装膜的未来发展趋势。结果抑菌及抗氧化活性食品包装膜的研究与开发处于起步阶段,尚未建立起完善的研究应用体系,其抑菌机理、抗氧化机理、安全性、时效性等相应的理论模型和检测方法还需进一步的深入研究。结论抑菌及抗氧化活性食品包装膜有一定的高效性、稳定性及安全性,具有较大发展潜力与市场价值。     

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.     

Reducing Oxidation of Foods Through Antioxidant Active Packaging Based on Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol and Natural Flavonoids

The development of antioxidant active packaging systems is attracting considerable attention as one of the preferred emerging technologies for reducing the incidence of lipid peroxidation. This work presents the use of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer films containing two natural flavonoids, catechin and quercetin, to reduce the oxidation of food. In a series of experiments, these materials showed their ability to reduce the presence of hydroxyl radicals in the package headspace. Packaging fried peanuts in bags manufactured with these active films resulted in a large reduction in the presence of hexanal, a compound produced during peroxidation of the unsaturated fat in peanuts. The results indicated that the materials actively reduced the presence of radical oxidative species although the antioxidants are not released into the food. On exposing sunflower oil to the films, the peroxide values obtained showed that the films actively protected the oil; because of the higher solubility of quercetin in this food product as well as the higher antioxidant capacity, the samples containing this flavonoid were more efficient. Industrial relevance: Active packaging is receiving considerable attention as an emerging technology that can be used to improve the quality and the stability of food, reducing the direct addition of chemicals and the need for changes in formulation. The results of this study show that it is possible to reduce food oxidation without adding antioxidants to the food. The films obtained can be used to protect any type of food, including dry or fatty products. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

聚乳酸/茶多酚抗氧化膜的制备及其性能研究

以聚乳酸（PLA）为基材,茶多酚（TP）为抗氧化剂,通过流延法制备了具抗氧化活性的可降解PLA/TP共混膜,并研究了茶多酚添加量对共混膜包装性能及抗氧化性能的影响。研究结果表明：茶多酚与聚乳酸基质间发生了相互作用,茶多酚在聚乳酸基质中具有较好的分散性。天然抗氧化物茶多酚的添加使共混膜的拉伸强度、断裂伸长率以及透光率降低,但显著提高了共混膜的热封强度、透湿系数、透氧系数、溶解度和自由基清除率。当茶多酚的质量分数为0.9%时,共混膜的热封强度为3.31 N/(15 mm),透湿系数和透氧系数分别是纯PLA膜的1.68倍和6倍,透光率为88.1%,自由基清除率为89.18%,是一种具有应用潜力的环境友好型食品活性包装材料。     

Prediction of plastic film thickness based on gas permeability and validation with ‘Kyoho’ table grapes for optimal modified atmosphere packaging

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) storage has become a useful technique for extending the shelf life of fruit and vegetables. However, the success of MAP depends on many factors, including types of fresh products, storage conditions, and the characteristics of the packaging films. To achieve the optimal gas composition in the package headspace and improve the postharvest quality of fresh produce, the packaging film with appropriate barrier properties needs to be selected. This study aimed to predict the film thickness by applying produce respiration rate and package film permeability data measured in given product weight and storage conditions. An available film (eg, 25‐μm‐thick low‐density polyethylene) was used to pack fresh produce, and the respiration rate of fresh produce and in‐package O₂ and CO₂ concentrations at steady state were measured. Permeability of the film was calculated based on mass balance, and the thickness of the film could be predicted if the recommended target O₂ and CO₂ concentration was obtained from the literature. To validate the predicted thickness value, an experiment was conducted by packaging fresh table grapes in bags of the predicted thickness. The effect of packaging with different film thicknesses on the quality of the fruit was determined. The results showed good agreement between the predicted and the experimental in‐bag O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, and the MAP with predicted thickness (90 μm) film was more effective in maintaining postharvest quality of grapes during low‐temperature storage than the thinner films (30 and 60 μm) and the control.     

The effectiveness of hexamethylenetetramine‐incorporated plastic for the active packaging of foods

The feasibility of LDPE films containing 0.2 or 0.5% (w/w) hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) as antimicrobial packaging material to inhibit microbial growth on the surface of foods was investigated. As HMT is allowed in Europe to be used as a preservative under certain conditions, and as it is mentioned on the list of additives notified to the European Commission as substances which may be used in plastics intended in contact with food products, this compound offers good opportunities for the manufacturing of an antimicrobial packaging material. In a first experiment, fresh orange juice was vacuum packaged in LDPE films containing 0, 0.2 and 0.5% (w/w) HMT and stored at 6°C for 39 days. Every day and later every 3 days, packages of orange juice were analysed for yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. The shelf‐life of orange juice, could not be prolonged significantly by packaging into a 0.2% or 0.5% (w/w) HMT‐containing film. In a second experiment, however, packaging of cooked ham in a 0.5% (w/w) containing LDPE film, significantly affected shelf‐life. After 20 days a significant reduction of total aerobic count and lactic acid bacteria was observed. In an additional migration test, it became clear that the level of HMT released into orange juice was close to the specific migration limit of 15 mg CH₂O/kg imposed by the EC. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a New Antimicrobial Active Packaging for Fresh Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar L.) Shelf Life

Nowadays, consumers demand for fresh, high‐quality seafood products continues to climb, especially in affluent, developed nations. At the same time, there is increasing attention regarding improved utilization of seafood for human consumption; Atlantic salmon is the main species in Chile aquaculture, and most of the salmon are exported as fresh fish to USA. It is well documented that low storage temperature inhibit bacterial growth and biochemical degradation, thus facilitating prolonged shelf life. Partly freezing the outer fillet layer from ?0.5°C to ?2.0°C (superchilling) has proven to be more efficient in inhibiting biochemical changes and bacterial spoilage compared with traditional chilling. Nevertheless, antimicrobial active packaging offers the possibility to increase product shelf life through the reduction of the microbiological damage of the product during its transportation, and thus increasing consumer safety and health. The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of an active antimicrobial packaging on microbiological growth, sensory attributes and instrumental quality measurements of raw Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets. Flexible plastic films containing Thymol as antimicrobial agent were used for salmon packaging. Salmon were stored at 2°C, 4°C and 8°C. Analyses of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and psicrophilic bacteria count were carried out at 1, 3, 8, 11, 15 and 18 days. L*a*b* colour evolution, overall sensorial properties and chemical evolution were studied. Application of active antimicrobial packaging for fillet salmon reduced the microbial count for least 18 days at 2°C. No modification of the sensorial properties was detected by the sensorial panel, indicating that the antimicrobial compound used in the present study, thymol, is compatible with salmon packaging. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

抗氧化活性包装阻氧性与活性剂应用研究进展

目的 为抗氧化活性包装阻氧性与抗氧化活性剂应用的研究提供相应的理论基础,以期为解决抗氧化活性包装目前存在的问题提供更新颖的解决思路.方法 对抗氧化活性包装的阻氧性不同影响因素进行分析,表述抗氧化活性包装的抗氧化评价方式,按照作用方式对抗氧化活性剂进行分类,并阐述其作用机理与应用进展.结果 包装中抗氧化活性剂的包埋方式单一,缓释性能和安全性能需进一步提高,还需探究含特殊气味的抗氧化活性剂对食品风味的影响.结论 抗氧化活性包装可以有效减缓食品因氧化造成的风味及品质劣变,在食品保鲜领域拥有更广大的发展前景.     

Diffusional Behaviour of Essential Oil Components in Active Packaging Polypropylene Films by Multiple Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction–Gas Chromatography

Essential oils (EOs) are promising substances to be incorporated in food packaging materials as antioxidant and/or antimicrobial agents in active packaging systems. Once incorporated into the materials, their constituent compounds diffuse through the material. However, there is little information about the diffusion behaviour of EOs in plastics, and this is one of the major drawbacks in the design of active packaging relying on EOs as active agents. This study presents a new method for studying the diffusion of basil, citronella, oregano and rosemary EOs into plastic films. Diffusion assays of EOs from a coated polypropylene (PP) film into a stack of virgin PP films were conducted by the Moisan method using up to 10 layers of PP. Direct quantification of diffused analytes from the plastic sheets was performed by multiple headspace solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The fitting of experimental data for the main EO components with a Fickian model gave diffusion and partition (between active and virgin PP) coefficients, which are discussed under the light of some intrinsic factors contributing to the diffusion process. The results demonstrate the dependence of diffusion and partition coefficients on the initial concentration of EO components in the coated films, on their molecular weight and on their polarity. In particular, for similar molecular weight and initial concentration, a higher polarity is responsible for a faster diffusion, whereas lower polarity determines the retention of the EO component in the coating layer. Copyright © 2012 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.     

The Effect of Active Packaging on Minimizing Food Losses: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Essential Oil Component‐enabled Packaging for Fresh Beef

Packaging plays an important role in ensuring food safety and quality, and the development of active packaging, especially antimicrobial packaging, enables actively inhibiting/killing the microorganisms causing food spoilage and thus extending the product's shelf life. A survey of the publications revealed that generally 50% shelf life extension is possible. The goal of this study is to assess the overall environmental performance of the food and packaging system considering the effect of food loss reduction by using active packaging. A comparative life cycle assessment has been carried out, focusing on a case study: essential oil component‐enabled packaging for fresh beef. Different scenarios were set up to contrast the situations of food using conventional packaging (current situation) and food using novel active packaging (containing active coating). Additionally, a sensitivity analysis has been integrated, aiming to identify the breakeven point of the balance. In the scenarios using the best‐performance active packaging, it was shown that a breakeven point can be achieved across the four impact categories evaluated, including global warming, fossil energy demand, acidification potential and eutrophication potential. It is expected that the obtained results would serve as guidelines for active packaging development striving for a positive eco‐profile of the food and packaging system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.