Recent Developments in Film and Gas Research in Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Fresh Foods

Due to the rise of consumer's awareness of fresh foods to health, in the past few years, the consumption of fresh and fresh-cut produces has increased sturdily. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) possesses a potential to become one of the most appropriate technologies for packaging fresh and fresh-cut produces. The MAP has advantages of extending the shelf-life, preserving or stabilizing the desired properties of fresh produces, and convenience in handing and distribution. The success of MAP-fresh foods depends on many factors including types of fresh foods, storage temperature and humidity, gas composition, and the characteristics of package materials. This paper reviews the recent developments highlighting the most critical factors of film and gas on the quality of MAP fresh foods. Although the innovations and development of food packaging technology will continue to promote the development of novel MAP, concentrated research and endeavors from scientists and engineers are still important to the development of MAP that focuses on consumers' requirements, enhancing product quality, environmental friendly design, and cost-effective application.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Technology of Fresh and Fresh-cut Produce and the Microbial Consequences—A Review

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology offers the possibility to retard the respiration rate and extend the shelf life of fresh produce, and is increasingly used globally as value adding in the fresh and fresh-cut food industry. However, the outbreaks of foodborne diseases and emergence of resistant foodborne pathogens in MAP have heightened public interest on the effects of MAP technology on the survival and growth of pathogenic organisms. This paper critically reviews the effects of MAP on the microbiological safety of fresh or fresh-cut produce, including the role of innovative tools such as the use of pressurised inert/noble gases, predictive microbiology and intelligent packaging in the advancement of MAP safety. The integration of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points-based programs to ensure fresh food quality and microbial safety in packaging technology is highlighted.     

Innovative processes and technologies for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology has been commercially viable since the 1970s. Currently, MAP is extensively used worldwide to preserve the quality and extend the shelf-life of whole fresh fruits and vegetables, but is also increasingly used to extend the shelf-life of minimally processed fresh fruit and vegetables. This review discusses new processes and technologies that can be used to improve quality preservation and consumer acceptability of minimally processed produce where high respiration rates and challenging degradation processes operate. New packaging innovations are enabling producers and retailers to further maintain quality for longer. Innovative approaches to extend shelf-life include active MAP with differentially permeable films, films that incorporate antimicrobial properties, edible coatings that confer barriers properties, and the use of non-traditional gases to modify respiration. Intelligent packaging using integrated sensor technologies that can indicate maturity, ripeness, respiration rate and spoilage are also appearing. This review demonstrates that preservation technologies and associated packaging developments that can be combined with modified atmosphere are constantly evolving technology platforms. Adoption of combinations of technology improvements will be critical in responding to commercial trends towards more minimally processed fresh-cut and ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products, which require specialized packaging solutions.     

国内新鲜食品气调包装技术研究现状

气调包装是一种重要的食品保鲜方法,可以有效延长产品的货架期。使用气调包装技术保鲜食品时,影响保鲜效果的因素主要有三个,一是包装气体的初始组分,二是保鲜过程中包装气体的变化,三是保鲜的温湿度条件。总结目前常用的两种果蔬呼吸模型,并分析其适用范围。总结出保鲜新鲜果蔬、鲜切蔬菜和肉类产品的初始气体组分。介绍不同包装膜对包装内外气体交换的影响。概述气调包装温湿度的相关研究。最后,对气调包装技术研究提出建议。     

自发气调包装对鲜切白菜货架期的影响

为延长鲜切白菜的货架期,本文采用不同透气率和不同面积的气调窗与包装袋相结合进行试验,通过对鲜切白菜包装袋内感官品质、气体成分进行统计和分析,筛选和优化出鲜切白菜最适宜的气调包装。结果表明：自发气调包装可有效改善鲜切白菜贮藏品质,鲜切白菜适宜选用O2和CO2透过速率分别为4×105和1.6×106 cm3/m2?d?atm,透气比为1:4气调窗,所需要气调窗的面积为1~2 cm2/kg,在4 ℃条件下至少可延长货架期4 d;综合计算气调窗和薄膜的透气量可知,适于鲜切白菜包装袋O2和CO2的透过量应分别为1.85×103~2.08×103 和8.59×103~9.51×103 cm3/kg?d?atm,达到鲜切白菜的适宜气体浓度,O2为3.63%~5.10%,CO2为7.77%~8.07%。研制的自发气调包装袋可使鲜切白菜处于适宜的气体状态,可很好地解决包装袋内由于无氧呼吸产生的异味问题,且保留原有的鲜切白菜气味,延长其货架期,为鲜切企业提供有力的技术支持。     

Development of user-friendly software for design of modified atmosphere packaging for fresh and fresh-cut produce

There is a wealth of published information on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) but a lack of systematic treatment of the data in order to develop knowledge management systems that can provide information to users on which films to use for particular purposes and targets. This paper reports the development of user-friendly software for MAP design of fresh and fresh-cut produce. The software can select suitable packaging materials and define the amount of product to be packed or the area of the film that should be available for gas exchange. Two databases have been built in the software, which include recommended gas composition for 38 products, 75 respiration rate models, and permeability data for 27 polymeric films. This software was successfully tested for some products and an example for mango and Galega kale is described.Industrial relevanceThe PACKinMAP software selects the best possible film type for the given type of fresh or fresh cut fruit/vegetable. A manufacturer can type in a specific food product, such as a golden delicious apple, and the software will tell him the ideal type of packaging material according to the supplier or the retailer's needs. The software has also been found to simulate the package for any type of real-life distribution temperature history thus testing the ability of the package to withstand abuse.     

高浓度二氧化碳气调包装通过调节酚代谢抑制鲜切莲藕的酶促褐变

鲜切莲藕褐变的主要原因是酶促褐变,高浓度CO_2气调包装(Modified-atmosphere packaging,MAP)可以有效延缓鲜切果蔬褐变,而苯丙氨酸解氨酶(L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase,PAL)、多酚氧化酶(Polyphenol oxidase,PPO)和过氧化物酶(Peroxidase,POD)的编码基因是引起果蔬褐变的主要基因。然而,高浓度CO_2 MAP对鲜切莲藕片PAL、PPO、POD酶及其编码基因表达的影响却鲜有报道。本文分析了100%CO_2MAP对鲜切莲藕贮藏过程中褐变度、总酚含量、PAL、PPO和POD酶活性及其编码基因表达的影响。结果表明:100%CO_2 MAP对延缓鲜切莲藕褐变有较好效果,且100%CO_2 MAP贮藏期间鲜切莲藕PAL、PPO和POD酶活性随褐变程度的增加而同步变化。此外,Nn PAL1,Nn PPOA和Nn POD2/3的表达变化与PAL,PPO和POD酶活性的变化及褐变相一致,说明高浓度CO_2 MAP可能通过下调Nn PAL1,Nn PPOA和Nn POD2/3的表达来延缓鲜切莲藕褐变。     

鲜切菠菜和香菜专用自发气调包袋的研制

为满足鲜切菠菜和香菜包装的需求,本文采用不同透气率和不同面积的气调窗与包装袋相结合进行试验,分别研制出鲜切菠菜和香菜最适宜的气调包装(MAP)袋。结果表明:鲜切菠菜和香菜都适宜选用O₂和CO₂透过速率分别为4×105和1.6×106 cm3/m2·d·atm的气调窗,所需要气调窗的面积均为5~7.5 cm2/kg;综合计算气调窗和薄膜的透气量可知,适于鲜切菠菜和香菜包装袋的O₂和CO₂的透过量应分别为3.17×103~3.74×103和1.42×104~1.65×104 cm3/kg·d·atm,袋内气体稳定后,鲜切菠菜的O₂和CO₂分别为7.34%~8.30%和5.31%~5.49%,鲜切香菜的O₂和CO₂分别为3.96%~7.16%和4.89%~6.52%,在4 ℃条件下此类型的包装袋均可延长货架期6 d以上。研制的自发气调包装袋可使鲜切菠菜和香菜处于适宜的气体状态,很好地避免包装袋内由于无氧呼吸产生的异味问题,且保留原有的鲜切产品气味,延长其货架期,为鲜切企业提供有力的技术支持。     

Effect of temperature and modified atmosphere packaging on overall quality of fresh-cut bell peppers

The effect of vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging without vacuum (MAP) on shelf-life of fresh-cut green bell pepper stored at 5°C and 10°C were evaluated. In-package atmosphere, overall quality, percentage of leaked juice, texture, ascorbic acid content, ethanol and acetaldehyde, and microbial growth, were evaluated at different intervals of storage. MAP-fresh-cut peppers presented better visual quality, less leaked juice and higher firmness than those stored under VP. Microbiological and quality analysis revealed a limit of shelf-life of 14 and 21 days, when fresh-cut peppers were stored at 10°C and 5°C, respectively. We conclude that MAP could be used to maintain quality attributes of fresh-cut peppers for up 21 days at 5°C.     

The use of packaging techniques to maintain freshness in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables: a review

Browning and other discolourations, softening, surface dehydration, water loss, translucency, off-flavour and off-odour development, as well as microbial spoilage are some of the most frequent causes of quality loss in fresh-cut products. Nowadays, the use of innovative modified atmospheres and edible coatings stands out among other techniques in the struggle for maintaining freshness and safety of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. A few studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these techniques when applied to different fresh-cut commodities. However, treatment and storage conditions for fresh-cut fruits are still being largely explored to better keep their fresh-like quality attributes. This review discusses the recent advances in the use of innovative modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems to maintain freshness of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, special attention is devoted to the development of coatings that can be used as a complement or alternative to MAP.     

Influence of ultrasound treatment in combination with modified atmosphere on microorganisms and quality attributes of fresh-cut lettuce

The influence of ultrasound (US) treatment in combination with modified atmosphere packaging on microbial loads and quality attributes of fresh-cut lettuce was investigated during storage at 4 °C for up to 15 days. Fresh-cut lettuces were sonicated for different durations (0, 5, 10 and 15 min) by US (20 kHz, 226 W cm⁻²) and then packed in active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Results showed that US treatment combined with modified atmosphere effectively inhibited growth of bacteria, mold and yeast during storage. The US treatment for 10 min combined with MAP reduces mass losses and colour change, inhibits POD and PPO activities, conserves ascorbic acid and chlorophyll contents and maintains water distribution in fresh-cut lettuce. These results illustrated that US treatment combined with modified atmosphere was an effective preservation method to improve storage quality of fresh-cut lettuce.     

Shelf life of fresh-cut Cime di rapa (Brassica rapa L.) as affected by packaging

In this work, the effectiveness of different packaging in prolonging the shelf life of fresh-cut Cime di rapa (Brassica rapa L.) was addressed. Two subsequent experimental trials were run to investigate first the ability of different packaging materials (an oriented polypropylene, a blend of biodegradable polyesters and a nylon/polyethylene multilayer) in delaying the quality loss and then to assess the efficacy of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Two different combinations of gas were investigated, oxygen 10%, carbon dioxide 2% and nitrogen 88%, noted as MAP1 and oxygen 8%, carbon dioxide 2% and nitrogen 90%, noted as MAP2. Headspace gas concentration, weight loss, spoilage microbial growth, pH and sensorial quality were monitored in both sets of experiments. The results demonstrated that the best performances under ordinary atmosphere were recorded with the oriented polypropylene-based film, justifying the choice of this polymeric material in the second set-up. The tested MAPs exerted somewhat different results on product quality: the samples packaged under MAP1 recorded a shelf life of 14 days limited by visible moulds, whereas, fresh-cut leaves sealed under MAP2 highlighted a shelf life less than 9 days, due to a high proliferation of total mesophilic bacteria.     

High carbon-di-oxide modified atmospheric packaging on quality of ready-to-eat minimally processed fresh-cut iceberg lettuce

Fresh-cut lettuce is a very well-known salad for today''s routines because it obliges minimal preparation to minimize the loss of health beneficial vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals. It is a prodigious challenge to serve its consumers fresh. Quality of freshly processed lettuce under high CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been investigated as a realistic alternative technique for its preservation. Storage under high CO₂ atmospheric treatments exhibited a significant impact in microbial development, electrolyte leakage, volatile metabolites and sensory quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. This storage condition (MAP 1: 5 kPa O₂ and 20 kPa CO₂ balanced by N₂ at 7 °C for 6 days) inhibited the growth of mesophilic bacteria and yeasts; delayed the enzymatic browning (cut-edges and intact surface) of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce and overall visual quality was also in acceptance limit. The development of off-odors was perceived in high CO₂ MAP as a consequence of volatiles (ethanol and acetaldehyde) accumulation which was persisted at an inexcusable level during 6 days of storage periods.     

鲜切果蔬变色及其控制技术研究进展

影响鲜切果蔬外观品质最主要因素之一是变色。变色不仅影响鲜切果蔬外观品质,而且会影响其营养价值、风味等。本文主要概述了鲜切果蔬主要变色现象,包括褐变、黄化、白变和脱绿等,阐述了几种变色的机制及极易出现这几种变色现象的鲜切果蔬种类,同时还综述了目前控制鲜切果蔬变色的技术,主要包括化学方法(如化学护色剂处理、可食性涂膜、天然植物提取液处理等)、物理方法(如低温贮藏、热处理、气调贮藏、超声波处理等)和综合处理方法,以期为以后相关研究者提供参考借鉴。     

新型袋式气调包装机的设计

主要介绍了一款自主研发的枕型袋式气调包装机,特别适用于袋装新鲜果蔬的高精度气调包装。研究设计了气调包装机关键部件——气体置换装置、产品在线测长系统,采用充气与抽气同时实施的气体置换方式,大幅度提高了气体置换效率,保证包装袋内的高精度气氛实现。所设计的气调包装机克服了现有袋式气调包装机气体置换精度低的缺点,同时可实现连续高速的作业,包装薄膜材料获得更有效使用。     

气调包装技术在冷鲜肉生产中的研究进展

本文介绍气调包装的应用现状,详细阐述冷鲜肉气调包装的保鲜机理、气体的组成、影响因素,并探讨气调包装与其他保鲜手段,结合应用、气调包装与抗菌包装材料结合应用以及气调包装在冷鲜肉中的市场前景.     

鲜切青笋防腐保鲜工艺的优化及不同包装材料对其品质的影响

为了研究不同防腐剂和不同包装材料对鲜切青笋防腐保鲜的效果,并延长其贮藏时间,通过预试验选择山梨酸钾、纳他霉素、柠檬酸为有效合适的防腐剂,按照L9(34)正交试验制作不同配比的防腐保鲜复合液,以鲜切青笋在贮藏过程中的细菌总数、失重率及硬度为测定指标,最终以综合评分确定最佳复合液配比。结果表明:防腐保鲜液的最佳配比为0.02%纳他霉素+2.0%柠檬酸+0.04%山梨酸钾。以普通塑料薄膜保鲜袋作对照,研究不同规格(0.07 mm、0.08 mm、0.09 mm)透气性的双向拉伸尼龙(BOPA)与低密度聚乙烯(LDPE)复合包装袋对鲜切青笋包装储藏期间的失重率、维生素C的含量、硬度的影响,并选择最佳的包装材料。结果表明:0.07 mm规格的复合材料包装鲜切青笋效果最佳。     

Effect of nitrogen gas packaging on the quality and microbial growth of fresh-cut vegetables under low temperatures

Nitrogen (N2) gas packaging for fresh-cut vegetables (lettuce and cabbage) has been examined as a means of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for extending the shelf life of cut vegetables. Gas composition in enclosed packages that contained cut vegetables and were filled with 100% N2 had an oxygen (O2) concentration of 1.2 to 5.0% and a carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration of 0.5 to 3.5% after 5 days of storage. An atmosphere of low concentrations of O2 and high CO2 conditions occurred naturally in the package filled with N2 gas. Degradation of cut vegetables in terms of appearance was delayed by N2 gas packaging. Because of this effect, the appearance of fresh-cut vegetables packaged with N2 gas remained acceptable at temperatures below 5 degrees C after 5 days. Treatment with acidic electrolyzed water (AcEW) contributed to the acceptability of the vegetables' appearance at 5 and 10 degrees C in the air-packaging system. N2 gas packaging did not significantly affect the growth of microbial populations (total aerobic bacteria, coliform bacteria, Bacillus cereus, and psychrotrophic bacteria) in or on cut vegetables at 1, 5, and 10 degrees C for 5 days. Microbial growth in or on the cut vegetables was inhibited at 1 degrees C for 5 days regardless of atmospheric conditions.     

臭氧协同气调包装对鲜切叶菜的保鲜作用研究

采用臭氧水处理鲜切大白菜,并进行气调包装贮藏,通过正交实验法分析相关生理指标与保鲜效果,主要研究了4℃贮藏期间菌落总数、失重率、细胞膜透性、多酚氧化酶活性、VC含量和感官品质的变化。实验结果显示:臭氧水处理结合气调包装能有效控制微生物数量,保护了细胞膜透性及降低了VC含量的损失,并对多酚氧化酶有抑制作用,感官品质优良,可使鲜切白菜在4℃条件下保藏至20d以上。极差分析表明:优化的工艺参数为1.44mg/L的臭氧水处理5min协同5%O2/20%CO2/75%N2的气调包装。     

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.