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An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils
Published on: April 7, 2023
Development of flexible antimicrobial films using essential oils as active agents
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research, i A, CPS-University of Zaragoza, María de Luna St. 3, E-50018 Zaragoza, Spain.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|September 21, 2007
Summary
Antimicrobial flexible films incorporating essential oils like cinnamon and oregano show significant vapor-phase activity against fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. Polypropylene (PP) films demonstrated superior efficacy and long-lasting antifungal properties, meeting food contact material regulations.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Essential oils possess antimicrobial properties valuable for food preservation.
- Flexible packaging films can be enhanced with antimicrobial agents to extend shelf life.
- Regulatory compliance for food contact materials is crucial for commercialization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the vapor-phase antimicrobial activity of essential oil-incorporated flexible films.
- To compare the efficacy of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (PE/EVOH) films.
- To assess the release of active compounds and the long-term stability of antimicrobial activity.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-made PP and PE/EVOH films incorporated with cinnamon, oregano, clove, or fortified cinnamon essential oils.
- Antimicrobial activity testing against a broad spectrum of bacteria, molds, and yeasts.
- Quantitative analysis of volatile compounds using headspace-single drop microextraction (HS-SDME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
- Shelf-life and migration tests using aqueous and fatty simulants.
Main Results:
- Films with 4% (w/w) fortified cinnamon or oregano essential oil completely inhibited fungal growth.
- Higher concentrations were required for Gram-positive (8-10%) and Gram-negative bacteria.
- PP films were more effective than PE/EVOH films.
- Oregano-fortified PP films released higher levels of carvacrol and thymol; cinnamon-fortified PP films released higher levels of cinnamaldehyde.
- Antifungal activity persisted for over two months, and migration tests confirmed compliance with EU regulations.
Conclusions:
- Essential oil-impregnated flexible films offer effective vapor-phase antimicrobial action, particularly against fungi.
- Polypropylene films demonstrate enhanced antimicrobial performance and stability compared to PE/EVOH.
- These antimicrobial films show potential for extending the shelf life of food products while meeting safety standards.
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