Development and characterization of carrageenan/grapefruit seed extract composite films for active packaging

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Materials Science
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Active food packaging aims to extend shelf life and enhance food safety.
• Natural antimicrobial agents are sought for incorporation into packaging materials.
• Carrageenan is a biopolymer with potential for film formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize carrageenan-based antimicrobial films incorporating grape seed extract (GSE).
• To evaluate the physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of these composite films.
• To assess the potential of these films for active food packaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Solvent casting method used to prepare carrageenan/GSE composite films at varying GSE concentrations.
• Characterization included SEM for surface morphology, FT-IR for compatibility, and assessment of physical (moisture content, water vapor permeability) and mechanical (tensile strength, elongation at break) properties.
• Antibacterial activity was tested against foodborne pathogens.

Main Results:

• Carrageenan/GSE films exhibited a yellowish tint and a sponge-like cross-section structure.
• GSE incorporation increased moisture content, water vapor permeability, and surface hydrophilicity, while decreasing tensile strength and elastic modulus.
• Significant antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens was observed, with optimal elongation at break at 6.6μg/mL GSE.

Conclusions:

• Carrageenan/GSE composite films demonstrate good compatibility and enhanced antimicrobial properties.
• The developed films possess desirable characteristics for active food packaging.
• These findings highlight the potential of carrageenan-based films with GSE for improving food safety and extending shelf life.