Development of biomaterials based on plasticized polylactic acid and tea polyphenols for active-packaging application

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential for food packaging.
• Enhancing PLA's mechanical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties is crucial for active packaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop bioactive packaging films using PLA, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), and tea polyphenol (TP).
• To evaluate the mechanical, physical, chemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of the developed films.

Main Methods:

• Films were prepared using melt blending of PLA, ATBC, and TP.
• Mechanical properties were tested.
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze film interactions and morphology.
• Antioxidant and antibacterial activities were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
• Overall migration tests were conducted.

Main Results:

• Incorporating ATBC and TP significantly improved PLA's mechanical properties.
• FTIR and SEM indicated physical or chemical interactions within the PLA/ATBC/TP films.
• Antioxidant and antibacterial activities increased with higher TP concentrations.
• Films with 1% TP showed antioxidant activity comparable to l-ascorbic acid.
• Films with 0.5% and 1% TP effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
• Migration levels remained within acceptable limits.

Conclusions:

• PLA/ATBC/TP films exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
• These films demonstrate potential for use in active packaging applications.
• The developed films meet safety requirements regarding overall migration.