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Development of Optimized Bioactive Nanocomposite Films Using a Central Composite Design for Control of Microbial
Tofa Begum1, Peter A Follett2, Muhammed R Sharaby1,3
1INRS-Armand-Frappier Health Biotechnology Research Centre, Research Laboratories in Sciences, Applied to Food (RESALA), MAPAQ Research Chair in Food Safety and quality, Canadian Irradiation Centre (CIC), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Collaborating Centre, Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), 531 des Prairies Blvd, Laval, Canada.
Developed active packaging films from poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA) show significant antimicrobial activity. Optimized PBAT films reduced bacterial and fungal load in stored rice by 73-93%, demonstrating potential for biodegradable food packaging.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Active packaging materials are crucial for extending the shelf life of stored food products.
- Biodegradable polymers like PBAT and PLA offer sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
- Developing effective antimicrobial films requires careful optimization of components and processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize antimicrobial nanocomposite films based on PBAT and PLA for active food packaging.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of active formulations (AFs), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and glycerol (Gly) on film properties.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and release kinetics of the developed films for stored rice.
Main Methods:
- Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to optimize film composition.
- Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar volatilization assay against bacterial and fungal strains.
- Film properties (elasticity, water barrier, OTR) and active formulation release were characterized.
- In situ studies evaluated the performance of optimized films in stored rice under gamma irradiation.
Main Results:
- Optimized PBAT films exhibited enhanced elasticity and improved water/oxygen barrier properties compared to control.
- PLA films' barrier properties were negatively impacted by component incorporation.
- Active formulation release followed Fickian or quasi-Fickian diffusion kinetics.
- Optimized PBAT films reduced microbial load in stored rice by 73-93% after 2 months.
Conclusions:
- The developed PBAT-based nanocomposite films show significant potential as active packaging for cereal grains.
- The optimized films offer a biodegradable and effective alternative to traditional non-biodegradable plastic packaging.
- Synergistic effects of AFs, CNC, and Gly are key to achieving desired antimicrobial and physical properties.
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