Multi-Ion Zeolite-Based Antimicrobial LDPE Films for Active Food Packaging: Ion Combinations and Performance in Real...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Food Science

Background:

• Inorganic ion-based antimicrobial systems are researched for active packaging.
• Limited progress exists in multi-ion systems compatible with thermoplastic processing for sustainable solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Design a multi-ion zeolite-based antimicrobial system.
• Evaluate its incorporation into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films.
• Assess the antibacterial performance of the final packaging material.

Main Methods:

• Immobilized selected metal and non-metal cations (Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Si⁴⁺, Fe³⁺, Ti⁴⁺, Al³⁺) onto zeolite.
• Evaluated antimicrobial activity using minimum inhibition and lethal concentration analyses.
• Incorporated zeolite into LDPE films via twin-screw extrusion and film-blowing.

Main Results:

• Multi-ion combinations showed improved antibacterial performance against *Escherichia coli* and *Staphylococcus aureus* compared to single-ion systems.
• LDPE films with the multi-ion zeolite maintained mechanical properties and were compatible with standard processing.
• Films demonstrated significant bacterial reduction in model high-moisture systems at various temperatures.

Conclusions:

• A mechanism-based strategy for designing multi-ion antimicrobial systems was presented.
• The developed zeolite-based antimicrobial system is compatible with thermoplastic processing for active packaging.
• This approach offers a pathway for creating effective and sustainable antibacterial packaging solutions.