Antimicrobial packaging based on linear low-density polyethylene compounded with potassium sorbate

Nataliya Kuplennik, Roza Tchoudakov, Zohar Ben-Barak Zelas, Arie Sadovski, Ayelet Fishman, Moshe Narkis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In recent years much attention has been devoted to active packaging technologies that offer new opportunities for the food industry and food preservation. In the present study, antimicrobial films were developed by compounding of a neat linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) or its blend with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), with potassium sorbate (KS). A new approach for preservative incorporation into a polyolefin matrix was used to obtain uniform dispersions of the preservative in the films. This approach includes using glycerol monooleate (GMO) as a dispersant and preparation of GMO/KS concentrate by strong mechanical mixing. The antimicrobial activity of the films was studied using the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C. All compositions of LLDPE or LLDPE/EVA containing GMO and KS demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Release tests showed that KS migrates from compression molded 300μm films to an acidic food simulant and its diffusion is controlled by the Fickian diffusion rule. Thermal stability, rheological behavior, morphology and KS dispersion in the polymer matrices of the prepared blends and films were investigated. The results indicate that the presence of KS in the polymer matrix significantly improves the thermal stability of the blends compared with the neat matrices without a significant viscosity reduction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)278-286
Number of pages9
JournalLWT
Volume62
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2015

Keywords

  • Antimicromial food packaging
  • Dispersant
  • Linear low density polyethylene
  • Potassium sorbate
  • Thermal stability

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Food Science

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