Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2019) | Viewed by 77419

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications book cover image

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ana María Díez-Pascual

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Alcalá, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona Km. 33.6, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
Interests: nanomaterials; polymers; nanocomposites; inorganic nanoparticles; antibacterial agents; surfactants; interphases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial packaging has recently attracted a great deal of interest from the food industry due to the boost in consumer demand for minimally-processed, preservative-free products. Antimicrobial polymeric packaging systems can be considered an emerging technology that could have an important impact on shelf life extension and food safety. Novel polymeric-based packaging materials are continually being developed.

Although the aim of these new materials is to improve packaged food quality and safety, the toxicological effects derived from their potential migration from the polymer structures is still under consideration. This Special Issue is planned to bring together a number of original papers and reviews covering (but not restricted to) the following topics:

polymer nanocomposites with improved packaging properties
biopolymers for active/bioactive/sensing applications;
Mechanisms of action;
Antimicrobial polymeric food packaging systems;
Adverse effects of antimicrobial polymeric materials;
igration/toxicological studies involving biopolymers and its nanocomposites.
Future perspectives for antimicrobial polymeric nanomaterials

Prof. Dr. Ana María Díez Pascual
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

antimicrobial polymers
food packaging
migration
barrier biocomposites and bioactive packaging

Published Papers (14 papers)

Download All Papers

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

7 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications

by Ana María Díez-Pascual

Polymers 2020, 12(4), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12040731 - 25 Mar 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3829

Abstract

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 4675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of a Biodegradable PLA Food Packaging Hold Monoterpene–Cyclodextrin Complexes against Alternaria alternata

by Velázquez-Contreras Friné, Acevedo-Parra Hector, Nuño-Donlucas Sergio Manuel, Núñez-Delicado Estrella and Gabaldón José Antonio

Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1720; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101720 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 4127

Abstract

The fungi of the genus Alternaria are among the main pathogens causing post-harvest diseases and significant economic losses. The consumption of Alternaria contaminated foods may be a major risk to human health, as many Alternaria species produce several toxic mycotoxins and secondary metabolites. To protect consumer health and extend the shelf life of food products, the development of new ways of packaging is of outmost importance. The aim of this work was to investigate the antifungal capacity of a biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) package filled with thymol or carvacrol complexed in β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) by the solubility method. Once solid complexes were obtained by spray drying, varying proportions (0.0%, 1.5%, 2.5%, and 5.0 wt%) of β-CD–thymol or β-CD–carvacrol were mixed with PLA for packaging development by injection process. The formation of stable complexes between β-CDs and carvacrol or thymol molecules was assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mechanical, structural, and thermal characterization of the developed packaging was also carried out. The polymer surface showed a decrease in the number of cuts and folds as the amount of encapsulation increased, thereby reducing the stiffness of the packaging. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a slight decrease in the temperature of degradation of PLA package as the concentration of the complexes increased, with β-CD–carvacrol or β-CDs–thymol complexes acting as plasticisers that lowered the intermolecular forces of the polymer chains, thereby improving the breaking point. Packages containing 2.5% and 5% β-CD–carvacrol, or 5% β-CD–thymol showed Alternaria alternata inhibition after 10 days of incubation revealing their potential uses in agrofood industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 22250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of the Hybrids of Hydrotalcites and Chitosan by Urea Method and Their Antimicrobial Activities

by Bi Foua Claude Alain Gohi, Hong-Yan Zeng, Xiao-Ju Cao, Kai-Min Zou, Wenlin Shuai and Yi Diao

Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101588 - 28 Sep 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2680

Abstract

Hybrid nano-supra molecular structured materials can boost the functionality of nano- or supra-molecular materials by providing increased reactivity and conductivity, or by simply improving their mechanical stability. Herein, the studies in materials science exploring hybrid systems are investigated from the perspective of two important related applications: healthcare and food safety. Interfacing phase strategy was applied, and ZnAl layered double hydroxide-chitosan hybrids, prepared by the urea method (U-LDH/CS), were successfully synthesized under the conditions of different chitosan(CS) concentrations with a Zn/Al molar ratio of 5.0. The structure and surface properties of the U-LDH/CS hybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), ultravioletvisible (UV-Vis), and zero point charge (ZPC) techniques, where the effect of CS concentration on the structure and surface properties was investigated. The use of the U-LDH/CS hybrids as antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Penicillium cyclopium was investigated in order to clarify the relationship between microstructure and antimicrobial ability. The hybrid prepared in a CS concentration of 1.0 g∙L⁻¹ (U-LDH/CS₁) exhibited the best antimicrobial activity and exhibited average inhibition zones of 24.2, 30.4, and 22.3mm against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Penicillium cyclopium, respectively. The results showed that the appropriate addition of CS molecules could increase antimicrobial ability against microorganisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 5418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active Edible Films Based on Arrowroot Starch with Microparticles of Blackberry Pulp Obtained by Freeze-Drying for Food Packaging

by Gislaine Ferreira Nogueira, Farayde Matta Fakhouri, José Ignacio Velasco and Rafael Augustus de Oliveira

Polymers 2019, 11(9), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11091382 - 23 Aug 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5277

Abstract

This research work evaluated the influence of the type of incorporation and variation in the concentration of blackberry pulp (BL) and microencapsulated blackberry pulp (ML) powders by freeze-drying on the chemical and physical properties of arrowroot starch films. Blackberry powders were added to the film-forming suspension in different concentrations, 0%, 20%, 30% and 40% (mass/mass of dry starch) and through two different techniques, directly (D) and by sprinkling (S). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the incorporation of blackberry powder has rendered the surface of the film rough and irregular. Films incorporated with BL and ML powders showed an increase in thickness and water solubility and a decrease in tensile strength in comparison with the film containing 0% powder. The incorporation of blackberry BL and ML powders into films transferred colour, anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity to the resulting films. Films added with blackberry powder by sprinkling were more soluble in water and presented higher antioxidant capacity than films incorporated directly, suggesting great potential as a vehicle for releasing bioactive compounds into food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 7336 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Antimicrobial Activity of Lignin and Lignin-Derived Cellulose and Chitosan Composites against Selected Pathogenic and Spoilage Microorganisms

by Abla Alzagameem, Stephanie Elisabeth Klein, Michel Bergs, Xuan Tung Do, Imke Korte, Sophia Dohlen, Carina Hüwe, Judith Kreyenschmidt, Birgit Kamm, Michael Larkins and Margit Schulze

Polymers 2019, 11(4), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11040670 - 11 Apr 2019

Cited by 157 | Viewed by 8715

Abstract

The antiradical and antimicrobial activity of lignin and lignin-based films are both of great interest for applications such as food packaging additives. The polyphenolic structure of lignin in addition to the presence of O-containing functional groups is potentially responsible for these activities. This study used DPPH assays to discuss the antiradical activity of HPMC/lignin and HPMC/lignin/chitosan films. The scavenging activity (SA) of both binary (HPMC/lignin) and ternary (HPMC/lignin/chitosan) systems was affected by the percentage of the added lignin: the 5% addition showed the highest activity and the 30% addition had the lowest. Both scavenging activity and antimicrobial activity are dependent on the biomass source showing the following trend: organosolv of softwood > kraft of softwood > organosolv of grass. Testing the antimicrobial activities of lignins and lignin-containing films showed high antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at 35 °C and at low temperatures (0–7 °C). Purification of kraft lignin has a negative effect on the antimicrobial activity while storage has positive effect. The lignin release in the produced films affected the activity positively and the chitosan addition enhances the activity even more for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Testing the films against spoilage bacteria that grow at low temperatures revealed the activity of the 30% addition on HPMC/L1 film against both B. thermosphacta and P. fluorescens while L5 was active only against B. thermosphacta. In HPMC/lignin/chitosan films, the 5% addition exhibited activity against both B. thermosphacta and P. fluorescens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2017 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of Cross-linking Mode on the Physical and Antimicrobial Properties of a Chitosan/Bacterial Cellulose Composite

by Jun Liang, Rui Wang and Ruipeng Chen

Polymers 2019, 11(3), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11030491 - 13 Mar 2019

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 6406

Abstract

The bacteriostatic performance of a chitosan film is closely related to its ionic and physical properties, which are significantly influenced by the mode of cross-linking. In the current work, chitosan with or without bacterial cellulose was cross-linked with borate, tripolyphosphate, or the mixture of borate and tripolyphosphate, and the composite films were obtained by a casting of dispersion. Mechanical measurements indicated that different modes of cross-linking led to varying degrees of film strength and elongation increases, while the films treated with the borate and tripolyphosphate mixture showed the best performance. Meanwhile, changes in the fractured sectional images showed a densified texture induced by cross-linkers, especially for the borate and tripolyphosphate mixture. Measurements of Fourier transform infrared showed the enhanced interaction between the matrix polymers treated by borate, confirmed by a slight increase in the glass transitional temperature and a higher surface hydrophobicity. However, the reduced antimicrobial efficiency of composite films against E. coli, B. cinerea, and S. cerevisiae was obtained in cross-linked films compared with chitosan/bacterial cellulose films, indicating that the impact on the antimicrobial function of chitosan is a noteworthy issue for cross-linking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cinnamon Extraction Oil (CEO) for Algae Biofilm Shelf-Life Prolongation

by Maizatulnisa Othman, Haziq Rashid, Nur Ayuni Jamal, Sharifah Imihezri Syed Shaharuddin, Sarina Sulaiman, H. Saffiyah Hairil, Khalisanni Khalid and Mohd Nazarudin Zakaria

Polymers 2019, 11(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11010004 - 20 Dec 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4275

Abstract

This study was conducted to improve the life-span of the biofilm produced from algae by evaluating the decomposition rate with the effect of cinnamon extraction oil (CEO). The biofilm was fabricated using the solution casting technique. The soil burying analysis demonstrated low moisture absorption of the biofilm, thus decelerating the degradation due to low swelling rate and micro-organism activity, prolonging the shelf-life of the biofilm. Hence, the addition of CEO also affects the strength properties of the biofilm. The maximum tensile strength was achieved with the addition of 5% CEO, which indicated a good intermolecular interaction between the biopolymer (algae) and cinnamon molecules. The tensile strength, which was measured at 4.80 MPa, correlated with the morphological structure. The latter was performed using SEM, where the surface showed the absence of a separating phase between the biofilm and cinnamon blend. This was evidenced by FTIR analysis, which confirmed the occurrence of no chemical reaction between the biofilm and CEO during processing. The prolongation shelf-life rate of biofilm with good tensile properties are achievable with the addition of 5% of CEO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 10396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Polymer Composite Materials Based on PLA/TiO₂ for Antibacterial Packaging

by Edwin A. Segura González, Dania Olmos, Miguel Ángel Lorente, Itziar Vélaz and Javier González-Benito

Polymers 2018, 10(12), 1365; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10121365 - 09 Dec 2018

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 7614

Abstract

Polymer composite materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) filled with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were prepared. The aim of this work was to investigate the antibacterial action of TiO₂ against a strain of E. coli (DH5α) to obtain information on their potential uses in food and agro-alimentary industry. PLA/TiO₂ systems were prepared by a two-step process: Solvent casting followed by a hot-pressing step. Characterization was done as a function of particle size (21 nm and <100 nm) and particle content (0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20%, wt %). Structural characterization carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) did not reveal significant changes in polymer structure due to the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles. Thermal characterization indicated that thermal transitions, measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), did not vary, irrespective of size or content, whereas thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a slight increase in the temperature of degradation with particle content. Bacterial growth and biofilm formation on the surface of the composites against DH5α Escherichia coli was studied. Results suggested that the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles decreases the amount of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and limits bacterial growth. The inhibition distances estimated with the Kirby-Bauer were doubled when 1% TiO₂ nanoparticles were introduced in PLA, though no significant differences were obtained for higher contents in TiO₂ NPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 6516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Modified by Nanocellulose and Plasma Treatment for Packaging Applications

by Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Eusebiu Rosini Ionita, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Maria Daniela Ionita, Roxana Trusca, Brindusa-Elena Lixandru, Irina Codita and Gheorghe Dinescu

Polymers 2018, 10(11), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10111249 - 11 Nov 2018

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 5676

Abstract

In this work, a new eco-friendly method for the treatment of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) as a candidate for food packaging applications is proposed. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) was modified by bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BC) using a melt compounding technique and by plasma treatment or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle plasma coating for better properties and antibacterial activity. Plasma treatment preserved the thermal stability, crystallinity and melting behavior of PHB‒BC nanocomposites, regardless of the amount of BC nanofibers. However, a remarkable increase of stiffness and strength and an increase of the antibacterial activity were noted. After the plasma treatment, the storage modulus of PHB having 2 wt % BC increases by 19% at room temperature and by 43% at 100 °C. The tensile strength increases as well by 21%. In addition, plasma treatment also inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by 44% and 63%, respectively. The ZnO plasma coating led to important changes in the thermal and mechanical behavior of PHB‒BC nanocomposite as well as in the surface structure and morphology. Strong chemical bonding of the metal nanoparticles on PHB surface following ZnO plasma coating was highlighted by infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the presence of a continuous layer of self-aggregated ZnO nanoparticles was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, ZnO plasma treatment completely inhibiting growth of Staphylococcus aureus. A plasma-treated PHB‒BC nanocomposite is proposed as a green solution for the food packaging industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

8 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Orange Oil Loaded Pectin Films as Antibacterial Material for Food Packaging

by Tanpong Chaiwarit, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong and Pensak Jantrawut

Polymers 2018, 10(10), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10101144 - 14 Oct 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5168

Abstract

This study aims to develop orange oil loaded in thin mango peel pectin films and evaluate their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The mango peel pectin was obtained from the extraction of ripe Nam Dokmai mango peel by the microwave-assisted method. The thin films were formulated using commercial low methoxy pectin (P) and mango pectin (M) at a ratio of 1:2 with and without glycerol as a plasticizer. Orange oil was loaded into the films at 3% w/w. The orange oil film containing P and M at ratio of 1:2 with 40% w/w of glycerol (P₁M₂GO) showed the highest percent elongation (12.93 ± 0.89%) and the lowest Young’s modulus values (35.24 ± 3.43 MPa). For limonene loading content, it was found that the amount of limonene after the film drying step was directly related to the final physical structure of the film. Among the various tested films, P₁M₂GO film had the lowest limonene loading content (59.25 ± 2.09%), which may be because of the presence of numerous micropores in the P₁M₂GO film’s matrix. The inhibitory effect against the growth of S. aureus was compared in normalized value of clear zone diameter using the normalization value of limonene content in each film. The P₁M₂GO film showed the highest inhibitory effect against S. aureus with the normalized clear zone of 11.75 mm but no statistically significant difference. This study indicated that the orange oil loaded in mango peel pectin film can be a valuable candidate as antibacterial material for food packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Quality Evaluation of Postharvest Strawberries Stored in Nano-Ag Packages at Refrigeration Temperature

by Cheng Zhang, Wenhui Li, Bifen Zhu, Haiyan Chen, Hai Chi, Lin Li, Yuyue Qin and Jing Xue

Polymers 2018, 10(8), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10080894 - 09 Aug 2018

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 5200

Abstract

Different percentages (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) of nano-Ag particles were added to polylactic acid (PLA) to make an active nanocomposite packaging film. Strawberries were packaged by the nanocomposite films and stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 10 days. The freshness of strawberries was assessed by regularly measuring the physicochemical properties of the strawberries in each packaging film. The difference in the freshness of strawberries was evaluated by determining the following parameter changes: weight loss, hardness, soluble solids, titratable acid, color, vitamin C, total phenol, free radical scavenging activity, peroxidase activity, and sensory evaluation. The results revealed that the active nanocomposite packaging film has better preservation effect when compared with pure PLA film. Its preservation effect is mainly reflected in the more effective reduction of vitamin C loss, delaying the decline of total phenols and 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in strawberries. It also showed better physical properties. The results showed that the PLA nanocomposite packaging film could effectively preserve freshness of strawberries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial LDPE/EVOH Layered Films Containing Carvacrol Fabricated by Multiplication Extrusion

by Max Krepker, Cong Zhang, Nadav Nitzan, Ofer Prinz-Setter, Naama Massad-Ivanir, Andrew Olah, Eric Baer and Ester Segal

Polymers 2018, 10(8), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10080864 - 04 Aug 2018

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 8129

Abstract

This work describes the fabrication of antimicrobial multilayered polymeric films containing carvacrol (used as a model essential oil) by co-extrusion and multiplication technique. The microlayering process was utilized to produce films, with up to 65 alternating layers, of carvacrol-containing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). Carvacrol was melt compounded with LDPE or loaded into halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in a pre-compounding step prior film production. The detailed nanostructure and composition (in terms of carvacrol content) of the films were characterized and correlated to their barrier properties, carvacrol release rate, and antibacterial and antifungal activity. The resulting films exhibit high carvacrol content despite the harsh processing conditions (temperature of 200 °C and long processing time), regardless of the number of layers or the presence of HNTs. The multilayered films exhibit superior oxygen transmission rates and carvacrol diffusivity values that are more than two orders of magnitude lower in comparison to single-layered carvacrol-containing films (i.e., LDPE/carvacrol and LDPE/(HNTs/carvacrol)) produced by conventional cast extrusion. The (LDPE/carvacrol)/EVOH and (LDPE/[HNTs/carvacrol])/EVOH films demonstrated excellent antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli and Alternaria alternata in in vitro micro-atmosphere assays and against A. alternata and Rhizopus in cherry tomatoes, used as the food model. The results presented here suggest that sensitive essential oils, such as carvacrol, can be incorporated into plastic polymers constructed of tailored multiple layers, without losing their antimicrobial efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 25907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Accelerated UV-A and Q-SUN Irradiation on the Antibacterial Properties of Hydrophobic Coatings Containing Eucomis comosa Extract

by Małgorzata Mizielińska, Urszula Kowalska, Piotr Salachna, Łukasz Łopusiewicz and Michał Jarosz

Polymers 2018, 10(4), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10040421 - 09 Apr 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4404

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, as well as the water vapour characteristic of polylactic acid (PLA) films covered with a methyl–hydroxypropyl–cellulose (MHPC)/cocoa butter carrier containing Eucomis comosa extract as an active substance. The second purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of accelerated UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation (UV-aging) on the antimicrobial properties and the barrier characteristic of the coatings. The results of the study revealed that MHPC/cocoa butter coatings had no influence on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus atrophaeus. MHPC/cocoa butter coatings containing E. comosa extract reduced the number of bacterial strains. MHPC/cocoa butter coatings also decreased the water vapour permeability of PLA. It was shown that accelerated UV-A and Q-SUN irradiations altered the chemical composition of the coatings containing cocoa butter. Despite the alteration of the chemical composition of the layers, the accelerated Q-SUN and UV-A irradiation had no influence on the antimicrobial properties of E. comosa extract coatings against S. aureus and B. cereus. It was found that only Q-SUN irradiation decreased the coating activity with an extract against B. atrophaeus, though this was to a small degree. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

26 pages, 9498 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antibacterial Nanocomposites Based on Thermosetting Polymers Derived from Vegetable Oils and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

by Ana Maria Diez-Pascual

Polymers 2019, 11(11), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11111790 - 01 Nov 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4547

Abstract

Thermosetting polymers derived from vegetable oils (VOs) exhibit a wide range of outstanding properties that make them suitable for coatings, paints, adhesives, food packaging, and other industrial appliances. In addition, some of them show remarkable antimicrobial activity. Nonetheless, the antibacterial properties of these materials can be significantly improved via incorporation of very small amounts of metal oxide nanoparticles (MO-NPs) such as TiO₂, ZnO, CuO, or Fe₃O₄. The antimicrobial efficiency of these NPs correlates with their structural properties like size, shape, and mainly on their concentration and degree of functionalization. Owing to their nanoscale dimensions, high specific surface area and tailorable surface chemistry, MO-NPs can discriminate bacterial cells from mammalian ones, offering long-term antibacterial action. MO-NPs provoke bacterial toxicity through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can target physical structures, metabolic paths, as well as DNA synthesis, thereby leading to cell decease. Furthermore, other modes of action—including lipid peroxidation, cell membrane lysis, redox reactions at the NP–cell interface, bacterial phagocytosis, etc.—have been reported. In this work, a brief description of current literature on the antimicrobial effect of VO-based thermosetting polymers incorporating MO-NPs is provided. Specifically, the preparation of the nanocomposites, their morphology, and antibacterial properties are comparatively discussed. A critical analysis of the current state-of-art on these nanomaterials improves our understanding to overcome antibiotic resistance and offers alternatives to struggle bacterial infections in public places. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Antimicrobial Polymer-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (14 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI