Scientists have discovered antimicrobial food packaging materials that keep the food safe and healthy. This research was conducted at the Nanyang Technological University and Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health.
The newly discovered food packaging material is biodegradable and waterproof. This is made from a protein called Zein that is found in corn starch and other naturally occurring polymers.
To prove the proper efficiency of this food packaging material an experiment was conducted. In this experiment, the material was exposed to humidity or enzymes obtained from harmful bacteria. The result was wonderful as the packaging itself released natural antimicrobial compounds and prohibited the growth of dangerous bacteria that contaminate food.
Due to this ability, this packaging material can be used in the food industry.
How biopolymer packaging material is made?
In simple words, to make biopolymer packaging materials with antimicrobial activity, you need to mix the biopolymer with an active substance that kills germs. You can do this by adding the active substance directly to the polymer mix before it is processed into packaging material.
One example of this is cassava starch and chitosan films with oregano essential oil added. These films are made using an extrusion process, which is a common way to make plastic films.
Here are steps of process:
- The biopolymer and active substance are mixed together.
- The mixture is heated and melted.
- The melted mixture is forced through a die, which shapes it into a film.
- The film is cooled and solidified.
The resulting film will have both the properties of the biopolymer and the antimicrobial activity of the active substance. This makes it a good choice for food packaging, as it can help to prevent food spoilage and keep food safe to eat.
Further information
Zeynep Aytac et al, Enzyme- and Relative Humidity-Responsive Antimicrobial Fibers for Active Food Packaging, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2021). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12319
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