Development of Antifungal Packaging From Low ‐Density Polyethylene With Essential Oil of Oregano and Potassium Sorbate

Antifungal low-density polyethylene films were formulated with oregano essential oil. Oregano essential oil modifies the physical properties of low-density polyethylene films. Potassium sorbate influences the barrier properties of low-density polyethylene films. ABSTRACTAntimicrobial low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films were developed by adding 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (w/w) of Mexican oregano essential oil (OEO) or potassium sorbate (PS) as a positive antifungal control to inhibit the growth ofPenicillium expansum,Penicillium citrinum andAspergillus niger in  vitro. Three methods of adding OEO in LDPE were evaluated; the best OEO yield in film was achieved when OEO was incorporated after laminating (88%); otherwise, when added into cool-melting resin, OEO lost up to 91.5% from LDPE and completely volatilized (>99%) when combined with the resin before melting. PS yields in LDPE film were>  88% when incorporated into cool-melted resin. Antimicrobial films with 2.5% or 5.0% (w/w) OEO or PS delayed the growth ofP.  expansum andP.  citrinum for up to 4 –5 days, and forA.  niger, only films with 5.0% of OEO retarded its growth for 5  days. The modified Gompertz model was used to describe mould growth response, obtaining the parameters A (maximum growth), μm (maximum growth rate) and λ (lag phase), which correctly fit the data.P.  citrinum was the most sensitive mould, andA.  niger was the most resistant to the tested antimicrobials. The addition of...
Source: Packaging Technology and Science - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research