| dc.description | New trends related to consumers in food packaging include the preference for green and
sustainable biopolymers. This study determined a formulation and process flow diagram for the
development of an active packaging based on Pullulan and Polylactic acid (PLA), incorporating
grape seed and grapefruit seed extract as antimicrobials. Physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial
properties of the created film were evaluated. Two completely randomized design with two
variables to optimize film formulations was used. The independent variables were grape seed and
grapefruit seed extract in two concentrations (1 and 5%). Three replicates were performed for each
treatment, for a total of 24 experimental units for each statistical analysis. Evaluations performed
were thickness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation at break (EL), elasticity (YM), color
(L*, a*, b*), and antimicrobial activity. Results for mechanical properties indicated that there was
an interaction between the extract and concentrations, meaning that, depending the concentration
of the extract, the mechanical properties will change. In contrast, antimicrobial properties Listeria
monocytogenes, Salmonella Infantis and Seftenberg; Escherichia coli O26 and O157:H7 are
susceptible to films with grapefruit seed extract. However, the inhibitory effect on bacteria growth
will remain the same regardless of concentration. This point out that Pullulan with grapefruit seed
extract can be used as an active packaging, inhibiting Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes) and
Gram-negative (Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli) foodborne pathogens. | |
