Development of bioactive paper packaging for grain-based food products

In this work, the development of bioactive packaging for grain-based food products is proposed based on active compound grafted paper. Eugenol was grafted to cellulose using a polycarboxylic acid as linking agent. A comparative study of mechanical performance as well as bioactive and organoleptic properties was carried out. Thus, properties analyzed on modified paper include water absorption, and mechanical properties such as tensile, tear and puncture. Also, insecticide/insectifuge activity, reagent migration to food products and organoleptic properties of wheat flour and derived products were evaluated preparing packaging prototypes. It was demonstrated that new material developed preserve good mechanical properties for packaging applications, with typical water absorption values for paper-based packaging materials and with significantly enhanced bioactive properties (insecticide/insectifuge). Furthermore, no migration of odors and flavors to the packaged product was detected.