Production and characterization of pullulan/paper/zein laminates as active food packaging materials

Pullulan/paper/zein laminates were developed as food packaging materials with active properties, taking advantage of the hydrophilic character of the pullulan where the rockrose essential was incorporated as a bioactive agent to be more easily released into the packaged food; paper improved the general mechanical properties of the developed materials; and the hydrophobic nature of zein improved the barrier properties of the developed materials. A cohesive microstructure without a clear boundary between the three layers was visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, which proves the good adhesion between them. It was found that the incorporation of rockrose essential oil significantly improves the ability of the laminates to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Thus, the potential for application of the developed laminates as new food packaging materials was confirmed, considering their ability to inhibit and/or prevent oxidation and lipid peroxidation and thereby increase the shelf life of the packaged food. The laminates also presented antimicrobial activity, specifically against Gram-positive strains. After 7 days of storage of fresh ham slices packaged with the developed laminates, it was observed that the texture parameters (shear force and shear energy) increased significantly in pullulan/paper/zein packages with and without the incorporation of rockrose essential oil. Practical applications We produced biodegradable laminates as new food packaging materials with the potential to replace the traditional synthetic polymer packaging. The developed laminates presented antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and improved mechanical and barrier properties, which altogether will improve the shelf life of the packaged food, particularly, fresh ham. New findings or insights this research provides Pullulan/paper/zein laminates were developed and characterized, incorporating rockrose essential oil as a bioactive agent. The laminates presented good mechanical and barrier properties and shown be antioxidant and antimicrobial. The laminates were applied to package fresh ham slices.

Automated summary

Pullulan/paper/zein laminates were developed as food packaging materials with improved mechanical properties and barrier properties. The incorporation of rockrose essential oil enhanced the ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and provided antimicrobial activity. The developed laminates showed great potential in replacing traditional synthetic polymer packaging and extending the shelf life of packaged food.