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In this study, we developed gelatin-based films for active packaging with the ability to inhibit E. coli. We created these novel biodegradable gelatin-based films with a nisin-EDTA mix. FT-IR, TGA, and SEM analysis showed that nisin interacted with the gelatin by modifying its thermal stability and morphology. The use of nisin (2,500 IU/mL) with concentrations of Na-EDTA (1.052 M stock solution) distributed in the polymer matrix generated a significant decrease in the growth of E. coli when compared to the control. In freshly made films (t0), the growth of E. coli ATCC 25922 was reduced by approximately 3 logarithmic cycles. Two weeks after the films were made, a reduction in antimicrobial activity was observed in approximately 1, 1 and 3 logarithmic cycles of the films with 5%, 10% and 20% of the compound (nisin/Na-EDTA) distributed in the polymer matrix, respectively. This evidences an antimicrobial effect over time. Also, biodegradation tests showed that the films were completely degraded after 10 days. With all these results, an active and biodegradable packaging was successfully obtained to be potentially applied in perishable foods. These biodegradable, gelatin-based films are a versatile active packaging option. Further research on the barrier properties of these films is needed.

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The call to use biodegradable, eco-friendly materials is urgent. The use of biopolymers as a replacement for the classic petroleum-based materials is increasing. Chitosan and starch have been widely studied with this purpose: to be part of this replacement. The importance of proper physical characterization of these biopolymers is essential for the intended application. This review focuses on characterizations of chitosan and starch, approximately from 2017 to date, in one of their most-used applications: food packaging for chitosan and as an adsorbent agent of pollutants in aqueous medium for starch.

The aim of the present study was oriented to evaluate the effect of a commercial organoclay and the technique of preparation on the physical and antimicrobial properties of active eco-friendly nanocomposites films. To this antimicrobial nanocomposite films were fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) powder, triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer, a commercial organoclay Cloisite30B (C30B), and cinnamaldehyde (Ci) as active agent. All nanocomposites showed the intercalation of the polysaccharide inside the organoclay structure, however, the level of the intercalation and the quality of the clay dispersion were dependent on the method selected to prepare them (solution-casting or extrusion). In addition, nanocomposites obtained by extrusion evidenced a better dispersion of organoclay. Important changes on the color properties of films were evidenced, which was associated to the thermal degradation of the quaternary ammonium surfactant of the Cloisi-te30B. On the other hand, organoclay was unable to reduce the cinnamaldehyde loss during the extrusion and storage, nevertheless, a slight effect of the Cloisite30B on the cinnamaldehyde release to a food simulant was observed to nanocomposites prepared by extrusion. Finally, despite cinnamaldehyde loss was observed over time, the content of residual active compound into the films was able to impart antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli for 14 weeks. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2311-2319, 2019

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