Active Systems Based on Silver-Montmorillonite Nanoparticles Embedded into Bio-Based Polymer Matrices for Packaging Applications

Abstract

Silver-montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) antimicrobial nanoparticles were obtained by allowing silver ions from nitrate solutions to replace the Na(+) of natural montmorillonite and to be reduced by thermal treatment. The Ag-MMT nanoparticles were embedded in agar, zein, and poly(ε-caprolactone) polymer matrices. These nanocomposites were tested in vitro with a three-strain cocktail of Pseudomonas spp. to assess antimicrobial effectiveness. The results indicate that Ag-MMT nanoparticles embedded into agar may have antimicrobial activity against selected spoilage microorganisms. No antimicrobial effects were recorded with active zein and poly(ε-caprolactone). The water content of the polymeric matrix was the key parameter associated with antimicrobial effectiveness of this active system intended for food packaging applications.

Calcium-alginate coating loaded with silver-montmorillonite nanoparticles to prolong the shelf-life of fresh-cut carrots

“…Silver-montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) nanoparticles were prepared by ion exchange reaction, as reported in detail in a previous paper (Incoronato, Buonocore, Conte, Lavorgna, & Del Nobile, 2010). Briefly, a known amount of Na-MMT was dispersed in 0.2 M NaCl solution, then separated by centrifugation (Model 4239R, ACL International, Milan, Italy) and finally washed with deionized water.…”

Characterization and biodegradation behavior of bio-based poly(lactic acid) and soy protein blends for sustainable horticultural applications

“…Although petroleum plastics are extremely versatile and fulfill the performance requirements for a multitude of applications, increasing public awareness of their environmental impacts has spurred efforts to replace petroleum feedstocks with sustainable and ecofriendly alternatives. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Motivated by the goal to reduce our carbon footprint and dependence on fossil carbon sources, bio-based polymers and composites are becoming widely utilized in polymer manufacturing and medical applications. [16][17][18] One area of strong interest is the replacement of petroleum-based plastics with bioplastics in horticulture containers used by the nursery-crops industry.…”

Research of prospects for using zeolites in the food industry

“…Італійськими вченими запропоновано проти-мікробний засіб, що може бути використаним при виготовленні пакувальних матеріалів для харчових продуктів на основі поєднання протимікробних нано-частинок іонів срібла та монтморилоніту [29].…”