Application of antimicrobial active packaging film made of semolina flour, nano zinc oxide and nano‐kaolin to maintain the quality of low‐moisture mozzarella cheese during low‐temperature storage

Abstract

BACKGROUND Active food packaging films with improved properties and strong antimicrobial activity were prepared by blending mixed nanomaterials with different ratio [1:4 (40 mg:160 mg), 3:2 (120 mg: 80 mg), 0:5 (0 mg: 200 mg) and 5:0 (200 mg:0 mg)] of ZnO and kaolin with semolina using a solvent casting method and used for the packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to test the effect of packaging on the quality change of the cheese for long‐term (up to 72 days) refrigerated storage. RESULTS Compared with the neat semolina film, mechanical strength (TS) of the nanocomposite films increased significantly (increase in 21–65%) and water vapor barrier (WVP) and O2 gas barrier (OP) properties decreased significantly (decrease in 43–50% and 60–65%, respectively) depending on the blending ratio of ZnO and kaolin nanoclay. The nanocomposite films also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus), yeast (C. albicans), and mold (A. niger). The nanocomposite packaging films were effectively prevented the growth of microorganisms (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi) of the cheese during storage at low‐temperature and showed microbial growth of less than 2.5 log CFU/g after 72 days of storage compared to the control group, and the quality of the packaged cheese was still acceptable. CONCLUSION The semolina‐based nanocomposite films, especially Sem/Z3K2 film, were effective for packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to maintain the physicochemical properties (pH, moisture, and fat content) and quality (color, taste, texture, and overall acceptability) of the cheese as well as preventing microbial growth (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry

Low-Density Polyethylene Films Carrying ferula asafoetida Extract for Active Food Packaging: Thermal, Mechanical, Optical, Barrier, and Antifungal Properties

“…At the end of 14 days, a logarithmic cycle of decrease of 2.39 was observed in the presence of PE-Gum-5 compared to the first day. The results of Jafarzadeh et al [39] reported that active semolina films containing zinc oxide are primarily effective on the fungi (A. niger) followed by yeasts (Candida albicans) and bacteria (S. aureus and E. coli) 13 Advances in Polymer Technology were effective, and the increasing in the concentration of the zinc oxide increased the antimicrobial effect, which was confirmed by the results of this study. The antimicrobial effects of the PE-Leaf and PE-Gum films can be attributed to the presence of antimicrobial compounds in the Ferula leaf and gum extracts such as α-pinene and ferulic acid, umbelliprenin, sulfur compounds, which was mentioned formerly.…”

“…The gelatin films have a regular structure and therefore the addition of mango kernel extract disrupts the regular structure and creates holes and grooves for the water passage that lead to increased WVP [38]. Jafarzadeh et al [39] showed that WVP in the films based on semolina flour and containing different ratio (1 : 4, 3 : 2, 0 : 5, and 5 : 0) of ZnO and kaolin decreased by 43 to 53% which was attributed to the increase of the winding paths for gas passage in the nanocomposite films due to the impermeability of the added nanoparticles.…”

ZnO Nanostructures in Active Antibacterial Food Packaging: Preparation Methods, Antimicrobial Mechanisms, Safety Issues, Future Prospects, and Challenges

“…The long-term storage test (72 days) indicated that mozzarella cheese packed with semolina-based films containing ZnO NPs inhibited the growth of microorganisms and maintained the sensory properties of cheese. [97] Petroleum-based nanocomposites Petroleum-based nanocomposites are being continuously developed as antimicrobial food packaging because petroleum-based materials possess high thermal stability, high tensile strength, appropriate flexibility, conventional processability (blow-film extrusion or cast film). [100,101] The petroleum-based polymer industry represents the major end use of many petrochemical monomers such as ethylene, styrene, and vinyl chloride.…”

Cellular Uptake and Toxicological Effects of Differently Sized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Intestinal Cells

“…ZnO NP have some beneficial characteristics for food packaging, such as photocatalytic activity, a high stability, and antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, they can improve mechanical, thermal, and gas barrier capacities when used as an additive in packaging [ 10 , 11 ]. Notably, ZnO NP are transferred from packaging materials to food, a phenomenon that results in direct oral human exposure to these NP [ 12 ].…”