Development and Characterization of Bioactive Poly(butylene-succinate) Films Modified with Quercetin for Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

The preparation of biodegradable active packaging materials is still a major challenge. Here, we report the fabrication and characterization of poly(butylene succinate)-based (PBS) films enriched with a natural polyphenolic antioxidant—quercetin. The PBS-based films with various quercetin content (0.05; 0.10; 0.25 and 0.50 pph on PBS) were prepared via a solvent casting method. Physical (optical, mechanical, thermal, moisture and water sorption, water vapor and UV–vis barrier) and biofunctional (antioxidant and antibacterial against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) film properties were tested. The migration of quercetin into model food liquid systems was determined. As a result of quercetin addition, significant changes in color, opacity and UV-blocking effect were observed. The presence of the active substance did not significantly affect the thermal properties of the PBS matrix. However, the mechanical properties of the films were slightly decreased. The films exhibited excellent free radicals (DPPH, ABTS, O2−) scavenging and some bactericidal activities. PBS-quercetin films with superior functional properties have many possibilities for active food packaging applications.

Novel Hybrid Polymer Composites Based on Anthraquinone and Eco-Friendly Dyes with Potential for Use in Intelligent Packaging Materials

“…Their results confirmed that this polymer in combination with quercetin can be successfully used to produce smart packaging, as a deviation in the red color of the material was observed after 7 and 21 days of exposure under simulated conditions. The huge potential of quercetin as a substance applied in the intelligent packaging systems was also described by Łopusiewicz et al (2021) [31], who examined the influence of this compound on the bioactive poly(butylene-succinate) films. Their research showed significant changes in coloration, UV blocking effect and, importantly, the prepared composites were characterized by absolute free radicals scavenging and antibacterial properties.…”

Comparison of Aging Resistance and Antimicrobial Properties of Ethylene–Norbornene Copolymer and Poly(Lactic Acid) Impregnated with Phytochemicals Embodied in Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

“…Employment of phytochemicals is also favored because of their environmental neutrality [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Nowadays, many works are aimed not only at material recycling [ 17 , 18 , 19 ] but also at partial [ 20 , 21 ] or full [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ] replacement of synthetic materials with natural analogues [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Mass Transfer and Optical Properties of Active PET/PP Food-Grade Films Impregnated with Olive Leaf Extract

“…Traditionally, volatile compounds derived from essential oils and extracts with antibacterial and antioxidant capacities have been used because of their propensity to be easily released into the headspace of the packaging [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. However, there is a wide range of non-volatile compounds, such as phenolic-rich extracts, that can also be used for such purposes, with many having potent biological activity that can assist in preventing or minimizing oxidation and food spoilage [ 3 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”