Development of PLA films containing oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgareL.virens) intended for use in food packaging

Abstract

Consumers' concerns about the environment and health have led to the development of new food packaging materials avoiding petroleum-based matrices and synthetic additives. The present study has developed polylactic acid (PLA) films containing different concentrations of essential oil from Origanum vulgare L. virens (OEO). The effectiveness of this new active packaging was checked for use in ready-to-eat salads. A plasticising effect was observed when OEO was incorporated in PLA films. The rest of the mechanical and physical properties of developed films did not show much change when OEO was included in the film. An antioxidant effect was recorded only for films containing the highest percentages of the active agent (5% and 10%). In addition, films exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus carnosus. Moreover, in ready-to-eat salads, antimicrobial activity was only observed against yeast and moulds, where 5% and 10% of OEO was the most effective.

Preparation and evaluation of antioxidant packaging films made of polylactic acid containing thyme, rosemary, and oregano essential oils

“…Llana‐Ruiz‐Cabello et al () prepared PLA films containing oregano EO (2%–10%) by melt blending using a twin‐screw extruder. Film antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH and ABTS methods.…”

Development of Biodegradable Whey-Based Laminate Functionalised by Chitosan–Natural Extract Formulations

“…Essential oils may provide the films with antioxidant but also limited antimicrobial properties (to low spectrum of microorganisms) [26]. In the study by Cabello et al, PLA films that contain different concentrations of essential oil from Origanum vulgare L. virens (OEO) were developed [27]. The effectiveness of this new active packaging was checked for use in ready-to-eat salads.…”

The industrial potential of herbs and spices – a mini review

“…Plant essential oils can be also used in new active packaging, as additives in biodegradable fi lms and coatings in order to extend shelf-life and add value to the product (Atarés and Chiralt, 2016;Llana-Ruiz--Cabello et al, 2016). The addition of essential oils has a positive infl uence on the continuity of the polymer matrix, leading to physical changes depending on the specifi c polymer-oil component interactions.…”