Development of a novel active packaging system based on layer-sy layer deposition of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials to extend food products' shelf life

Abstract

In recent years, Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly of thin films has been extensively investigated for many purposes, particularly for its functionality and simplicity of fabrication. Through LbL assembly; antioxidant agents have beenincorporated into active packaging systems in different forms, mainly including sachets, physical adsorption on packaging material surface, multilayer films which contact with food packaging surface. In previous studies, active packaging systen associated with LbL depositions were investigated, but no detailed investigation has been found about the application of controlled releasing-active packaging system on fresh-cut fruits. In this study, 20 bilayers of chitosan and alginate; respectively; were coated on amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (A-PET) sheets by dipping method. The LbL treated PET films were used for active packaging of fresh-cut peaches. Total soluble solids content and titrable acidity demonstrated that LbL active coating did not interfere with the natural postharvest behaviour. A lower weight loss was observed for LbL coated peach saples, suggesting that the presence of layer structure on PET strips could act as a barrier against fruit water loos. After 7 days of storage, the LbL treated samples have shown the best preservation of carotenoids, the lower PPO activity and higher phenolic index. Microbiological analysis has shown that all the microbiological analysis has that all the microorganism types which were invetigated were affected by the actice packaging system.Sensory results were really encouraging, as well. As a conclusion, LbL coating has been proved for being a useful technique to produce controlled-release active packaging systems on fresh-cut fruits.