Bio-Based Antimicrobial Food Packaging

By Brittney M. McInnis, Tyler W. Hodges, Lisa K. Kemp, Jonathan D. Hurt, Steve McDaniel, Aayushma Kunwar

The antimicrobial properties of two disparate bio-based coating additives were evaluated in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) food packaging coating for antimicrobial activity. Chitosan, a shrimp and crustacean shell derived polysaccharide, and an antimicrobial peptide were evaluated in a dissolvable food package coating for reductions in microbial growth after contacting agar patties serving as food simulants.

Where the antimicrobial components of such packaging coatings are chosen to be generally recognized as safe by worldwide regulatory agencies, migration from the packaging into headspaces and food-contact surfaces can provide enhanced efficacy against food-borne pathogens, including viruses. The techniques and coatings presented in this article suggest that dramatic improvements in food safety can be achieved using coatings containing non-toxic bio-based biocides.