Effectiveness of antimicrobial coated oriented polypropylene/polyethylene films in sprout packaging

Abstract

This study focused on the effect of antimicrobial incorporated soy protein isolate (SPI) coated oriented polypropylene/polyethylene (OPP/PE) packaging on extended shelf life of fresh sprouts. To develop antimicrobial SPI-coated packages, the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of antimicrobial (allyl isothiocyanate, trans-cinnamaldehyde, garlic oil, and rosemary oil) and film properties of antimicrobial incorporated SPI films were investigated. Different concentrations (0.6-1.2%, v/v) of the SPI incorporated antimicrobial compounds were coated onto the OPP/PE film and heat-sealed. Packages containing sprouts (alfalfa, broccoli, and radish) were stored at 10 degrees C for 5 days. Significant reduction of the total microbial count of sprouts was observed in treated samples. Allyl isothiocyanate was the most effective antimicrobial compound, followed by garlic oil and trans-cinnamaldehyde. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.