Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #240205
Title: Antimicrobial Packaging using PLA-pectin

Author
item Finkenstadt, Victoria
item Liu, Linshu

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/12/2009
Publication Date: 5/16/2009
Citation: Finkenstadt, V.L., Liu, L.S. 2009. Antimicrobial Packaging using PLA-pectin. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A pectin and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite was compounded by extrusion. A model antimicrobial polypeptide, nisin, was loaded into the composite by diffusion. The incorporation of pectin into PLA resulted in a heterogeneous biphasic structure, as revealed by scanning electronic microscopy, confocal laser microscopy, and fracture acoustic emission. The incorporation of pectin also created a rough and cragged surface, which was hydrophilic and facilitated the access and absorption of nisin. The nisin loaded composite suppressed Lactobacillus plantarum growth, as indicated by agar diffusion and liquid-phase culture tests. The incorporation of pectin at the concentration of approx. 20% of the total mass did not alter the Young’s modulus of the film from that of the pure PLA. The composite materials were able to retain their tensile strength, flexibility, and toughness to an extent that satisfied the requirements for packaging materials. Results from this research indicate the potential of pectin/PLA composites for applications in antimicrobial packaging.