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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Healthy Processed Foods Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #293032
Title: Antimicrobial synergy of apple skin polyphenol and thyme essential oil in Açaí edible films and their effects on film properties (abstract)

Author
item ESPITIA, PAULA - Universidade Federal De Vicosa
item Avena-Bustillos, Roberto
item Du, Wen-Xian
item TEOFILO, REINALDO - Universidade Federal De Vicosa
item Williams, Tina
item Wood, Delilah - De
item McHugh, Tara
item SOARES, NILDA - Universidade Federal De Vicosa

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/13/2013
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction: Diseases caused by food borne pathogens are of great concern to the food industry. The consumption of foods with chemical preservatives has led to increased consumer concern and demand for natural and minimally processed foods. In addition, environmental concerns are generated from current domestic and industrial use of synthetic plastics. As a result, there is great interest in developing antimicrobial packaging materials using natural antimicrobial compounds and biopolymers. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop biodegradable edible films with antimicrobial activity by incorporating both apple skin polyphenol (ASP) and thyme essential oil (TEO) into films made from Açaí frozen puree, a tropical fruit product from Brazil. Methods: The antimicrobial effects of açaí edible films incorporated with ASP and TEO were investigated using a central composite design (CCD). The CCD consisted of 11 treatments. Antimicrobial activity of films against Listeria monocytogenes as well as film properties, including mechanical properties, color and thermal resistance, were evaluated. Results were analyzed using response surface methodology. Results: Antimicrobial synergy between both compounds on açaí edible films was observed. Combination of 3.1% ASP and 6.07% TEO resulted in the film with highest inhibition zone against L. monocytogenes, with mean value of 685.4 mm2. Film stiffness was influenced by the interaction of both antimicrobials. Film lightness was influenced by ASP and interaction of both compounds. Film redness was affected by both compounds. Incorporation of both antimicrobials resulted in slightly increased values of b* (yellowness). Incorporation of ASP resulted in enhanced thermal stability of films. Significance: Knowledge of antimicrobial and physical properties of packaging materials is essential for industrial food application. This work showed the antimicrobial synergy of ASP and TEO when incorporated in açaí films, and demonstrated their potential application on food preservation due to their antibacterial activity and good contribution to film properties.