Antibacterial and antioxidant phenolic compounds loaded PCL biocomposites for active food packaging application

Abstract

Active food packages must not only act as a protective food barrier but also exhibit radical scavenging activity, antibacterial and controlled release properties that can have a positive effect on food quality, safety and shelf life. In this study, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)/ferulic acid (FA) and PCL/gallic acid (GA) biocomposites were prepared by melt blending method to use in active food packaging applications. The physicochemical properties of the prepared biocomposites were investigated by FTIR-ATR, SEM, and DMA. In addition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, water contact angle, oscillation test and water vapor transmission rate of biocomposites were also investigated. FTIR-ATR and SEM results showed that both fillers were well dispersed in the PCL matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed to examine the mechanical behavior of the samples and to determine their T-g temperatures. The biocomposites exhibited a higher storage modulus and loss modulus than pure PCL. Especially, the glass transition temperature of the PCL/FA sample containing 5 wt.% FA increased 17 degrees C compared to the neat PCL. They exhibited high-scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, and showed high-antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus bacteria.