Application of Antioxidants as an Alternative Improving of Shelf Life in Foods

Oxidation is the main problem in preserving food products during storage. A relatively novel strategy is the use of antioxidant-enriched edible films. Antioxidants hinder reactive oxygen species, which mainly affect fats and proteins in food. At present, these films have been improved by the addition of micro- and nanoliposomes coated with carbohydrate polymers, which are not hazardous for human health and can be ingested without risk. The liposomes are loaded with different antioxidants, and their effects are observed as a longer storage time of the food product. The synergy of these methodologies and advances can lead to the displacement of the protective packaging used currently, which would result in food products with functional properties added by the films, an increase in shelf life, and an improvement to the environment by reducing the amount of waste.

Presence of “One Pill Can Kill” Medications in Medication Organizers: Implications for Child Safety

Background: Medication organizers increased compliance, but they do not contain child protective packaging. Medications organizers have been involved in some pediatric exposures; however, previous reports do not describe if “one pill can kill” (1PCK) medications were involved in the exposures. 1PCK medications may cause toxicity even with a single tablet. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the type and presence of 1PCK medications dispensed in medication organizers at a single center. Methods: Adult patients who received blister packed medications from September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 were included in this retrospective review. Medications were excluded if dispensed traditionally during this time. The primary outcome described included 1PCK medications (quantity and type). Secondary outcomes included total number of tablets dispensed, delayed- (DR) and extended-release (ER) formulations, average age of those dispensed 1PCK medications versus those without. Results: A total of 450 patients received 486 blister packs and 75.5% of which found to include 1PCK medications. Most commonly included 1PCK medications were beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (42.4 and 49.4%, respectively). Patients receiving 1PCK medications were older (69.1 ± 12.6 vs 62.6 ± 16.7 years old, p < 0.0001) and included more medications (8.5 ± 2.9 vs 5.7 ± 2.9 medications, p < 0.0001). DR and ER formulations were in 150 packs. Conclusion: The majority of dispensed medication organizers included 1PCK medications. Upon dispensing, patients should be questioned for possible proximity exposures. Additionally, they should receive education on medication safety for children that may be in proximity of the medications during home, work, or social activities.

Effect of Temperature Changes on the Vibration Transmissibility of XPE and PE Packaging Cushioning Material

Polyethylene (PE) and its variations are among the most traditional materials used for cushioning in packaging systems. The role of these materials is to prevent damages during handling and distribution processes from physical events such as vibration stress. This study presents new results on the characterization of properties of PE and XPE (cross-linked polyethylene) packaging materials, which have significant relevance as a protective mechanism due to their vibration transmissibility and frequency curve properties. The main goal of this study is the evaluation of vibration transmissibility of PE and XPE cushion material at varied real temperature and static load conditions through a series of experiments using a vibration tester and climate chamber to determine the peak frequencies, vibration transmissibility, and damping ratios. The results can be used by engineers in the package-design process, and can be useful in different distribution conditions. Three different kinds of static loads and a 0.5 oct/min sine sweep of vibration test were used to find the peak frequencies and vibration transmissibility at −20 °C, 0 °C, 20 °C and 40 °C to estimate the damping ratios. The results provided a better understanding of the materials and can assist in the design of suitable protective packaging systems.

Experimental study on vibration transmissibility of Pre-loaded XPE and PE packaging cushioning material

Most of the shipped products are sensitive against shock and vibration events during the distribution. Various cushioning materials are usually used to prevent the product damages. During the design process the protective packaging system is developed by the engineers based on the cushion and vibration transmissibility features (ie. cushion curve) of the material used. However, after the assembly of the packaged-product, these are stored for various long periods in warehouse. During this time the products pre-load the cushioning material and its parameters can be changed. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the vibration transmissibility of PE and XPE cushioning material at varied storage (pre-loaded) time and static load conditions. Four different kinds of duration (1 hour, 10 hours, 100 hours and 1000 hours) were used for the pre-loading period at three different static loads (3.488 kPa, 4.651 kPa, and 6.976 kPa), and then at 0.5 oct/min sine sweep vibration the peak frequencies of response and vibration transmissibility, and damping ratio were determined. The results show that the effect of pre-loading is minimal by PE material, but can influence the resonance frequencies by XPE cushioning material. The findings of this study help the packaging engineers to understand better the mechanism of these cushioning materials and to design suitable protective packaging systems.

Lignocellulosic bio-refinery downstream products in future packaging applications

The concept of efficient utilisation of renewable bio-based materials (biomass feedstock) is the driving force in the green transformation to a more sustainable and circular society. Biorefineries or biochemical platforms convert and utilise different sources of biomass into fuels and other beneficial derivates like fibres and other bio-based chemicals. These can be used as building blocks for many potentially useful applications. In this review, we shall describe the current state of the art and trends in the conversion of lignocellulosic feedstock into materials which can be primarily used in packaging applications. The three main constituents (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) are being re-engineered into new products with higher added value. The main goal of all these downstream products is that they do not compete with animal feed and food applications. The main downstream products of different kind of transformations are different natural fibres which can be further processed into micro or nano fibrillated state and used for a broad application of fields from ink, adhesive and packaging materials. Also, fibres and its derivates can be bonded successfully into bio-composites or fibre-based foams applications for the protective packaging applications. Hemicellulose, as a second most abundant component, has been researched for applications in adhesives and paper and paperboard coatings. Lignin which is currently utilised as an energy source for the paper industry, has been recently actively researched. Lignin-based biopolymers have a potential to be used in many different applications from additives in the barrier coatings on the packaging to active packaging and even as lignin-based foams. All these applications are currently in the development stages and cover niche market segments, but are expected to grow and to be used in future markets.

Fabricating Fibers of a Porous-Polystyrene Shell and Particle-Loaded Core

Polystyrene (PS) polymers have broad applications in protective packaging for food shipping, containers, lids, bottles, trays, tumblers, disposable cutlery and the making of models. Currently, most PS products, such as foams, are not accepted for recycling due to a low density in the porous structure. This poses a challenge for logistics as well as creating a lack of incentive to invest in high-value products. This study, however, demonstrated the use of a dry-jet wet-spinning technique to manufacture continuous PS fibers enabled by an in-house designed and developed spinning apparatus. The manufactured fibers showed porosity in the shell and the capability to load particles in their core, a structure with high potential use in environmentally relevant applications such as water treatment or CO2 collections. A two-phase liquid-state microstructure was first achieved via a co-axial spinneret. Following coagulation procedures and heat treatment, phase-separation-based selective dissolution successfully generated the porous-shell/particle-core fibers. The pore size and density were controlled by the porogen (i.e., PEG) concentrations and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fiber formation dynamics were studied via rheology tests and gelation measurements. The shell components were characterized by tensile tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry for mechanical durability and thermal stability analyses.

PHOTOLYTIC DEGRADATION STUDY ON FILM COATED ATENOLOL TABLET AVAILABLE IN MARKET

Objective: Despite its sensitivity to light, atenolol has been manufactured as a film-coated tablet with normal blister packaging by several pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of light-induced potency degradation of a randomly selected film coated brand of atenolol.Methods: Atenolol tablets were exposed to different lighting conditions such as normal room light, direct sunlight and different incandescent lights (25W and 40W). Subsequently, UV spectroscopy technique was employed to determine the relative reduction of light absorbance compared to their respective controls. Thereafter, photolytic degradation was calculated by means of the potency reduction of tablets.Results: In all lighting conditions, atenolol tablets underwent exposure dependent gradual decrease in potency. Except for normal room light condition, a significant decrease in potency was found even after 4 to 6 h of exposure to all lighting conditions. After 6 h, potency reduction was found at 40-47%, 26-38% and 34-36% in the samples exposed to direct sunlight, 25 W bulb, and 40 W bulb respectively. Although the shelf life of the film coated tables was 2 y, surprisingly, statistically significant reduction in potency was observed within only 30 d in room light condition.Conclusion: In order to protect from light, blister packaging is not sufficient for film coated atenolol tablets. Photo-stability of all brands of atenolol must be ensured either by protective packaging materials or by optimizing the formulations.