Antimicrobial properties and sensorial acceptability of edible antimicrobial films from seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil

Packaging of foods by using edible antimicrobial films (EAF) incorporated with essential oils is able to reduce the spoilage of food due to surface contamination. Essential oils are highly volatile and have strong aromas that can affect their function and consumer acceptance. This paper discussed the effect of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) concentrations on the antimicrobial activity and sensory acceptability of EAF produced from seaweed through a casting method. The CEO was added into the formulations at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 g/kg levels. The EAF showed antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms with the highest antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 40 g/kg CEO. However, based on the results obtained from a sensory evaluation using a 7-points hedonic scale, the overall acceptability was 3.23 which was lower than the minimum acceptability score of 4. Hence, the highest acceptable level of CEO in the EAF was 30 g/ kg. It is recommended that the CEO of 30 g/kg could be incorporated into edible film and act as an alternative method to extend the shelf life of packaged foods.

Antimicrobial Packaging

Food Codex requires safe products and packaging is an important factor to comply with this consumer right, so developing packaging with antimicrobial properties that protect the product by eliminating or inhibiting bacteria or pathogens that cause damage to health is important in the food industry. The objective of this work was to perform a bibliographic analysis of some additives that generate antimicrobial properties in packaging by reviewing some studies that have developed antimicrobial films or also called smart films. Microbial agents have become an important factor in maintaining food quality over time. Biopolymers are an excellent alternative due to their availability, low cost, biodegradability and their origin are from renewable sources.