Effect of gallic acid and umbelliferone on thermal, mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of poly (vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) films. (June 2018) - Luzi, F.
Abstract: Poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (EVOH) films containing two different active ingredients (AIs), gallic acid (GA) and umbelliferone (UMB) at 5 wt % and 15 wt %, were successfully produced by solvent casting and extrusion. The effects of process techniques, AIs presence, typology and content on optical, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of EVOH based films have been investigated. In addition, moisture content, migration and radical scavenging activity, antimicrobial and antifungal studies were performed, with the aim of evaluating the effect of AIs on structural and functional properties of realized food packaging systems. Results from colorimetric and transparency investigation underlined that the presence of AIs in EVOH copolymer induced important alterations, whereas migration to food simulant data restricted the use of produced films to the contact with fatty foods. On the other hand, the use of AIs clearly induced positive antioxidant response, inhibitions of bacterial and antifungal growth, confirming the possibility of practically using these materials in the food packaging sector. Graphical abstract: Highlights: EVOH based films were produced by solvent casting and extrusion. Gallic acid and umbelliferone were combined with EVOH to get active food packaging. Homogeneous distribution of active ingredients in EVOH was observed and transparent films were obtained. Gallic acid and umbelliferone in EVOH based formulations induced antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal effects.