Biopolymer composite materials with antimicrobial effects applied to the food industry

KELVIA ALVAREZ; GUTIÉRREZ, TOMY J.; ALVAREZ VERA

Hybrid Polymer Composite Materials

Springuer US

Año: 2016; p. 1 - 33

Over the past decade there has been a marked increase in consumer demand for healthy foods that are convenient, safe, with a longer useful life, and packaged using eco-materials. This has prompted both scientists and the food industry to investigate new strategies for food processing, handling and packaging. In particular, films and coatings made from biodegradable and edible composite materials with antimicrobial effects, either due to intrinsic characteristics or through the incorporation of traditional or natural antimicrobial composites have been developed. These materials have proved to be a novel alternative to extend the shelf-life of foods, while maintaining their physical, chemical and sensory properties and, most importantly, ensuring food safety. They also serve as a barrier against moisture loss from foods and the entry of oxygen. In addition, they can convey different bioactive compounds, some of which have an antimicrobial effect on important pathogenic microorganisms, thus ensuring food safety. All of this with an advantageous cost-benefit ratio. In this chapter, we review various biopolymer-based antimicrobial composites incorporated in films and coatings and their effects on different food matrices. Finally, factors that should be considered when developing composite materials with antimicrobial effects, as well as toxicological aspects and the regulatory status of these materials are discussed.