CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Antimicrobial triticale protein ﬁlms were prepared by incorporating oregano essential oil (OEO). The effect of different concentrations of OEO on antimicrobial activity and on mechanical and barrier properties of ﬁlms plasticized with glycerol was evaluated and compared with control ﬁlms (without antimicrobial agent). The addition of OEO did not affect the water vapor permeability of ﬁlms, increased water solubility and the percent elongation of the ﬁlms, and reduced tensile strength and Young?s modulus. Films with OEO showed higher antimicrobial activity against the Gram positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and lower for Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The obtained results proved the permanence of OEO in the polymer matrix after processing, making them able to be used as active additives in ﬁlm formulation.