We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Antimicrobial Efficacy of GS-2 on Reusable Food Packaging Materials for Specialty Crops
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated a novel antimicrobial formulation (GS-2) against foodborne pathogens on reusable plastic and cardboard food packaging, finding that a 3% concentration achieved greater than 5-log reductions of E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella within 60 minutes, though efficacy against fungal and viral pathogens was limited.
The European Union (EU) regulations mandate 10% of all food packaging to be reusable by 2030. United States (U.S.) exporters of specialty crops face new challenges in ensuring microbiological food safety using reusable packaging. A novel antimicrobial formulation consisting of ammonium carboxylate salt of capric acid and L-arginine (GS-2) was recently developed as a spray coating chemical for food packaging materials. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of GS-2 against microbial strains representing three foodborne bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica), one fungal spoilage organism (Aspergillus niger), and one surrogate viral pathogen (murine norovirus) on three reusable plastic materials (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene) and one cardboard packaging material, respectively. Different chemical concentrations, exposure times, and storage conditions were individually evaluated for the relative antimicrobial efficacies of GS-2 against these microorganisms. Our results showed that GS-2 was highly effective for inactivating bacterial pathogens on both plastic and cardboard surfaces. For instance, 3% GS-2 achieved a >5 log CFU/in2 reduction in E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica on tested plastic surfaces at an exposure time of 60 min. However, its efficacy against A. niger and murine norovirus was less optimal, resulting in a ≤1 log CFU/in2 reduction on all tested surfaces. Based on our study, GS-2 demonstrated a strong potential as an antibacterial coating reagent for reusable food packaging materials to minimize pathogen contamination and ensure the safety of the specialty crops.
More Papers Like This
Antimicrobial nanoparticles and biodegradable polymer composites for active food packaging applications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines active food packaging materials that combine antimicrobial nanoparticles—including metal oxides, mesoporous silica, and graphene—with biodegradable biopolymers such as cellulose, chitosan, and gelatin. These composite materials extend shelf life and reduce foodborne pathogen risk while addressing the environmental concerns of conventional plastic packaging.
Development and characterization of active gelatin-chitosan packaging incorporated with guava leaf extract for extending meat shelf life
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed active food packaging films made from gelatin and chitosan incorporating natural antimicrobial agents, evaluating their barrier properties, mechanical strength, and ability to extend food shelf life. The bio-based packaging showed effective antimicrobial activity and reduced food spoilage compared to untreated films.
An Antibacterial and Antioxidant Food Packaging Film Based on Amphiphilic Polypeptides‐Resveratrol‐Chitosan
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a biodegradable food packaging film made from natural materials including chitosan and resveratrol that kills bacteria and prevents food spoilage. Unlike conventional plastic packaging that breaks down into microplastics, this film is made entirely from biological materials and poses no microplastic contamination risk. This type of eco-friendly alternative could help reduce the microplastics that enter the food supply through traditional plastic packaging.
Improving Antimicrobial Properties of Biopolymer-Based Films in Food Packaging: Key Factors and Their Impact
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed antimicrobial biodegradable food packaging films from starch, chitosan, and alginate modified with plant extracts, plasticizers, crosslinkers, and cellulose nanofibers, finding that chestnut extract and calcium chloride-crosslinked alginate films with specific plasticizers achieved the strongest broad-spectrum antimicrobial performance against bacteria and yeast while maintaining favorable mechanical and hydrophilic properties.
Exploring Agricultural and Industrial Fruit-Based Waste/By-products for Eco-friendly Multifunctional Bio-based Food Packaging and Coating Materials
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how agricultural and industrial fruit waste — including peels, seeds, and pomace — can be converted into multifunctional bio-based food packaging materials with demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and shelf-life-extending properties, while identifying scalability and regulatory alignment as key barriers to widespread adoption.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.