Abstract
Biofilm is a structured community of microorganisms adhering to surfaces of various polymeric materials used in food packaging. Microbes in the biofilm may affect food quality. However, the presence of biofilm can ensure biodegradation of discarded packaging. This work aims to evaluate a biofilm formation on the selected biodegradable polymer films: poly (lactic acid) (PLA), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) by selected bacterial strains; collection strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus; and Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus tequilensis, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolated from dairy products. Three different methods for biofilm evaluation were performed: the Christensen method, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and fluorescence microscopy. High biofilm formation was confirmed on the control PBS film, whereas low biofilm formation ability was observed on the PLA polymer sample. Furthermore, the films with incorporated antimicrobial compounds (thymol or eugenol) were also prepared. Antimicrobial activity and also reduction in biofilm formation on enriched polymer films were determined. Therefore, they were all proved to be antimicrobial and effective in reducing biofilm formation. These films can be used to prepare novel active food packaging for the dairy industry to prevent biofilm formation and enhance food quality and safety in the future.
Highlights
Biofilm is a community of microorganisms attached to a surface and surrounded by an extracellular polymeric matrix
This study investigated biofilm formation on the polymer films with a perspective application in the food industry as the packaging material
PLA, polybutylene succinate (PBS), and PBAT polymer films were tested for biofilm formation using various detection techniques (Christensen method, MTT assay, and fluorescence microscopy)
Summary
Biofilm is a community of microorganisms attached to a surface and surrounded by an extracellular polymeric matrix. Biofilm provides better living conditions for microorganisms than planktonic form because it maintains the stability of the internal environment, isolates them from the outside, and protects inner cells [1,2,3]. They are more resistant to harmful effects, such as antimicrobial compounds, UV radiation, bacteriophages, antibiotics, and the human immune system. Microorganisms can adhere to abiotic surfaces, form a biofilm, and reduce the shelf life of food products It may increase the incidence of foodborne illnesses, which is a significant concern for public health and food quality [6,7]
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