Abstract
Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were loaded with lsozyme, as antimicrobial molecule, at a HNTs/lysozyme ratio of 1:1. Such a nano-hybrid was incorporated into a poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix at 10 wt % and films were obtained. The nano-composites were submitted to a cold drawn process at three different draw ratios, λ = 3, 4, and 5, where λ is l(final length)/l0(initial length). Morphology, physical, and barrier properties of the starting nanocomposite and drawn samples were studied, and correlated to the release of the lysozyme molecule. It was demonstrated that with a simple mechanical treatment it is possible to obtain controlled release systems for specific active packaging requirements.
Highlights
The expanding consumer demands of minimally-processed fresh, tasty, and convenient food products on an industrial level, is gaining and the food packaging field is experiencing new opportunities for the formulation of novel materials able to with extend the shelf life and control the quality of packaged foods
In a previous paper we reported the preparation and analysis of novel composites based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) filled with lysozyme for potential in food packaging applications [38]
In this work we investigated the influence of the mechanical drawing on nanocomposites composed of poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) filled with 10% of HNTs/Lysozyme nano-hybrid
Summary
The expanding consumer demands of minimally-processed fresh, tasty, and convenient food products on an industrial level, is gaining and the food packaging field is experiencing new opportunities for the formulation of novel materials able to with extend the shelf life and control the quality of packaged foods. The European Union lists Llysozyme as a food additive (E 1105) with bacteriostatic, bacteriolytic, and bactericidal activity, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers this molecule as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) It is characterized by a single polypeptide chain, and the antimicrobial activity is related to the capability to hydrolyze the beta 1–4 glycosidic bonds between N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid present in peptidoglycans, which constitute 90% of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria [11]. The possibility to apply the same drawing process to copolymers and blends of PLA and PCL, filled with reservoirs of active molecules, like halloysite nanotubes, can help to obtain novel biodegradable active materials with optimal thermal and mechanical properties, and tunable release for specific applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
