Abstract
Corrugated cardboard boxes are one of the largest paper-based packaging forms used for shipping and handling of wide variety of products in different end-use industries due to low cost, low weight and recyclability. Due to its organic composition, they are highly susceptible to spoilage from heat-resistant microbial spores, leading to economic losses and health risks. In this study, the efficacy of lipopeptides produced from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MTCC 10456 against thermotolerant Thermoascus crustaceus, Neosartorya hiratsukae and Bacillus subtilis, isolated from spoiled cardboard boxes, was investigated. Lipopeptides were isolated by salt-precipitation of fermentation broth and activity-guided Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). Inhibitory fractions consisted of bacillomycin D and surfactin, which were identified using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. Mixture of lipopeptides with nisin (3:2 w/w) asserted significant synergistic effect on the tested pathogens which reduced the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values and increased their inhibition spectra. Preservative coating containing lipopeptides and nisin was applied on the corrugated cardboard surfaces by mixing with starch-based additive by spread-coating method. It demonstrated biopreservative efficacy against the targeted microorganisms at during the observational period of 180 days. Reduction in microbial count of 4 log cycles was observed in 20 days and showed controlled release of coated peptides which indicate its suitability for packaging purposes. Findings from this study suggests an effective and scalable strategy to prevent microbial spoilage thereby extending the storage period of cardboard boxes.
Highlights
Corrugated cardboard boxes are one of the most widely used secondary packaging materials due to their flexibility, low weight, low cost and environmental-friendly nature
The efficacy of lipopeptides produced from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MTCC 10456 against thermotolerant Thermoascus crustaceus, Neosartorya hiratsukae and Bacillus subtilis, isolated from spoiled cardboard boxes, was investigated
Microbial contamination of the cardboard boxes was estimated by international standard method based on agar flooding method10. 10 x 10 mm of cardboard samples were placed in 10 cm Petri dishes and molten Potato Dextrose agar (PDA, Himedia, Mumbai, India) was poured over it
Summary
Corrugated cardboard boxes are one of the most widely used secondary packaging materials due to their flexibility, low weight, low cost and environmental-friendly nature. In paper-making process, starch or cellulose is the most common cost-effective additive, which imparts mechanical strength and good barrier properties. At suitable temperature (30-45°C) and pH (4-10) conditions during paper manufacturing process, it provides an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms. The thermotolerant spoilage microorganisms present on the cardboard surface can penetrate and damage the packaged goods and may cause health hazards to the consumers. In response to the increasing demand for safe and high-quality goods, it is necessary to develop new bio-based or naturally derived antimicrobial coating material without disturbing the barrier and strength properties for packaging paper[4]
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