Functional Properties Of Films Research Articles

PH-sensitive intelligent packaging films from Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) starch and gum tragacanth incorporated with beetroot peel extract for monitoring shrimp freshness

This study aims to develop intelligent pH-sensitive food packaging films based on kodo millet starch (KMS), gum tragacanth (GT), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNP) incorporated with betalain-rich beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) peel extract (BPE). The physical, mechanical, optical, microstructural, thermal, barrier, and functional properties of films with different BPE concentrations (50, 100, and 200 % of dry matter weight) were studied. The results proved betalain to be the major component in the BPE, which showed significant color change under alkaline conditions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrated good compatibility among the film constituents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested hydrogen bonding interactions between the betalain-BPE and KMS/GT/ZNP-based film matrix. Incorporating the extract at different concentrations enhanced the ultraviolet-visible light barrier, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial properties. The betalain-rich films showed color variation from pink in an acidic medium to yellow in an alkaline medium. The film with a 200 % concentration of BPE represented the highest color change when exposed to ammonia compared to other films. During the freshness indicator study of shrimp, the total volatile basic nitrogen concentration increased. The film with a 200 % concentration of betalain extract showed visible color changes from pink to pale yellow. Overall, our results suggest that the film containing a 200 % extract concentration can be used as an active pH-responsive packaging in the food industry.

Ginger oil and lime peel oil loaded PBAT/PLA via cast-extrusion as shrimp active packaging: Microbial and melanosis inhibition

Biodegradable active packaging for shrimp was produced via cast sheet extrusion of poly (butylene adipate terephthalate) and poly (lactic acid) (PBAT/PLA) at different ratios, incorporating ginger oil (GO) and lime peel oil (LPO). Surface chemistry, mechanical and barrier properties, volatile mass fraction, and antimicrobial activities were investigated. Microbial growth and melanosis of packaged shrimp were monitored. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated major volatile components of LPO and GO as D-limonene (40.55%) and L-zingiberene (19.85%), respectively. Essential oil loading improved polymer compatibility via C-H bonding and modified the polymer crystallinity, leading to improved film flexibility but reduced tensile strength. GO incorporation showed greater release of volatile mass fraction from the film matrix than LPO, with increased oxygen permeability and water contact angle. High PBAT film (PBAT70/PLA30) allowed greater release of essential oil than high PLA film (PBAT30/PLA70), with higher antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus. Film containing LPO was more effective in inhibiting microbial growth, while film containing GO showed superior prevention of melanosis in packaged shrimp. A linear correlation was found between microbial growth and degree of melanosis in shrimp packaged in PBAT/PLA packaging containing GO and LPO. Both LPO and GO effectively enhanced film functional properties and showed promise for seafood packaging with different mechanisms of ameliorating product bacterial degradation.

Modeling of SrTiO3 polycrystalline substrate grain growth for tuning thin film functional properties

In the Combinatorial Substrate Epitaxy (CSE) approach, a thin film is grown at high temperature on a polycrystalline substrate. Those substrates induce a local film epitaxy on each substrate grain and an overall polycrystalline character on the macroscopic scale. Compared to single-crystalline films, this approach provides the possibility to introduce, in a controlled way, grain boundaries providing new functionalities. Therefore, controlling the microstructure and grain size of the substrates is an important step for tuning the film properties. In this paper, a complete study of the granular growth of the standard substrate material for the deposition of perovskite thin films, SrTiO3, has been carried out with different isothermal cycles highlighting the grain growth mechanisms. From these results, we are able to predict the sintering thermal cycle necessary for targeting very precisely a desired grain size and the corresponding physical properties. Indeed, highly restraint physical properties specifications are needed for advanced electronic applications. Since a classic granular growth model was used, this approach can be generalized to the broad family of oxides.

Bionanocomposites for active and smart food packaging: A review on its application, safety, and health aspects

AbstractIn recent years, the concept of plastic replacement and its optimal solution has commenced in the food‐packaging sector. In that line, integrating nanotechnology with food packaging to improve material properties, aligned with the concept of active and intelligent packaging, has attracted consumer and industry attention. This review outlines the basics of bionanocomposites (BNCs), processing techniques, and their corresponding functions in innovative packaging techniques. The barrier, thermal, mechanical, and functional properties of film and their application in different food products have been summarized. In addition, the migration properties, safety, and health aspects of the latest findings of various BNC films have been discussed. It has been observed that the addition of fillers in BNC matrix improves the overall physical and functional properties of the film. In addition, BNC is used as a smart indicator to signify the product quality during transportation and storage. However, this review connotes the need for more research on migration and health aspects of the human body and implied the requirement to select BNC for specific food matrices.Practical ApplicationThe effective action of nanotechnology in the field of food packaging was attempted to improve the material properties, aligned with the concept of active and intelligent packaging. The inclusion of nano‐sized particles into the organic matrices widely influenced its barrier, thermal, mechanical, and functional properties of the film. BNCs are also used as a smart indicator to indicate product quality throughout the storage and transportation. This article summarizes the basics of BNC, their processing techniques and functions in innovative packaging techniques, and their application in different food products. In addition, the migration properties, safety, and health aspects of the latest findings of various BNC films have been discussed in detail. This study will help researchers and industry experts to select the BNC for specific food matrices to improve the quality and safety of food product and human health.

Analyze Infrared Heating Characteristics of Potato Starch and Measure its Functional Film Properties

Objectives: To analyze the effect of potato starch infrared heating (IR) and the functional characteristics of the starch film. Methods: Potato starch was heated by IR heater at different time intervals (45 min, 65 min and 85 min) and starch was used to develop polymer films by the addition of glycerol as a plasticizing agent. The surface temperature of starch at different bed thickness was measured using a thermal imaging camera. The temperature of the starch varied from 72.77oC to 80.83oC. The functional properties of developed films were analyzed by their thickness, solubility, contact angle, puncture strength and coefficient of friction with different surfaces. Findings: The results indicate that the puncture strength of IR treated starch film varied from 2.5 to 3.79N and the value was found less in control recorded as 1.87N. The modified starch film thickness and opacity were increased from 0.11 to 0.128mm and 1.15 to 1.22 percent respectively. The solubility percent was found less in IR heated starch than in control. SEM and FTIR analysis results show that IR heat treatment has significant effect on morphology and functional characteristics of the starch film. Novelty: Infrared heating modified the structural characteristics of potato starch and improved the functional properties of the starch film. Keywords: Starch film; Infrared heating; Functional; Physical; Mechanical

Improvement of the functional properties of cellulose acetate film by incorporating with glycerol and n-propanol

Cellulose acetate (CA) was used for the preparation of food packaging film. Glycerol and n-propanol were introduced, as plasticizer and transparent agent, respectively for evaluating the possible changes of the film functional properties on tensile strength and transparency. The transmittance, haze value, tensile strength and flexibility were acquired by using optical and mechanical analyses, respectively. The presence of glycerol improved the functional properties of films by increasing their extensibility, flexibility and elasticity; however transparency of the films deteriorated with the inclusion of plasticizer. Therefore, the addition of n-propanol as transparent agent into the films enhanced the transparency. Moreover, morphological changes and gas barrier property were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and water vapor transmission rate analyses. The results suggest that CA films incorporated with plasticizer and transparent agent have good functional properties in isolating water vapor, mechanical performance and optical properties, demonstrating that the optimal film has a potential in the application for food packaging. High strength transparent cellulose acetate film (CAF) was prepared with glycerol as plasticizer and n-propanol as transparent agent. The addition of glycerol and n-propanol has a significant influence on film mechanical performance, optical properties, water vapor barrier property and physical behavior, such as pore structure.

Designing Multifunctional Cobalt Oxide Layers for Efficient and Stable Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution

AbstractDisordered and porous metal oxides are promising earth‐abundant and cost‐effective alternatives to noble‐metal electrocatalysts. Herein, nonsaturated oxidation in plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition is leveraged to tune the structural, mechanical, and optical properties of biphasic cobalt hydroxide films, thereby tailoring their catalytic activities and chemical stabilities. Short oxygen plasma exposure times and low plasma powers incompletely oxidize the cobaltocene precursor to Co(OH)2 and result in carbon impurity incorporation. These Co(OH)2 films are highly porous and catalytically active, but their electrochemical stability is impacted by poor substrate adhesion. In contrast, long exposure times and high powers completely oxidize the precursor to Co3O4, reduce the carbon incorporation, and improve the crystallinity. While the Co3O4 films have high electrochemical stability, they are characterized by low oxygen evolution reaction activity. To overcome these competing properties, the established relation between deposition parameters and functional film properties is applied to design bilayer films exhibiting simultaneously improved electrochemical performance and chemical stability. The bilayer films combine a highly active Co(OH)2 surface with a stable Co3O4 interface layer. These coatings exhibit minimal light absorption, thus making them suitable as protective catalytic layers on semiconductor light absorbers for application in photoelectrochemical devices.

Antibacterial Activity of Polyaniline Coated in the Patterned Film Depending on the Surface Morphology and Acidic Dopant.

We have fabricated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) films with flat and honeycomb-patterned (HCP) structures to coat polyaniline (PANI) on the film surface. In addition, the effect of chemical modification of PANI by sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was also studied for antibacterial activity. The flat and HCP PCL films were obtained by simple evaporation of the solvent and via the breath figure (BF) method, respectively. The morphology and chemical composition of PANI coated on the film surface were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) were obtained to identify the PANI coating. The wettability and conductivity of the films were also measured. Applicational aspects were evaluated by assessing antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The EDX, TGA, and FT-IR findings indicated chemical modification of PCL film by PANI and H2SO4. The conductivity of the films was increased by the coating of PANI to the patterned surface and additionally increased by the chemically modified PANI. The antibacterial activity was 69.79%, 78.27%, and 88% against E. coli, and 32.73%, 62.65%, and 87.97% against S. aureus, for flat PANI, HCP PANI, and H2SO4-treated HCP films, respectively. Likewise, the PANI coated flat, HCP, and H2SO4-treated HCP films inhibited E. coli biofilm formation by around 41.62%, 63%, and 83.88% and S. aureus biofilm formation by 17.81%, 69.83%, and 96.57%, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the HCP film was higher than that of flat PANI films, probably due to the higher coating of PANI on the HCP surface. Moreover, sulfonation of the HCP film with H2SO4 might have improved the wettability, thereby enhancing the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Our results showed that topographical changes, as well as doping, offer simple and cost-effective ways to modify the structural and functional properties of films.

Effects of genipin as natural crosslinker on barrier and mechanical properties of chitosan‐astaxanthin film

The aim of this research was to study the effect of genipin crosslinking (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% (w/w of chitosan)) on moisture barrier property and mechanical strength of chitosan-astaxanthin film. The film functional properties including transparency, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), water transmission rate (WVTR), and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) were investigated. The results showed that genipin crosslinking was significantly decrease the film transparency and %EB while OTR slightly increased. Fourier transform infrared observation on the chemical-crosslinking structure showed the shifted peak at 1,720 and 1,569 cm−1, indicating the forming covalent linkage between chitosan and genipin. The morphology characterization of the film was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and found that the crosslinked film was a rougher surface than non-crosslinked film. Chitosan-astaxanthin film with crosslinking of 1% (w/w) genipin significantly improved WVTR and TS compared to other samples. Novelty impact statement Active biodegradable packaging made from chitosan, such as chitosan film incorporated with natural antioxidants, is preferred but lack the water barrier and strong mechanical properties necessary for high moisture food application. In this study, genipin-crosslinking is not only a promising technique to improve the performance and applicability of our developed chitosan-astaxanthin film, but genipin is also a natural crosslinker and an alternative to most chemical crosslinkers which cause undesirable changes and cytotoxicity.

Development of active and smart packaging films based on starch, polyvinyl alcohol and betacyanins from different plant sources

In this study, active and smart packaging films were prepared by individually adding betacyanins-rich plant extracts (red pitaya flesh extract (RPFE), prickly pear fruit extract (PPFE), red beetroot extract (RBRE), globe amaranth flower extract (GAFE) and red amaranth leaf extract (RALE)) into starch/polyvinyl alcohol. The structural, physical and functional properties of the films containing betacyanins from different plant sources were compared for the first time. Results showed betacyanins from RPFE, PPFE and RBRE were betanin-type betacyanins. Betacyanins from GAFE and RALE were gomphrenin-type and amaranthin-type betacyanins, respectively. The films containing RPFE and PPFE presented more uniform cross-sections and had the highest water vapor barrier (9.37 and 9.26 × 10−11 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1) and mechanical strength (8.26 and 7.87 MPa). However, the film containing GAFE presented the lowest light transmittance but the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 0.47 mg/mL). All the films containing betacyanins are sensitive to pH 8–12 buffer solutions and volatile ammonia. Notably, the film containing RPFE exhibited distinct color changes (from purple-red to pink) when shrimp spoiled. Our results suggest the structural, physical and functional properties of betacyanins-rich films are closely related to the source and type of betacyanins.

Tunable SiO2 to SiOxCyH films by ozone assisted chemical vapor deposition from tetraethylorthosilicate and hexamethyldisilazane mixtures

Silica and silica-based materials with tunable functionalities are frequently encountered in low-k material applications, porous membranes, and microelectonic devices. In the present study, an innovative O2/O3 assisted CVD process for the deposition of such films at moderate temperature is presented, based on a dual precursor chemistry from hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Films with tunable carbon content were obtained through variation of the HMDS flow ratio. A comprehensive FT-IR study reveals the transition of the material from a SiOxCyH type film containing -CH3 moieties, to a methyl-free SiOx film with the increase of the temperature. At the same time the water contact angle of 81.0° at 400 °C is decreased to 52.8° at 550 °C, related to the absence of methyl moieties in the latter. Ion beam analysis (IBA) confirms the lack of carbon in the films when deposition temperatures are equal to or exceed 500 °C. The resistance to liquid corrosion is investigated as a function of the deposition temperature; SiOx type films present a low Pliskin etching rate of 15 Å.s−1, with this value increasing to 60 Å.s−1 for the SiOxCy:CH3 films produced at the lower temperatures. It is found that the addition of HMDS to a TEOS chemistry can be utilized to modulate the film composition from SiOx to SiOxCyH and by such, tune the film functional properties, in particular its etching rate, opening the way to the development of new sacrificial films.

Structure and functional properties of active packaging films prepared by incorporating different flavonols into chitosan based matrix

Kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin are typical flavonols that feature different number of hydroxyl substituents at B-ring. In this study, kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin were individually mixed with chitosan (CS) based film matrix to develop active packaging films. Results showed the incorporation of flavonols produced dense inner microstructure by establishing intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions with film matrix. The addition of flavonols reduced the water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability and UV–vis light transmittance of the films, whereas elevated the tensile strength, elongation at break, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and antimicrobial activity of the films. Among all the films, the film containing myricetin showed the highest water vapor and oxygen barrier abilities and mechanical properties. Notably, different films presented distinct flavonol release behaviors in fatty and aqueous food stimulants. Kaempferol was easily released into fatty food stimulant, while myricetin was easily released into aqueous food stimulant. The release behavior of flavonols in different food stimulants greatly affected the antioxidant activity of the films. Our results suggest the structure and functional properties of the films are closely related to the number of hydroxyl substituents at B-ring of flavonols.

Oxygen barrier enhancement of polymeric foil by sol-gel-derived hybrid silica layers

In this research work, sol–gel-derived oxygen barrier coatings on elastic substrate were reported. The synthesis process, layers deposition, and characteristic of physical and functional properties of films were presented. Two silica-based hybrid systems were studied where silicon precursors with different carbon chain length (C3 and C8) were used during the sol–gel synthesis. The microscope images showed that the produced coatings were free of defects and had smooth surface with more hydrophobic character than polyethylene terephthalate used as a substrate. The coatings were designed to improve barrier parameters for oxygen transmission through the foil, that was achieved by one-side layer deposition using spin-coating technic. The oxygen transmission rate of the substrate covered with one of the two different coatings examined by manometric method decreased by 35% or 54% of the initial value. Lower oxygen permeability was achieved for the sample containing octyl groups, which showed higher content of carbon atoms on the surface, higher value of water contact angle, and lower roughness parameters.

Functional and antimicrobial properties of cellulose acetate films incorporated with sweet fennel essential oil and plasticizers

Cellulose acetate (CA) films with sweet fennel essential oil (FEO) were evaluated for possible changes caused by the incorporation of 5, 10, 20 and 30% glycerol. The results show that the incorporation of different concentrations of plasticizer caused an increase in thickness, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength (TS), besides altering the optical properties and demonstrating possible chemical interaction with the CA matrix (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the addition of glycerol caused morphological changes on the surface and internal region of all films. As for antimicrobial activity, the FEO was effective for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. However, all films evaluated did not show activity in inhibiting these microorganisms. Therefore, it is believed that the FEO may have some incompatibility with the CA matrix, being trapped between the polymer chains. Therefore, the results suggest that the incorporation of glycerol caused changes in the functional properties of all films, although it did not result in measurable antimicrobial effects.

Improving properties of thermoplastic starch films by incorporating active extracts and cellulose fibres isolated from rice or coffee husk

Abstract Hydrothermal (60 min, 180 °C) extracts and cellulose fibres from coffee and rice husks were obtained to be incorporated into corn starch films, in order to improve the film functional properties as food packaging material and confer them active properties. Extracts exhibited antioxidant properties (EC50: 5.37–5.29 mg extract solids/mg DPPH) and antibacterial activity against Listeria innocua and Escheriquia coli (MIC values: 35–45 and 34–35 mg extract solids/mL, respectively). The active extracts improved tensile properties of the starch films; elastic modulus increased by about 350% and films become less stretchable. The cellulosic fibres from both residues were more effective as reinforcing agents in films containing extract solids than in net starch films. Extracts also provoked 30% reduction in the WVP of starch films and 50–85 % reduction in the oxygen permeability, depending on their amount in the films, but no effect of cellulose fibres was observed on barrier properties.

Kompozitni filmovi na bazi pogače uljane tikve golice dobijeni različitim postupkom filtracije

Packaging is inseparable retainer of almost all food products. However, most of produced packaging ends as packaging waste after consumption of the product. Increasing amounts of packaging waste that should be managed represents serious challenge of every modern society. There are many different approaches to address this subject, amongst which biodegradable, natural biopolymer-based or even edible packaging holds considerable potential. In this paper, a by-product of edible oil industry, left after completed extraction by cold pressing of oil from hulls of pumpkin seeds, was used to produce biopolymer packaging films. Pumpkin oil cake was used to produce composite bio-based films. Different filtration of film forming suspension was applied in order to test composite film production using different filtration fractions, leading to higher process yield and minimizing waste. In addition, films were casted on surface, about ten times larger comparing to the cast surface typically reported for these types of films in the literature, in order to test the possibility for commercial production and scale up process. Also, casted mass of film forming suspension was varied in order to define minimal casting mass per unit area. Presented results showed that biopolymer films based on the pumpkin oil cake can be successfully produced in sheets (50x35 cm), compared to films earlier produced in the form of discs with diameter 12 cm. Different filtration fractions from initial film forming suspension can be used for film formation, leading to increased production yield. Different filtration fractions lead to different film properties that should be adjusted according to selected application. Casted mass of film forming suspension was successfully decreased (comparing to earlier literature data) without compromising film functional properties and minimal casting mass was defined as 26 g/m2.

Microbial-induced CaCO3 filled seaweed-based film for green plasticulture application

This work aimed to develop green biodegradable film using red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) as a base matrix and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a filler to enhance the properties of the red seaweed material for plasticulture purpose. CaCO3 which was produced by microbially induced precipitation (MB-CaCO3) using Bacillus sphaericus, was characterized and compared with the commercial CaCO3 (CCaCO3). FESEM image revealed that the size of MB-CaCO3 was smaller and more uniform compared to CCaCO3. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the existence of crystalline polymorph of calcite in MB-CaCO3, which contained a higher percentage of calcite than CCaCO3. However, the crystallinity and thermal stability of MB-CaCO3 was lower than CCaCO3. From the results of physical, mechanical and thermal properties of composite films filled with CCaCO3 and MB-CaCO3 fillers, the optimum loading of CCaCO3 and MB-CaCO3 was found at 0.1% and 0.15%, respectively. Composite films filled with MB-CaCO3 promote brighter film, better water barrier, hydrophobicity and biodegradability compared to CCaCO3. Since the effect of MB-CaCO3 on film functional properties was comparable to CCaCO3, it can be used as an alternative to CCaCO3 as inorganic filler for composite films in agriculture applications.

Effect of airflow presence during the manufacturing of biodegradable films from polymers with different structural conformation

Abstract The preparation method to obtain biodegradable films has an important effect on their performance. The drying of film-forming solutions is a very important step usually ignored during the manufacturing of biodegradable films. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the drying process (natural convection or forced convection) on the functional properties of films from polymers with different structure. The film-forming solutions were dried using airflow (forced convection) and no air circulation (natural convection). Films from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, with linear structure) and polymers with different degree of branching (potato starch and high amylose corn starch) were evaluated. Films dried in forced convection showed important changes in the water adsorption, mechanical and thermal properties. Drying under forced convection could have promoted the formation of intermolecular bonds during the rearrangement of the polymer chains resulting in films with greater barrier to water vapor and better mechanical performance.

Porous structure and functional properties of highly-permeable polypropylene films

The porous polypropylene films, containing through channels and permeable for liquids, have been prepared by the method based on extrusion of polymer melt with subsequent annealing, uniaxial extension and thermofixation. We studied the effect of film preparation conditions on the characteristics of porous structure and functional properties of the films (porosity and permeability) at the stages of extension at room temperature ("cold" drawing) and the additional stage ("hot" drawing). Permeability, size and the number of through pores were measured by filtration porosimetry. Overall porosity is determined as a portion of the sample volume occupied by pores by measuring the density ratio of porous and nonporous films. The film surface images, which demonstrate the characteristic features of the porous structure, have been obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of melt orientation degree during extrusion (spin draw ratio) on the films porous structure is determined. It was found that the increasing of spin draw ratio leads to the growth in through permeability, overall porosity and pore sizes of the films. It was shown that the growth of orientation degree at the additional "hot" drawing stage gives the possibility to increase the functional characteristics of porous samples. In the films preparation process, which includes two stages of extension ("cold" and "hot" drawing), the values of overall porosity and permeability of 60 % and 400 l/(m2×h×atm), respectively, were reached. They are ones of the highest values as compared with values of these characteristics presented in the scientific and patent literature for polymer porous films and they determine the efficiency of their practical application as filtration materials

Physical and functional properties of pectin-fish gelatin films containing the olive phenols hydroxytyrosol and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol

This study describes the development of a composite edible film based on pectin and fish skin protein capable of protecting food from microbial attack and oxidative degradation. The film was prepared with glycerol as plasticizer and the antioxidant and antimicrobial phenolic compounds hydroxytyrosol (HT) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), extracted from olive fruit, as active agents. The influence of the concentration of plasticizer and active HT/DHPG on the mechanical and functional properties of the films was investigated, with values of water vapor permeability (WVP) between 0.13–0.22gmm/hm2kPa and oxygen permeability (OP) between 9.91–40.76cm3μm/m2dkPa. The release behavior in water at different pH values was also evaluated. The antimicrobial capacity of the novel food coating was tested on strawberries, a fruit with high perishability. The bioactive edible film containing HT/DHPG preserved the strawberries against mold during storage with a significant delay in visible decay.