Design Of Modified Atmosphere Packaging Research Articles

Design of a modified atmosphere packaging for apple using concept of mathematical modeling for phytochemicals stability and shelf‐life enhancement

AbstractIn the present investigation, experiments were conducted to model the rate of apple respiration at various temperatures using enzyme kinetics approach and Arrhenius equation. Thereafter, a governing mathematical model based on the mass balance concept was developed to design a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system for apple. The respiration rate model and developed equation employed in the MAP design process was verified and proved to be suitable, as indicated by moduli (E < 10%). Thereafter, a combination of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film having thickness of 30 and 50 μm, respectively was prepared by tailoring method to match the targeted gas permeability requirement of apple. The MAP system for apple was developed by packaging 1 kg of apple in the prepared film and the packages were stored at 2°C for further quality evaluation. The quality attributes of apple in terms of physico‐chemical properties, individual phenolic compounds, total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity were assessed at a regular interval of time during storage. Based on physiological weight loss (<10%) and retention of other physicochemical and phytochemical quality till the end of storage period, the shelf life of apple was recorded as 180 days.Practical applicationThe lack of adequate cold storage systems in the supply chain, improper handling and storage facilities for fresh fruits including apple, is the leading source of post‐harvest loss of perishable commodity. The modeling of respiration rate at transient state and design of perm selective modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system could be an alternative technology which can facilitate the shelf life enhancement of apple during handling and distribution. The uniqueness in the study involves the effect of MAP system on phytochemical compounds of whole apple during storage which has been rarely reported so far. The retention of overall quality of stored apple has proved that MAP is a promising technique for quality retention and achieving better market value.

Fruit preservation packaging technology based on air adjustment packaging method

Fresh vegetables and fruits need oxygen (O2) to carry out their metabolic activities, particularly respiration. The procedure where the actively respiring commodity is sealed in film packages made of polymer to change the CO2 and O2 levels of concentration inside the package environment required to increase shelf-life and preserve freshness is referred to as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). To affect the product's metabolism being packaged or the activity of organisms that cause degradation to extend the time of preservation, it is frequently desired to create an environment high in CO2 and low in O2. MAP changes the environment and increases moisture preservation that has a bigger impact on quality preservation. Moreover, packing separates the product from the surrounding environment, assisting in the creation of circumstances that, if not hygienic, at the very least minimize exposure to infections and pollutants, as well as physiological damage. MAP is a dynamic mechanism that occurs concurrently throughout permeation and respiration. As a result, MAP design necessitates the assessment of the product's intrinsic features, such as film permeability, optimal O2 and CO2 gas concentrations, and respiration rate. The goal of MAP design is to specify parameters that will provide the greatest feasible environment within the package for increasing the product's shelf-life in the quickest possible time. This is accomplished by synchronizing the packed produce's respiration rate with O2 and CO2 gas penetration rate through the film. The current study contains a detailed discussion of all of these elements of MAP.

Permeable Gas Cavity at Elevated Pressure Enhances Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Fresh Produce

This work promises to expand application of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Currently, applications are limited by gas transfer material properties of existing packaging films. However, packaging offers other important functions that may not be well served by materials that satisfy critical gas permeation requirements. This work demonstrates an approach that disconnects packaging material specifications from MAP design.

Modelling approaches for designing and evaluating the performance of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems for fresh produce: A review

Abstract Fresh and minimally processed produce continue physiological and metabolic processes after harvest, hence, they are susceptible to quality deterioration and reduced shelf life. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is well-proven postharvest technology for preserving natural quality of fresh and minimally processed produce, and extending the storage life under optimum MAP design and storage conditions. Successful MAP design is achieved by the mathematical integration of dynamic produce physiological characteristics, properties of packaging material, coupled with optimum equilibrium atmospheric conditions for the given product. This review examines the various mathematical approaches to the design of modified atmosphere system for handling and storage of fruit and vegetables, including the interaction between fresh produce physiological process, packaging and environmental conditions, which in turn influence produce shelf life and quality. Different mathematical modelling approaches are presented, factors affecting modelling performance are discussed and examples of model applications are highlighted to demonstrate relevance to specific types of produce. Future prospects for modelling MAP are highlighted, including the importance of an integrated modelling approach for improved understanding of package performance for fresh and minimally processed produce under MAP.

A Multi‐functional Biofilm Used as an Active Insert in Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Fresh Produce

We developed a multi‐functional agar‐based biofilm for fresh produce packaging by modulating its CO2 absorption and water vapour absorption functions. The film was prepared from solutions containing agar as a matrix and a water vapour absorbent, glycerol as a plasticizer, and sodium carbonate (SC) and/or sodium glycinate (SG) as a CO2 absorbent. The optical, mechanical, and CO2 and water vapour absorption properties of SC, SG, and SC/SG films were investigated. Multi‐functional films tended to show poor mechanical properties, with a hard texture and an opaque and yellowish colour. The three films had different CO2 absorption capacities and coefficients, with SC film showing the highest absorption, followed by SC/SG and SG films. The water absorption coefficients were much higher than those of CO2, with the opposite dependence on the absorbent compound. The multi‐functional benefits of the developed film were shown by using the film for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of shiitake mushrooms as an insert label. A tailored MAP design for shiitake mushrooms was produced based on mass transfer mathematical models. The package attached with SC film label was capable of generating the desired internal atmosphere and thus showed the best quality preservation in terms of colour, firmness, flavour score, and bacterial growth after 5‐day storage. A tailored MAP system with our multi‐functional film can provide an optimal modified atmosphere for CO2‐sensitive fresh commodities, preserve their quality, and extend their shelf life. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mechanistic model coupling gas exchange dynamics and Listeria monocytogenes growth in modified atmosphere packaging of non respiring food

A mechanistic model coupling O2 and CO2 mass transfer (namely diffusion and solubilisation in the food itself and permeation through the packaging material) to microbial growth models was developed aiming at predicting the shelf life of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems. It was experimentally validated on a non-respiring food by investigating concomitantly the O2/CO2 partial pressure in packaging headspace and the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (average microbial count) within the food sample. A sensitivity analysis has revealed that the reliability of the prediction by this “super-parametrized” model (no less than 47 parameters were required for running one simulation) was strongly dependent on the accuracy of the microbial input parameters. Once validated, this model was used to decipher the role of O2/CO2 mass transfer on microbial growth and as a MAP design tool: an example of MAP dimensioning was provided in this paper as a proof of concept.

Integrative mathematical modelling for MAP design of fresh-produce: Theoretical analysis and experimental validation

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) of fresh produce is a dynamic system and relies on the modification of the atmosphere inside the package, achieved by the natural interplay between two processes, the respiration of the product and the transfer of gases through the packaging film, which leads to an atmosphere richer in CO2 and poorer in O2. The challenge is how to integrate the mathematical modelling depicting product respiration rate and package permeability to simplify the packaging design process. The aim of this paper is to show the application of integrative mathematical modelling for MAP design of fresh produce. Mathematical models on product respiration rate and package permeability have been compiled into a comprehensive database and by using engineering principles were integrated on a web-based software platform (Pack-in-MAP®) which can be used to design and simulate the packaging needs for fresh produce. The aim of this paper was to illustrate the use of Pack-in-MAP® software and additionally simulate and validate the MAP design for fresh whole strawberry. The experimental and predicted gas compositions during storage were closely matching thereby showing the ability of Pack-in-MAP® software to determine the ideal packaging solution and predict the gas composition inside the package during storage period. Further, it can also evaluate the impact of temperature variation, and variability of product/package on gas composition providing a system which allows selection of suitable packaging materials for fresh produce. The Pack-in-MAP® software can be used to test several solutions on a value-for-money basis in order to achieve results while minimising costs and avoiding costly trial-and-error approaches.

PACKAGE HEADSPACE DYNAMICS FOR BABY CORN UNDER MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING WITH MACROPERFORATIONS

ABSTRACTBaby corn is highly perishable and requires appropriate postharvest technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to extend its shelf ife and maintain the nutritional content. However, MAP requires repetitive experimentation to arrive at suitable desired in‐pack partial pressures of O2 and CO2 for application of appropriate MAP mode viz. nonperforated, macroperforated or microperforated one. Microperforated MAP is an expensive proposition and so far has limited commercial applicability, except for high‐value commodities; therefore, macroperforated MAP is being tried to achieve higher gaseous diffusion across the film packages. Predictive modeling represents a physical phenomenon by means of mathematical equations; whose numerical solution can reliably predict transient and steady‐state parameters in a dynamic system and can avoid the need of repetitive experimentation. However, representation of the respiratory behavior of a crop is also of utmost importance as wrong selection or very straightforward assumptions can lead to inadequate predictions. In this study, the respiratory behavior and associated inhibition by CO2 as per established enzyme kinetics theory was first assessed within the temperature range of 5–15C for baby corn; which was then used to model‐predict the in‐pack partial pressures of O2 and CO2 at 10 and 15C; in nonperforated and macroperforated polypropylene film packages; utilizing baby corn, polymeric film, package and the storage environment parameters as input. Model validation during actual storage at 10 and 15C indicated that the model‐predicted, in‐pack partial pressures of O2 and CO2 agreed fairly well with the experimental observations at the selected temperatuers, which showed the appropriateness of the evaluated inhibitory mechanism of headspace CO2.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBaby corn has high rates of respiration and requires specialized packaging such as microperforated or macroperforated polymeric film packaging to affect larger gaseous diffusion to extend its shelf life and maintenance of various physicochemical constituents under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). As microperforated films are economically unviable in certain situations, the objective can be met through application of macroperforated films having customized macroperforations. However, the package headspace dynamics vary with the number of macroperforations. For a particular crop, the number of macroperforations required to generate the ideal in‐pack partial pressures of O2 and CO2 can be suitably predicted with this model, knowing the respiratory behavior and the kind of inhibition by CO2 experienced. Thus, results of the study have a potential application at the level of design of MAP for various crops requiring macroperforated packaging as well as these can be utilized alike for further academic interest in the area of packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables; using predictive modeling approach.

EFFECTS OF DEGREE OF CUTTING AND STORAGE ON ATMOSPHERE COMPOSITION, METABOLIC ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF ROCKET LEAVES UNDER MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING

ABSTRACT This work investigates the effect of degree of cutting on atmosphere composition as well as on metabolic activity (CO2 and ethylene production), color and some nutritional parameters of rocket leaves subjected to storage at 8C for 7 and 14 days under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Harvested leaves were trimmed at the point that lamina starts and then they were used without further processing (intact), or after cutting into two (half) or four (quarter) similar parts, vertically to the midrib. The results showed that degree of cutting did not affect the metabolic activity of rocket leaves (CO2 and ethylene production), but storage duration did. This resulted in non‐significant differences in atmosphere composition (CO2 and ethylene concentration) of the packages containing leaves of different degree of cutting as well as on color and some nutritional parameters of rocket leaves. These results suggest that storage duration is more critical than the degree of cutting and it should be considered for application to MAP design for the rocket leaves. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSRocket is usually marketed as fresh‐cut in modified atmosphere packages (MAPs) either alone or in a mixture with other leafy vegetables. Important response of tissues to wounding, induced during the preparation of fresh‐cut produce, is the increase of CO2 and ethylene production, affecting its perishability. The intensity of the wounding response is proportional to the extent of wounding. However, the effect of degree of cutting of rocket leaves on the metabolic activity as well as on the quality is still unresolved. The increase of ethylene production as a wounding response, if any, could have a detrimental effect on the color of minimally processed rocket leaves stored under MAP. This work investigates the effect of degree of cutting and storage duration on atmosphere composition as well as on metabolic activity, color and some nutritional parameters of rocket leaves stored under MAP, which can be useful for application to MAP design for this product.

Effects of chitosan-based coating and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on browning and shelf life of fresh-cut lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera Gaerth)

The present study investigated the effect of chitosan coating containing antibrowning agents and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the browning and shelf life of fresh-cut lotus root stored at 4 °C for 10 days. The atmosphere in the packages was evaluated for O2 and CO2 concentrations. The browning on the surface of lotus root slices was prevented by chitosan-based coating and MAP treatment. L* values of coated + MAP and control samples were 68.8 and 48.9 after 8 days storage, respectively. For a⁎ and b⁎ values, samples of coated + MAP treatment had the slowest increasing trends among all the treatments. At the end of storage, the coated + MAP samples exhibited the lowest polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Its highest overall visual quality (OVQ) scores (> 7) demonstrated that chitosan-based coating + MAP treatment could provide a better inhibitory effect on the browning and extend the shelf life of fresh-cut lotus root. Industrial relevance: Fresh-cut vegetables have drawn the attention of industry as a novel lightly processed product. Both edible coating and MAP treatment cause changes in atmosphere composition and respiration rate of lotus root slices. This combined treatment could be used to control the browning and improve the storage life of this fresh-cut vegetable. This information could be useful for the development of novel application to edible coating and MAP design for lightly processed lotus root.

ACTIVE MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING OF FRESH ENDIVES: MODELLING GAS TRANSFER AND STUDYING EFFECT ON QUALITY CHANGES

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has proven to be capable of extending the shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables, notably by reducing the oxygen level and elevating CO 2 . According to the literature, modified atmosphere composed of 3-4% of oxygen and 4-5% of carbon dioxide ensures good endive quality preservation. This study focused on active MA packages containing an individual oxygen scavenger sachet and endives packaged in a low-density polyethylene pouch. The design of active MAP for vegetables was studied by developing and validating a new mathematical model predicting atmosphere composition. This work showed that oxygen scavengers reduce by half the transient period duration without modifying gas equilibrium composition compared to passive MAP. The atmosphere composition influence on endive quality was also studied. Both active and passive MAP reduced the total aerobic mesophile growth of endives compared with packaging under ambient air. Moreover, the greening of the leaves and the browning of the basal parts of endives were slightly delayed in passive MAP and markedly inhibited in active MAP.

Respiration Rate Models of Agaricus bisporus under Modified Atmosphere Packaging

The package headspace composition, in terms of O2 and CO2 concentrations, in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of Agaricus bisporus at 2, 4, 8 and 20°C were respectively monitored within 15h by a gas chromatograph. The respiration rate of Agaricus bisporus under modified atmosphere packaging at any instant of time were calculated by a C program based on permeable system. The dependence of respiration rate on gas composition was well described by a Michaelis-Menten type enzyme kinetic equation with uncompetitive CO2 inhibition. The model parameters were estimated by fitting the model to the experimental data by non-linear regression using Excel. The relationship between maximum rate Vm and temperature was well described by the Arrhenius equation. The results suggest that, the respiration rate of Agaricus bisporus as well as Vm increased with temperature, and it has a linear relationship between lnVm and T-1. Results of the study can be applied to the MAP design for Agaricus bisporus.

Effects of heat treatment on atmospheric composition and color of peeled white asparagus in modified atmosphere packaging

Abstract Freshly harvested spears of white asparagus were subjected or not to heat treatment by immersion in a hot water bath at 55 °C for 3 min, then left unpeeled or were peeled before wrapping in 16 µm stretch film and stored at 3 °C for 6 days. During storage, the atmosphere within the packages was sampled for O2, CO2 and C2H4 determination, while spear fresh weight, color and anthocyanin content at the 3 cm apical peel segments were determined before and after storage. The results showed that CO2 concentration in packages of white asparagus spears was not greatly influenced by peeling or heat treatment. On the other hand, a higher package O2 depletion of treated (peeled or heated) spears was observed. Peeling also resulted in an increase of ethylene peak concentration, indicating wound-induced ethylene production, which was suppressed by heat treatment. The initial color of the whole spear was retained, while the appearance of a violet coloration on the spear tip was prevented by heat treatment in both unpeeled and peeled spears. Industrial relevance Peeled white asparagus has drawn the attention of industry as a novel lightly processed product. The combination of heat treatment with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) could be used to improve the storage life of this product. Moreover, both peeling and heat treatment cause changes in ethylene production and respiration rate of asparagus spears and this information could be useful for development of novel application to MAP design for lightly processed (peeled) white asparagus.

Gas exchange dynamics in modified atmosphere packaging of soft cheese

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a shelf-life extension technique that has been widely applied to horticultural, meat and dairy products. It relies on the interaction between product, packaging material and environment, which determines the gas composition inside the package at steady state. Therefore, MAP design needs to take into consideration O 2 consumption and CO 2 production rates of the product and the mass transfer coefficients for the gas exchange through the packaging material and how they are affected by environmental factors such as storage temperature. In this work, a mathematical model was developed for designing MAP systems for a soft cheese (camembert-type). The model was used to evaluate the effect of perforations on O 2 and CO 2 concentrations of package containing cheese, at constant and varying storage temperatures. The predicted gas composition was compared with those obtained experimentally at 293 and 285 K with packages having different numbers of perforations (1)–(3). Experimental values of gas composition observed at steady state with one perforation were 0.050 and 0.148 (v/v) at 285 K for O 2 and CO 2 respectively, and 0.003 and 0.207 (v/v) at 293 K. Gas composition was found to take values between 0.009–0.058 for O 2 and 0.154–0.200 for CO 2, when the packages with a single perforation were exposed to storage temperature varying between 285 and 293 K during 14 days of storage. The model developed was able to accurately predict the gas exchange dynamics of the package throughout the storage period whether the temperature of storage was constant or not.

Development of user-friendly software for design of modified atmosphere packaging for fresh and fresh-cut produce

Abstract There is a wealth of published information on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) but a lack of systematic treatment of the data in order to develop knowledge management systems that can provide information to users on which films to use for particular purposes and targets. This paper reports the development of user-friendly software for MAP design of fresh and fresh-cut produce. The software can select suitable packaging materials and define the amount of product to be packed or the area of the film that should be available for gas exchange. Two databases have been built in the software, which include recommended gas composition for 38 products, 75 respiration rate models, and permeability data for 27 polymeric films. This software was successfully tested for some products and an example for mango and Galega kale is described. Industrial relevance The PACKinMAP software selects the best possible film type for the given type of fresh or fresh cut fruit/vegetable. A manufacturer can type in a specific food product, such as a golden delicious apple, and the software will tell him the ideal type of packaging material according to the supplier or the retailer's needs. The software has also been found to simulate the package for any type of real-life distribution temperature history thus testing the ability of the package to withstand abuse.

Modeling of Active Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Endives Exposed to Several Postharvest Temperatures

ABSTRACTEndives were sealed in low‐density polyethylene flexible pouches containing or not containing individual oxygen or carbon dioxide scavenger sachet and stored at 5 °C and 20 °C. A mathematical model has been applied to predict gas changes for these passive and active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The model took into account the respiration rate of endives, the transmission rate of gases through the film, the absorption kinetics of gas scavengers, and the temperature influence of all these parameters. Whatever the temperature, the model was successfully validated with root mean square error values still lower than 1 kPa and thus represented a real tool to improve the design of MAP for fresh fruits and vegetables. Oxygen scavengers reduced by half the transient period duration (50 h compared with 100 h without scavengers) and did not modify the gas equilibrium composition, suggesting a beneficial influence on keeping the quality of the product. The carbon dioxide scavengers’ influence was limited and needs further study with carbon dioxide‐sensitive products.

PERFORATION-MEDIATED MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING: INFLUENCE OF PACKAGE GEOMETRY AND PERFORATION LOCATION ON OXYGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE TRANSFER

ISHS VIII International Controlled Atmosphere Research Conference PERFORATION-MEDIATED MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING: INFLUENCE OF PACKAGE GEOMETRY AND PERFORATION LOCATION ON OXYGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE TRANSFER