Polymeric Packaging Applications for Seafood Products: Packaging-Deterioration Relevance, Technology and Trends

Seafood is a highly economical product worldwide. Primary modes of deterioration include autolysis, oxidation of protein and lipids, formation of biogenic amines and melanosis, and microbial deterioration. These post-harvest losses can be properly handled if the appropriate packaging technology has been applied. Therefore, it is necessary for packaging deterioration relevance to be clearly understood. This review demonstrates recent polymeric packaging technology for seafood products. Relationship between packaging and quality deterioration, including microbial growth and chemical and biochemical reactions, are discussed. Recent technology and trends in the development of seafood packaging are demonstrated by recent research articles and patents. Development of functional polymers for active packaging is the largest area for seafood applications. Intelligent packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, thermal insulator cartons, as well as the method of removing a fishy aroma have been widely developed and patented to solve the specific and comprehensive quality issues in seafood products. Many active antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds have been found and successfully incorporated with polymers to preserve the quality and monitor the fish freshness. A thermal insulator has also been developed for seafood packaging to preserve its freshness and avoid deterioration by microbial growth and enzymatic activity. Moreover, the enhanced biodegradable tray is also innovative as a single or bulk fish container for marketing and distribution. Accordingly, this review shows emerging polymeric packaging technology for seafood products and the relevance between packaging and seafood qualities.

Synergistic Antimicrobial Activities of Thai Household Essential Oils in Chitosan Film

Foodborne pathogens mostly contaminate ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products by post-process contamination and cause foodborne disease outbreaks. Preventing post-process contamination and controlling microbial growth during storage by packing the RTE meats with active antimicrobial film from chitosan combined with the synergism of Thai household essential oils was investigated. Here, we analyzed antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of chitosan films incorporated with essential oil of fingerroot (EOF) and holy basil (EOH) based on their fractional inhibitory concentration and isobolograms. We showed that antimicrobial activities of chitosan film and chitosan films formulated with EOF:EOH displayed a dramatical reduction of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A concentration by 7 Log in 12 h. Chitosan film incorporated with EOF:EOH at ratio 0.04:0.04% v/v/w strongly retarded growth of total viable count of L. monocytogenes on vacuum-packed bologna slices during seven days of storage at 4 and 10 °C. Combined EOF and EOH added to chitosan films did not alter thickness, elongation (%) and colors (L*, a* and b*) of the chitosan film, but it increased water vapor transmission rate and decreased film tensile strength. Results suggested that chitosan film had strong antibacterial properties. Its effectiveness in inhibiting foodborne pathogenic bacteria in ready-to-eat meat products was enhanced by adding a combination of EOF:EOH.

Biodegradable Rice Starch/Carboxymethyl Chitosan Films with Added Propolis Extract for Potential Use as Active Food Packaging

Active films from rice starch/carboxymethyl chitosan (RS/CMCh) incorporated with propolis extract (ppl) were developed and characterized. The effect of the ppl content (0⁻10% w/w based on RS/CMCh) on the developed films' properties were determined by measuring the optical, mechanical, thermal, swelling, barrier, antimicrobial, and antioxidant attributes. The thermal stability and biodegradability of the films were also investigated. As the ppl content increased, free radical scavenging and a* and b* color values increased, whereas luminosity (L*) and swellability of the films decreased. The active films with 5⁻10% ppl possessed antimicrobial ability against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus). The active film with 10% ppl displayed increased flexibility and thermal stability, without a change in oxygen permeability. The results indicated that incorporation of ppl into RS/CMCh film could enhance the films' antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.