Casting Antimicrobial Packaging Films and Measuring Their Physical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobial film was extruded using LDPE resins and potassium sorbate powder; its tensile properties, transparency and antimicrobial activity were measured to examine the adaptability as a packaging material. The tensile properties were not affected significantly by the incorporation of potassium sorbate to 3% (w/w) in the film. However, transparency of the film decreased as the concentration of potassium sorbate increased. The antimicrobial film decreased the growth rate and maximum growth of yeast, and extended the lag period before mold growth was apparent. Therefore, it can prevent or reduce the rate of microbial spoilage in low viscosity liquids and on the contacted surface area of solid food products and thus may prolong the shelf life of food products when it is used as a packaging material.