Engineering Bioplastics with Biopolymers and Antimicrobials to Improve Listeria monocytogenes Food Safety in Ready-to-Eat Foods Over 12-Week of Storage

Abstract

Edible packaging film with chicken skin collagen to improve mechanical properties and the addition of antimicrobial compounds can provide a substitute for plastic packaging. Research was conducted on 1. Develop a plastic-alternative packaging film with biopolymer from chicken skin; 2. Incorporate antimicrobials and study their effects on the mechanical properties of the film; 3. Evaluate the efficacy of the antimicrobial film against Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and spoilage of ready-to-eat poultry products. The addition of lactate diacetate to edible films with collagen significantly (p<0.05) reduced its mechanical properties. The lactate diacetate packaging films initiated anti-listerial activities from week 4 with LM reducing by 2-3 logs at the end of 12-weeks. Edible films with chicken skin collagen and lactate diacetate offer a promising alternative for food packaging, reducing plastic waste, food waste and ensuring the food safety of meat products.