LIPID NANOEMULSION-DOPED ANTIMICROBIAL PACKAGING FILMS

摘要

Described herein are antimicrobial food-grade thin films, as well as their methods of manufacture and use. The films generally comprise an antimicrobial agent, such as an essential oil or essential oil mixtures, encapsulated in a carrier and dispersed in a film matrix. The film matrix generally comprises a polysaccharide, such as pullulan, and can be used in packaging systems. The films may comprise components that are edible, generally recognized as safe (GRAS), and/or approved by FDA. The films allow for the slow release of antimicrobial compounds over time, thereby controlling and/or inhibiting postharvest disease and extending the shelf-life of plants, including vegetables and/or small fruit specialty crops.