Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to develop the returnable package/container use full during distribution/transportation of seafood.
Methods: Three master-batches containing AgSio2, Ag-Z and Ag-Zn were mixed with PP in different compositions (1%, 3%, 5%, 10%) and extruded to produce plain films. A complete thermal, structural, mechanical and functional characterization of all formulations was carried out. The morphology of the films showed the formation of agglomerates of particles in composites. A decrease in the elongation was obtained for active formulation compared to pure PP Sample. Thermal analyses indicated an increase in thermal stability of the active formulation compositions. The antimicrobial efficiency was determined by applying the test strain gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shewanella putrefaciens, Escherichia coli and gram-positive Clostridium, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, as target microorganisms by disk diffusion and, as per the Japanese Industrial Standard Method (JIS Z 2801:2000). After following the standard procedure of washing for returnable plastic, the antimicrobial efficiency again tested for (10%) formulation.
Results: The films showed 50% antimicrobial properties after 5th wash against the tested microorganisms, presenting better activity against the gram negative than gram positive.
Significance: These findings suggest that PP films with AgSio2, Ag-Z and Ag-Zn are promising to provide a significant contribution to the quality and safety of packaged seafood.