Use of biodegradable alginate film incorporated by essential oils to control Listeria monocytogenes in sliced sausages

• Grant number: 12/01726-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2012
• End date: February 28, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Mariza Landgraf
• Grantee: Mariza Landgraf
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The use of biodegradable packaging, such as edible films and coatings, is considered an alternative to the use of non-renewable resources as a packaging material. The incorporation of antimicrobial substances in packaging aims to minimize the problem of microbial contamination in food in which essential oils (EO) have received special attention because they are natural substances and attend consumer demand. Unlike many matrices used for the development of edible coatings and films, the alginate is distinguished by the ability to use in foods with high moisture content where its structure is not affected. Thus, the present research project aims to: assess the incorporation of essential oils in the formulation of alginate-based film; evaluate periodically by microbiological testing in vitro and analysis of the availability of active compounds present in OE the efficiency of this antimicrobial film against L. monocytogenes until the maximum period of storage; evaluate the antimicrobial potential in situ using sliced meat products; characterize the film according to the mechanical and barrier properties and evaluate the product acceptance testing by sensory analysis. (AU)