Assessment of high-intensity pulsed light on the properties of flexible PLA and PLA/PBAT packaging.

• Grant number: 25/08229-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Technology
• Principal Investigator: Luís Marangoni Júnior
• Grantee: Camila Yoshine Moniva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/07555-2 - High-intensity pulsed light: photo-crosslinking of biopolymers, packaging and food stability, AP.JP

Abstract

In this proposal, the objective is to assess the effects of pulsed light (PL) treatment on the properties of biodegradable flexible packaging. Two biodegradable materials will be investigated: PLA (polylactic acid) and a blend of PLA/PBAT (poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)). The flexible packaging will be treated under different PL conditions that are effective for the decontamination of packaged food. Subsequently, the treated and untreated materials will be evaluated regarding their structure, morphology, thermal behavior, barrier properties, and mechanical properties. It is expected that this research project will provide consistent answers about the use of commercially successful biodegradable materials concerning PL technology, with results that allow for understanding whether these materials are suitable for this technology without negatively compromising their properties. Furthermore, the results of this project will facilitate the appropriate use of these materials in foods treated with PL.