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Preparation of poly(lactic acid) and pectin composite films intended for applications in antimicrobial packaging
Author(s) -
Liu L. S.,
Finkenstadt V. L.,
Liu C.K.,
Jin T.,
Fishman M. L.,
Hicks K. B.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.26590
Subject(s) - pectin , nisin , composite number , materials science , lactic acid , ultimate tensile strength , extrusion , polylactic acid , lactobacillus plantarum , composite material , antimicrobial , chemical engineering , polymer , chemistry , food science , organic chemistry , bacteria , genetics , biology , engineering
A pectin and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite was compounded by extrusion. A model antimicrobial polypeptide, nisin, was loaded into the composite by diffusion. The incorporation of pectin into PLA resulted in a heterogeneous biphasic structure, as revealed by scanning electronic microscopy, confocal laser microscopy, and fracture–acoustic emission. The incorporation of pectin also created a rough and cragged surface, which was hydrophilic and facilitated the access and absorption of nisin. The nisin‐loaded composite suppressed Lactobacillus plantarum growth, as indicated by agar diffusion and liquid‐phase culture tests. The incorporation of pectin at the concentration of ∼ 20% of the total mass did not alter the Young's modulus of the film from that of the pure PLA. The composite materials were able to retain their tensile strength, flexibility, and toughness to an extent that satisfied the requirements for packaging materials. Results from this research indicate the potential of pectin/PLA composites for applications in antimicrobial packaging. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.‡ J Appl Polym Sci 2007