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Release of 1‐Methylcyclopropene from Heat‐Pressed Polymer Films
Author(s) -
Hotchkiss J.H.,
Watkins C.B.,
Sanchez D.G.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00391.x
Subject(s) - 1 methylcyclopropene , low density polyethylene , relative humidity , polymer , ethylene , postharvest , chemistry , food packaging , shelf life , chemical engineering , materials science , food science , organic chemistry , horticulture , physics , biology , engineering , catalysis , thermodynamics
Gaseous 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) is an inhibitor of ethylene perception that is being used extensively for apples and ornamental products, and under intensive investigation for its potential benefits for other fruits and vegetables. 1‐MCP is currently used in closed environments that maintain stable concentrations for several hours in order to be effective. However, food packaging materials that release 1‐MCP at a predictable rate into the package headspace might be useful for application in inhibiting the deleterious effects of ethylene in the postharvest packaging and storage of some horticultural products. A 1‐MCP/α‐cyclodextrin (1‐MCP–cd) complex was incorporated into several common packaging films by heat‐pressing (dry‐blend, lamination) and solution‐casting methods. The release of 1‐MCP from the films was quantified by gas chromatography with respect to time, loading of 1‐MCP, temperature, relative humidity (RH), type of film, and film‐forming method. Release of 1‐MCP was rapid and high in films held at RH ≥ 75%. The rate of release was slow during the 1st 12 h and then increased during the next 24 to 36 h. Higher temperatures resulted in higher and faster release. A loading of 8 mg of 1‐MCP–cd per 140 mg of polymer was found to be optimal. Pressing 1‐MCP–cd containing films above 100 °C reduced the amount of 1‐MCP remaining in the film. Incorporation into LDPE resulted in a higher and faster release than from PS, PVC, and PP polymers. 1‐MCP release from a film matrix appears to be within the acceptable range for produce packaging applications.