Active pseudo-multilayered films from polycaprolactone and starch based matrix for food-packaging applications

Within the recent years, researches dealing with the applications of intelligent and active packaging for food applications have taken a great importance. Intelligent packaging-systems are used to inform and advertise the consumers by giving information on the food quality during transport and storage. Active packaging-systems have also acquired new functions as antimicrobials and/or oxygen or water scavenging activities by incorporating active molecules. The aim of these packaging is to maintain or extend the quality and shelf-life of the food element. The application of this strategy, concerning bio-sourced packaging, is recent. In this work, polycaprolactones were blended in a starch based matrix to improve the suitability for contact with food of the packaging and to obtain a modulated water-scavenger effect. The migration of PCL in the pseudo-multilayered and multilayered films was investigated by FT-IR. Moreover, chitosan was included in the formulation to reduce the bacterial adhesion potential on the packaging. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.