Work

Eucalyptus oil-loaded nanocarriers composite films to enhance the shelf life of cheese

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study developed an environmentally friendly, antimicrobial active food packaging material to extend the shelf life of cheese. Poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composite films were incorporated with 1%, 3%, 7%, and 10% (w/w) eucalyptus oil and 0.2% (w/w) titanium dioxide. The physicochemical properties, including optical and mechanical characteristics, surface hydrophobicity, and chemical composition, were evaluated. The films' antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , biofilm inhibition, and cheese preservation performance were assessed. Results indicated that adding eucalyptus oil reduced tensile strength by 35.6%, while enhancing UV-light barrier properties and increasing yellowness. Notably, biofilm inhibition improved from 21% to 92% with increasing eucalyptus oil concentration, and the 10% (w/w) composite film exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, completely inhibiting E. coli growth. Furthermore, cheese wrapped in this film showed no microbial growth, limiting weight loss to 1.47% over 12 days, compared to 9.30% in the control sample. The water contact angle (WCA) increased from 58.93° to 71.66°, confirming improved surface hydrophobicity, while UV transmittance at 280 nm was reduced to 0.00%, demonstrating superior light-blocking capacity. These findings demonstrate that PLA/PBAT-TiO 2 -eucalyptus oil (10% w/w) composite films offer promising applications in active food packaging, effectively extending the shelf life of cheese. • Eucalyptus oil strengthens antimicrobial properties, protecting food from bacterial contamination. • 10% eucalyptus blend effectively inhibits microbes, prolonging cheese freshness. • TiO 2 addition increases UV-blocking, safeguarding food from harmful light. • Higher eucalyptus concentrations substantially enhance biofilm inhibition. • Film flexibility improves with oil concentration, though tensile properties decline.

Source: LWT

DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2025.117548

Authors: Shubham Sharma, Kalpani Y. Perera, Lily Mulrey, Brendan Duffy, Amit K. Jaiswal, Swarna Jaiswal

Institutions: Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology, Technological University Dublin

Language: English

Topic: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240