Evaluation of physicochemical/microbial properties and life cycle assessment (LCA) of PLA-based nanocomposite active packaging

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2017

Autores

Maria do Pilar Gonçalves (Autor) FEUP; Gabriela S. Lorite (Autor) Outra; João M. Rocha (Autor) FEUP; Noora Miilumaki (Autor) Outra; Paula Saavalainen (Autor) Outra; Tuula Selkala (Autor) Outra; Gabriel Morales-Cid (Autor) Outra; Eva Pongrácz (Autor) Outra; Cristina M.R. Rocha (Autor) FEUP; Geza Toth (Autor) Outra

Revista

Título: LWT - Food Science and Technology

Vol. 75

Páginas: 305-315

ISSN: 0023-6438

Editora: Elsevier

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citações

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 27 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00K-VBX

DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2016.09.004

Abstract (EN): To attend the growing consumer demand for novel ready-to-eat fresh cut fruits packaging polylactic acid (PLA)-based active packaging was realized. The aim of these packaging is to provide an improved protection and even to extend their shelf-life. PLA-based active packaging was prepared by adding nanoclays and surfactants in its formulation. The evaluation of PLA-nanocomposite packaging was done in comparison to pristine PLA and conventional plastic (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) using fresh-cut melons. Physicochemical properties were investigated by the means of weight loss, visual appearance, pH, colour, and firmness. In addition, microbial profile was tested via microbiological assays. In order to evaluate the environmental impact of PLA-based active packaging compared to commonly used PET, life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted. In terms of physicochemical and antimicrobial properties, the results clearly showed that the presence of nanoclays and surfactants in the PLA formulations improved their performance, thus contributing to bring the characteristic and behaviour of PLA packages close to those of PET. Furthermore, assessment of life cycle environmental impacts indicated that PLA packaging with nanoclays had the highest environmental performance.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 11