Migration study of carvacrol as a natural antioxidant in high-density polyethylene for active packaging

Authors: Peltzer, M.¹; Wagner, J.²; Jimenez, A.¹

Source: Food Additives and Contaminants, Volume 26, Number 6, June 2009 , pp. 938-946(9)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $56.94 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The migration behaviour of low molecular weight compounds from food packaging materials is one of the key issues in assessing the possibility of use in such applications. The aim of this work was to study the migration of carvacrol (1% and 2% w/w) when added to high-density polyethylene. All materials were exposed to the food simulants olive oil and distilled water separately at 40°C and 25°C. Three significant variables influencing the migration process were considered: incubation temperatures, the initial concentration of antioxidant, and the type of simulant (oil and aqueous). The amount of carvacrol migrating to olive oil was significantly higher than in water because of the higher solubility of this antioxidant in oil. Experimental results agreed reasonably well with those obtained by the application of a simple model derived from Fick's Second Law. Carvacrol could therefore be used in active packaging formulations as its release from the polymer matrix can be controlled.

Keywords: migration; active packaging; carvacrol; high-density polyethylene

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02652030802712681

Affiliations: 1: Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition & Food Sciences Department, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain 2: Department of Science and Technology, University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina

Publication date: 2009-06-01

More about this publication?