Chitosan/PVA/Starch Ternary Film With Ilex paraguariensis Hydroalcoholic Extract as an Antimicrobial Active Package for Meat

Abstract

The study investigated the development of a ternary active film incorporating Ilex paraguariensis extract as an antimicrobial agent. The film is composed of starch, polyvinyl alcohol, and chitosan solutions, combined with dry I. paraguariensis extract. Following preparation and drying, the films underwent antimicrobial and mechanical testing. The mechanical properties of the active films were promising, and the swelling index stabilized at 750%. To assess antimicrobial efficacy, tests were conducted using red meat samples contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, comparing the performance of the active film to commercial polyvinyl chloride film as a control. The results demonstrated the superior antimicrobial properties of the ternary active film compared to the control. When used to wrap contaminated meat samples, the active film significantly reduced bacterial growth, showing a two-logarithmic-cycle difference in colony counts compared to the commercial polyvinyl chloride film. This substantial reduction in bacterial proliferation underscores the effectiveness of the I. paraguariensis extract as an antimicrobial agent within the film matrix. The study concludes that the developed ternary film exhibits both good mechanical properties and microbiological effectiveness, suggesting its potential for applications in food packaging, particularly in preserving meat products and extending their shelf life.

Keywords: Active Packaging. Antimicrobial Activity. Ilex Paraguariensis. Food Packaging. Natural Extracts.