The development of antimicrobial LDPE films containing ferula hydroalcoholic
leaf and gum extracts was investigated. At the end of the 10th day, the highest rate
of the released flavonoid compounds was related to the films containing 5% leaf
extracts (PE-Leaf-5, 3663.71 μg/g) for 95% ethanol simulation at 60 °C. The carvacrol
acetate and β-Elemene in the 95% ethanol simulation containing PE-Leaf
and α-bisabolol in the simulation including a film containing gum extract (PE-Gum)
were not found. The highest effect of the antimicrobial property was related to the
PE-Leaf films, but the highest rate of release of the compounds was related to the
PE-Gum films. At the end of day 14th, the growth rate of Aspergillus niger in the
presence of the PE-Leaf-5 and PE-Gum-5 films was reduced 3.23 and 3.72 logarithmic
cycles, respectively. At the end of day 10th at 4ºC, the total fungi count has
reduced 0.89 and 0.85 logarithmic cycles in the dough samples packed with PELeaf
and PE-Gum films, respectively while after 6 days preservation at 25°C, they
reduced 1.51 and 1.68 logarithmic cycles, respectively. It seems the development of
antimicrobial films containing ferula bioactive compounds can be effective in prolonging
the shelf life of the foods. |