title: Active systems based on silver-montmorillonite nanoparticles embedded into bio-based polymer matrices for packaging applications.
abstract: Silver-montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) antimicrobial nanoparticles were obtained by allowing silver ions from nitrate solutions to replace the Na(+) of natural montmorillonite and to be reduced by thermal treatment. The Ag-MMT nanoparticles were embedded in agar, zein, and poly(ε-caprolactone) polymer matrices. These nanocomposites were tested in vitro with a three-strain cocktail of Pseudomonas spp. to assess antimicrobial effectiveness. The results indicate that Ag-MMT nanoparticles embedded into agar may have antimicrobial activity against selected spoilage microorganisms. No antimicrobial effects were recorded with active zein and poly(ε-caprolactone). The water content of the polymeric matrix was the key parameter associated with antimicrobial effectiveness of this active system intended for food packaging applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 25-71100 Foggia, Italy.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Incoronato
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Buonocore
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Conte
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lavorgna
authors.forename: M A Del
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Nobile
mesh_terms: D000362:Agar / Q000737:chemistry; D001546:Bentonite / Q000737:chemistry*; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D018857:Food Packaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005524:Food Technology / Q000379:methods; D053761:Nanocomposites; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001546:Bentonite; D012834:Silver; D000362:Agar