Antimicrobial pseudolatex zein films with encapsulated carvacrol for sustainable food packaging

Environmental problems caused by food packaging impede the sustainability of packed food. Therefore, efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions need to be urgently implemented. Zein is water-insoluble plant protein which can form biodegradable films that have potential to be used as sustainable food packaging. In this work, zein films (zFc) were prepared from dispersions of zein nanocapsules (zNC) containing carvacrol, using pseudolatex technology. zNC were characterized for zeta potential and size. Influence of carvacrol on zFc water resistance, optical and mechanical properties was tested. Encapsulation efficiency and release curves of carvacrol were determined. Antimicrobial activity of zFc with 20% carvacrol was tested under dynamic conditions. It was shown that continuous zein films can be prepared by coalescence of zNC, using pseudolatex technology. Results showed that tested carvacrol concentrations do not affect zNC and zFc properties. Antimicrobial activity of zFc was found to be sufficient to block the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.