Development of active structures based on zein and sage extract by electrospinning vs solvent casting

Abstract

Concept of active food packaging, based on natural active compounds incorporated within a packaging material, is gaining increased popularity as a way of reducing pressure on the environment related to food waste and disposed plastic packaging. Incorporation of extracted active compounds within a polymeric matrix is a promising approach to keep functionality and increase effectiveness of the compounds during time. In this sense, sage (Salvia officinalis L.) can be used as a source of compounds with potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity aiming to prevent food deterioration. Zein, corn processing by-product, is biopolymer of interest in this study as a replacement of commonly used plastic packaging with unknown biodegradation time. The goal of this study was to formulate active, biodegradable structures based on zein and sage extract (SE) which would delay oxidation processes and prevent microbiological contamination.