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- Optimization of Whey Protein-Based Films Incorporating Foeniculum vulgare Mill: Essential OilPublication . Pedro, Salomé; Pereira, L.; Domingues, F.C.; Ramos, Ana; Luís, ÂngeloPetroleum-based plastics used in food packaging are not biodegradable. They accumulate in the environment in large amounts, causing a decrease in soil fertility, jeopardizing marine habitats, and causing serious problems to human health. Whey protein has been studied for applications in food packaging, either because of its abundant availability or because it confers transparency, flexibility, and good barrier properties to packaging materials. Taking advantage of whey protein to produce new food packaging materials is a clear example of the so-called circular economy. The present work focuses on optimizing the formulation of whey protein concentrate-based films to enhance their general mechanical properties applying the Box–Behnken experimental design. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel) essential oil (EO) was incorporated into the optimized films, which were then further characterized. The incorporation of fennel EO in the films leads to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in peak elongation (from 14.03 to 31.61%) and tensile index (from 0.40 to 0.50 N.m/g). The optimized whey protein films were yellowish and very transparent (>90%). The results of the bioactive activities of the optimized films showed their ability to be applied as active materials for food packaging to improve the shelf-life of food products and also to prevent foodborne diseases associated with the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Development of a carboxymethyl xylan film containing licorice essential oil with antioxidant properties to inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogensPublication . Luís, Ângelo; Pereira, L.; Domingues, F.C.; Ramos, AnaAntioxidant and antibacterial edible films based on carboxymethyl xylan with licorice essential oil incorporated were successfully developed. The films were prepared by the casting method and characterized using FTIR. The grammage, thickness, contact angle, mechanical and optical properties of the films were measured, together with the evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties against common foodborne pathogens. The FTIR spectra of the films clearly show the successful incorporation of the essential oil. The antioxidant properties of the films linked to scavenging free radicals and lipid peroxidation inhibition were maintained even after a storage period at room temperature (20 days, 25 °C). Moreover, the capacity of these films to inhibit the growth of Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes was demonstrated. The results also suggest the anti-biofilm potential of films incorporated with licorice essential oil. Therefore, these biodegradable films can be used in active packages for food, improving the overall shelf life.