RESUMO
The fisheries industry encounters distinct packaging challenges, including the need to protect perishable seafood from rapid spoilage caused by UV radiation while allowing for reuse. This study tackles these issues by introducing advanced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites enhanced with a UV stabilizer and inorganic fillers, such as diatomaceous earth/zinc oxide (DZ). Our investigation explores the transformative effects of weathering on these pioneering composites, evaluating shifts in mechanical, physical, thermal properties, and sub-zero temperature stability. Incorporating a UV stabilizer alongside DZ within the HDPE matrix significantly enhances mechanical performance and weathering resilience. These enhancements extend the longevity of seafood packaging while preserving product quality. Moreover, our findings reveal a substantial breakthrough in antimicrobial properties. The inclusion of DZ, with or without a UV stabilizer, results in an impressive up to 99% enhancement in antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This discovery not only bolsters the protective attributes of HDPE packaging but also presents a compelling case for the development of active packaging materials derived from DE/ZnO composites. This study bridges the gap between packaging and seafood quality, introducing advanced polymeric packaging technology for seafood products. It highlights the mutually beneficial link between packaging improvements and ensuring seafood quality, meeting industry needs while promoting sustainability.
RESUMO
One of the key factors of supporting the rapidly expanding seafood product industry in terms of quality control is the utilization of active packaging materials. Microorganisms are primarily responsible for the perishability and rapid disintegration of seafood. The incorporation of an inorganic compound, such as silica-based diatomaceous earth (DE), and a metal oxide, such as zinc oxide (ZnO), is proposed to develop active packaging materials with excellent antibacterial activity, minimized fishy odor, and brittleness at subzero temperatures. The mechanical, morphological, and physicochemical properties of these materials were investigated. The results show that the addition of DE/ZnO improved the antibacterial activity of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) samples by up to approximately 95% against both gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Additionally, it enhanced the Izod strength and stability at subzero temperatures of the samples. The odor evaporation test revealed that trimethylamine can be minimized in proportion to increasing DE/ZnO composite concentration. As a result, the development of active packaging materials from DE/ZnO composites is an emerging polymeric packaging technology for seafood products, wherein packaging and seafood quality are linked.
