Chlorine Dioxide Technologies for Active Food Packaging and Other Microbial Decontamination Applications
Abstract
Active food packaging concepts exhibiting antimicrobial activity were developed using a novel chemical system in conjunction with polymers (a film made of polylactic acid, PLA, or a sachet made of superabsorbent hydrogel) with applications in the food industry for ensuring microbial safety, extending shelf-life, and reducing waste of perishable foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and berries. One system produces chlorine dioxide in-packaging from precursors adhered to the surface of PLA biopolymeric films that can be used in food packaging. The second is a smart food packaging system designed with chemical precursors incorporated in an insertable sachet made of a superabsorbent hydrogel polymer and is called the Compartment of Defense (CoD). The CoD packaging system is characterized by the humidity-activated, time-released controlled and sustained production of low concentrations of gaseous ClO2 in-container and can be used to inactivate pathogens and prevent mold growth and extend the safe shelf-life while reducing economic losses of perishable foods that respire in-packaging (fresh berries, fruits, and vegetables). These next-generation chlorine dioxide technologies for microbial decontamination can be adapted for food industry applications (e.g., treating fresh produce, sanitizing food processing/handling surfaces, and cleaning-in-place methods for production lines) and other microbial decontamination applications (e.g., preventing mold on porous surfaces, disinfecting hard surfaces, self-decontaminating garments, and inactivating bacterial spores of Clostridiodes difficile and Bacillus anthracis).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1157894
Entities
People
- A. Shen
- C. Charette
- Christopher J. Doona
- E. Forster
- F. E. Feeherry
- K. Kustin
Organizations
- Brandeis University
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Tufts University
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center