Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Gelatin-Based Propolis Films Kept Antimicrobial Activity for 177 Days



Properties of Gelatin-Based Films with Added Ethanol–Propolis Extract
Volume 51, Issue 1, April 2013, Pages 104–110
Considering the possibility of using propolis as a natural bioactive compound, and the growing interest in active and biodegradable packaging materials, gelatin-based films plasticized with sorbitol and added of ethanol–propolis extract (EPE) were produced. Four different concentrations of EPE (0, 5, 40 or 200 g/100 g of gelatin) were analyzed. The effect of concentrations of EPE were evaluated on: mechanical properties, solubility, moisture content, water vapor permeability, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy characteristics, stability of polyphenol concentrations, and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. EPE incorporation to the films promoted reduction in rupture tension and water vapor permeability, besides other microstructural changes, when compared with the control films (0 g of EPE/100 g of gelatin). Activity against S. aureus was observed in films with 40 and 200 g of EPE/100 g of gelatin. These films kept their antimicrobial activity and polyphenol concentration for 177 days of storage.
Highlights
Effect of different concentrations of ethanol–propolis extract on gelatin films. Extract incorporation practically did not change the properties of films. Films with ethanolpropolis extract were effective against Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial effect of ethanolpropolis extract continued for 177 days.


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