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Open Access Surface, Thermal and Antimicrobial Release Properties of Plasma-Treated Zein Films

The effects of dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment on zein film containing thymol as an active ingredient were evaluated. The plasma discharge was optically characterized to identify the reactive species. A significant increase in the film roughness (p < 0.05) was observed due to the etching effect of DBD plasma, which was correlated with the increase in the diffusion rate of thymol in the food simulant. The diffusion of thymol from the zein film was measured in aqueous solution. The kinetics of thymol release followed the Fick's law of diffusion as shown by the high correlation coefficients between experimental and theoretical data. No significant change (p > 0.05) was observed for the thermal properties of the antimicrobial films after DBD plasma treatment.

Keywords: DBD plasma; Non-thermal plasma; antimicrobial packaging; release kinetics; thymol; zein

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 01 March 2014

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  • This journal publishes high quality peer reviewed original research and review articles on macromolecules and additives obtained from renewable/biobased resources. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, JRM introduces cutting-edge research on biobased monomers, polymers, additives (both organic and inorganic), their blends and composites. JRM showcases both fundamental aspects and applications of renewable materials. The fundamental topics include the synthesis and polymerization of biobased monomers and macromonomers, the chemical modification of natural polymers, as well as the characterization, structure-property relationships, processing, recycling, bio and environmental degradation and life cycle analysis of the ensuing materials, in view of their potential applications. Within this sustainability approach, green chemistry processes and studies falling within biorefinery contexts are strongly favored.
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