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Project Topic
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Active food packaging systems have gained a lot of interest as they play a critical role in extending the shelf life of food products while reducing the risk of microbial growth. It is well known that extending the shelf life of food by even one day has a huge impact on sustainability in terms of cost-effectiveness, reduction of food waste and transport costs.
The main objective of A-BLOCK project is to develop novel antimicrobial food packaging films to inhibit or retard the growth of microorganisms present on food surface, reducing food losses along the production and supply chains and increasing food safety and prolonging shelf life. We aim to achieve enhanced performance by patterning with biomimetic nanopillars and incorporating natural antimicrobial / antioxidant (AM/AO) agents extracted from agri-waste of Mediterranean countries.
To this end, active biomolecules from selected agri-waste will be extracted using green solvents and then encapsulated using different encapsulation systems; namely single species cultivated diatom frustules, micro/nanoemulsions and microcapsules. In parallel, biomimetic nanopillars will be fabricated on the surface of the packaging material to inhibit microbial growth and will be combined with frustules, micro/nanoemulsions and microcapsules loaded onto packaging films. In this project, we are targeting three packaging polymers, namely Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA), which will be loaded with the encapsulated AM/AO agents using extrusion and/or coating methods. The optimal packaging film configuration will be tested on real foods (raw meat cuts, fresh-cut vegetables, cakes) against specific target microorganisms for each food product, through challenge studies. Migration, barrier, microstructural, thermal, mechanical and optical properties of the developed packaging system will be evaluated, in addition to the regulatory and sustainability assessment to define its circularity potential and environmental impacts compared to conventional packaging systems.
A-BLOCK involves interdisciplinary activities, including engineering, materials science, natural products chemistry, food technology, and microbiology. A-BLOCK brings together stakeholders from the academia and the industry with demonstrated knowledge and experience in science and the exact technology areas fundamental to the success of the project.
A-BLOCK enables the creation of new business lines specific to Mediterranean region such as collection, processing and valorisation of wastes, sales and commercialization of valuable extracts / agents with validated and science-backed effects contributing to local economies and livelihoods.
Overall, the proposed packaging system is expected to improve food safety, reduce food waste, provide extended shelf-life in order to meet market demands for clean label solutions.
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