Filme biodegradável contendo nisina e óleo essencial de cardamomo contra Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

In recent years, it can be observed an increase in the search for healthy and safe foods, with less chemical additives due to the concern with food conservation, reduction and control of microorganisms that are pathogens to health. As a result, biodegradable active packaging was developed, which aims, in addition to the barrier ability, to provide food conservation from bacteriocins and essential oils, consequently extending the shelf life of the food. Therefore, this work aimed as finality to produce a biodegradable film based on cassava starch, added with nisin and cardamom essential oil, in order to develop an active packaging, in order to promote microbial inactivity of the microorganism Staphylococcus aureus. The production of the film followed 4 protocols with varying amounts of cassava starch, with glycerin as a plasticizing agent. Cardamom oil and nisin were added at 5 mL and 5%, respectively. The formation of the film was based on the casting technique. The antimicrobial activity of the film was tested on the surface of the inoculated culture medium of the bacteria S. aureus and the death curve test was performed in liquid culture. Swelling, transparency and biodegradation tests were carried out. We obtained positive results in relation to the analyzes carried out, such as the antimicrobial activity of the film against S. aureus, through inhibition halos and together with the bacterial death curve, it was possible to detect that during the exposure of the bacteria with the antimicrobial film, the activity of the microorganism was inhibited. Positive biodegradation, because after 20 days exposed to the environment, it had its complete degradability, leaving only a few fragments. In the transparency test, which was performed visually, it was possible to determine characteristics similar to what was desired, but when added with nisin and cardamom, it had its color changed, but still, having resistance to manipulation and without cracks. Another positive result was in the swelling test, which control showed greater water retention than the added film. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the biodegradable film added with nisin and cardamom essential oil obtained positive results, significantly inhibiting the action of the food pathogen, having characteristics of transparency, swelling and adequate biodegradability and thus being able to be an alternative for the food industry.