Indian Institute of Technology researchers have developed a biodegradable wrapping material, with a built-in anti-bacterial compound to prevent food contamination, and to reduce plastic waste.
Mr. Doble said the design would address the issue of solid waste and food contamination during storage due to bacterial growth.
“The wrapping material we have developed also degrades at various environmental conditions. The degradation rate varies from 4 to 98% in 21 days. The wrapping material degraded rapidly in moist conditions when compared to dry ones. Hence, our wrapper is eco-friendly and can play a major role in plastic waste reduction,” he explained.
The wrappings were made with polymeric blends containing starch, polyvinyl alcohol and cyclic beta glycans.
The polymers used are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
The antibacterial agent selected includes compounds such as eugenol, chlorogenic acid, betanin, curcumin and gallic acid, which are used regularly in Indian food and are known to possess antibacterial, antioxidant and many other beneficial bio-activities.
Ms. Kumari said the team tested its performance by wrapping paneer, meat and chicken.
“Our study found 99.999% reduction in bacterial colonies was observed in the food samples wrapped with our antibacterial wrap and stored at 30oC for 10 days when compared with a plain wrapper. This study also suggests that our antimicrobial wrapper can, to some extent overcome, the reduced availability of cold storage units. Paneer is known to have a very low shelf life and hence extending its shelf life is a major advantage,” she said.
Generally, bacterial growth is higher when food is stored at 30oC when compared to storage at 4oC. Mr. Doble said the team was looking for funds to scale-up the process and test the product with more food samples.
An estimated 600 million – almost 1 in 10 people in the world – fall ill and around 4.2 lakh die annuallyafter eating contaminated food.