An active packaging film based on yam starch with eugenol and its application for pork preservation

An antibacterial film based on Chinese yam starch (D-sorbitol as plasticizer) incorporated with eugenol (YDE) was prepared for pork preservation. The structure of films was characterized and the evaluation of two plasticizers (glycerol and D-sorbitol) on their mechanical and barrier properties was performed to determine the vehicle of eugenol. The release behavior and antimicrobial activity of YDE were investigated and the application of the films for pork preservation was evaluated. The mechanical and barrier properties of films were dependent on plasticizer. The release of eugenol from films was well-controlled by two release mechanisms of diffusion and erosion. YDE displayed good eugenol dose-dependent antibacterial activity which was higher against E. coli than against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. The film with 3% eugenol can extend the shelf-life of pork beyond 50%, suggesting that the film may have great potential in active packaging for extending the shelf-life of foodstuffs.