A study of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/orange essential oil films for application in active antimicrobial packaging

The development of new packaging for food preservation has been improving every day. The present work aims to evaluate the influence of orange oil on the properties of active films produced from PBAT by solvent casting, in concentrations of 0, 5, 10 and 15 (wt. %) of Orange essential oil. These films were prepared under constant stirring for 45 min, using chloroform as the solvent. Limonene was found to be the main component, and the oil addition to the polymeric matrix was proven using PCA (principal component analysis). The thermal stability of the PBAT was not altered with the addition of the oil and there was no change in the melting temperature (Tm), but there was an increase in crystallization temperature (Tc). By using SEM images, it was possible to identify the presence of pores on the films surface. There was a decrease in the mechanical properties of the films, however, the obtained values are still above the threshold for usage as packaging. There was migration of Orange oil to the inoculum, reducing E. coli growth rate, observed through the measurement of absorbance. Therefore, the use of PBAT with orange oil may be a promising alternative for use as an active packaging.