Study of antimicrobial polymeric packaging films containing basil extracts

The quality and safety of foods may deteriorate due to the surface growth of microorganisms. The integration of antimicrobial (AM) agents in polymeric packaging films to enhance microbial stability of foods may have a crucial effect on extending the shelf life of packaged food products or on maintaining food safety. Linalool and methylchavicol are the principal constituents of basil and\ud exhibit an AM effect against a wide spectrum of bacteria, yeasts and mould. These compounds are generally recognized as safe (i.e. possess GRAS status) and are stable at the high temperatures that prevail during the extrusion film blowing process. Therefore, films containing these substances might have a potential use as AM packages.\ud The present study generally aimed at investigating AM polymeric packaging films containing the principal constituents of basil