The potential of a biogenic, antimicrobial active and sustainable packaging solution to increase food safety and reduce food losses in Benin

Poster presented at 34th EFFoST International Conference 2020 - Bridging high-tech, food-tech and health: Consumer-oriented innovations; 10-12 November 2020 | Online event. Abstract: Food safety and food losses are of major concerns in Benin. The main reasons for these are damage and contamination in the early steps of the chain, as well as accelerated spoilage due to environmental and hygienic conditions. Active packaging solutions can prolong shelf life and increase food safety by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The implementation of locally produced, sustainable, biobased and biodegradable packaging solutions is of great interest, also on a global scale. The aim of this study is the development of an active packaging solution comprising biobased materials with an active biogenic coating produced in Benin. The active compounds are extracts of local plants. Using the agar well diffusion method, the screening showed that all plant extracts (n=16, 70% v/v Ethanol, 0.1 g ml-1, 24 hrs., 25°C, 140rpm) are active against Staphylococcus aureus and other Gram-positive bacteria. Six extracts also showed activity against important Gram-negatives, like Pseudomonas putida and fluorescens. Gmelina arborea (GA) showed the lowest minimal bactericidal concentration of ≤ 10 µg/ml for Gram-positive bacteria, as well as for P. putida and P. fluorescens (20 and 50 µg/ml). Besides, the total antioxidative capacity of GA was very high with 529.64 mg Teq ml-1 extract and a total phenolic content of 1,876.11 mg GAE l-1 extract. The determination of the antimicrobial activity (JIS Z 2801:2010) showed a successful integration into the matrix of beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil with log reductions of ≥ 2 for most tested bacteria. Different materials (leafs, paper, etc.) can serve as matrices for this coating. The results of this research show that the developed packaging solution has potential to increase food safety and reduce food losses due to its proven antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, locally and sustainably produced packaging solutions have the potential to increase food safety on both, local and global scale.