Antibacterial LDPE films for food packaging application filled with metal-fumed silica dual-side fillers

There is a paramount demand on the enhancement of plastic package properties to reduce food loss and waste. With this awareness, ternary composite films based low density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with silver- (Ag/FS), copper- (Cu/FS) copper hydroxynitrate-fumed silica (CuHS/FS) micron-sized dual-side fillers, were produced via melt-blending compression molding techniques. The exhibited antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens Staphylococcus aureus Salmonella enterica, showing stronger effect in LDPE-Cu/FS 0.3% 30.9% survival ratio, followed by LDPE-CuHS/FS 0.4% 50.7%, respectively. specific Cu migration presented maximum value 1.29 mg/ kg simulant, that within threshold limit established current legislation for contact materials, thus permitting their use as packaging acidic, alcoholic, aqueous foodstuffs. This work presents relevance alternative fillers produce active products.