Antimicrobial films based on Na-alginate and κ-carrageenan

Na-alginate- and kappa-carrageenan-based antimicrobial films were prepared, to examine their antimicrobial effect and mechanical properties. Antimicrobial agents: lysozyme, nisin, grape fruit seed extract (GFSE) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were incorporated into films, both alone and in combination. Na-alginate-based films exhibited larger inhibitory zones compared to kappa-carrageenan-based films even within similar combinations and levels of antimicrobial agents. GFSE-EDTA in both Na-alginate- and kappa-carrageenan-based films showed inhibitory effect against all indicator microorganisms. Tensile strength (TS) values were weaker and elongations (E) before breakage less frequent for films with antimicrobial compounds compared to that of films without the antimicrobial compounds. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.