Conclusion
SURFACE HYDROPHOBICITIES OF SPI, WPI, WG, AND EA FILM
solutions were measured to determine the effects of the
hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of films on the activity of nisin
incorporated in edible films for inhibition of L. monocytogenes.
The mechanical properties and water vapor permeabilities
varied for each film tested when nisin was added to
the films. These results suggest that nisin has different inter
actions with the proteins of the different films.
Incorporation of nisin into edible films was effective in inhibiting
L. monocytogenes. Edible films with higher hydrophobicities
and added nisin in an acidic environment exerted
a greater inhibitory effect against L. monocytogenes. The
findings of this study indicate that edible films can act as
suitable carriers for delivering effective antimicrobials to the
surface of food products. Further practical tests of these edible
films are needed to determine the ability of such films to
deliver antimicrobial compounds in pharmaceutical, fruit,
vegetable, and meat product applications.