Reports from Kasetsart University Advance Knowledge in Industrial Crops and Products (Sulfite Incorporated Thermoplastic Cassava Starch Blended Pbat Blown Films As Antimicrobial and Antibrowning Packaging).

A study conducted by researchers at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand, has developed and characterized novel active films to prevent microbial growth and browning in dried meat and fruits. The films, made from a blend of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), incorporated sodium metabisulfite (SM) to improve their properties. The addition of SM improved the smoothness of the film microstructures, enhanced water vapor barrier properties, and showed significant antibacterial activity against certain strains. The TPS/PBAT/SM composite films were found to be effective in preventing mold growth and darkening in packaged salami and dried fruits, making them a promising sustainable alternative to sulfite treatment. [Extracted from the article]