Influence of non-migratory metal-chelating active packaging film on food quality: Impact on physical and chemical stability of emulsions

• We describe the industrial practicality of a non-migratory active packaging film.
• The effect of film SA/V ratio and pH on the application of the film was examined.
• The ability of this film to control lipid oxidation was reported in emulsions.
• The active film did not have an adverse influence on the stability of emulsions.
• The non-migratory nature of the film was tested by the surface chemistry analysis.

Previously, we developed a novel metal-chelating packaging film (PP-g-PAA) by grafting acrylic acid (AA) monomer from polypropylene (PP) film surface, and demonstrated its potential in controlling iron-promoted lipid oxidation. Herein, we further established the industrial practicality of this active film. Specifically, the influence of film surface area-to-product volume ratio (SA/V) and product pH on the application of the film was investigated using an oil-in-water emulsion system. The films equally inhibited lipid oxidation throughout the range of SA/V ratios tested (2–8 cm2/ml). PP-g-PAA films were most effective at pH 7.0, and the activity decreased with decreasing pH. The particle size examination of emulsions indicated no adverse influence from the active film on the stability of this emulsion system. FTIR analysis suggested a non-migratory nature of PP-g-PAA films. These results provide fundamental knowledge that will facilitate the application of this effective and economical active packaging film in the food industry.