Migration of α-tocopherol from an active multilayer film into whole milk powder

Antioxidant active packaging is a promising technology for whole milk powder (WMP) protection. In this study, the migration of α-tocopherol from a multilayer active packaging (made of high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol and a layer of low density polyethylene containing the antioxidant) to WMP was studied. A model based on the Fick’s diffusion equation was used to calculate the diffusion coefficients (D) of α-tocopherol as 2.34 × 10−11, 3.06 × 10−11, and 3.14 × 10−11 cm2 s−1 at 20, 30 and 40 °C, respectively. The D at 20 °C was different from those at 30 and 40 °C (P < 0.05); but it was similar at 30 and 40 °C. This low influence of temperature on the migration of α-tocopherol from 20 to 40 °C assures the release at real storage and commercialization conditions in regions with warm/hot climate. The antioxidant delivering system delayed the lipid oxidation of WMP and it was more effective at 30 and 40 °C since the rate of oxidative reactions was higher at these temperatures than at 20 °C.