Bio-based Bacteria Beating Antimicrobial Additive Solutions!

TAGS:  Additives for Packaging      Biobased Solutions    

Persistent bacteria control anxieties in food waste packaging contamination as well as in medical device and wound care infections are driving the growing interest in antimicrobial additive technology in plastics application development.

Let's begin with the latest bio-based antimicrobial technology used in plastics...

#1. Fraunhofer’s Antimicrobials in Food Packaging

Germany’s Fraunhofer IVV is working on the use of natural, bio-based, plant-derived antimicrobials for packaging. The application of packaging materials that release antimicrobial substances to food surfaces is an attractive option to reduce and inhibit non-desirable microbial growth due to contamination and to prevent food loss.


Fraunhofer has identified suitable antimicrobial substances – pelargonium and olive leaf extract – which are encapsulated to protect them during processing. They have been dispersed in polymers, coated on films, extruded, and intensively tested.


Work so far indicates the natural antimicrobials are suitable for extrusion and coating, can withstand the processing temperatures involved. A question that still has to be answered is to find the right match between food and antimicrobial substance, to avoid organoleptic changes in the food.

One solution by IKV in this regard has been the identification of a natural and plant-derived oxygen scavenger, namely, gallic acid that has been used in food packaging to provide additional protection to oxygen-sensitive food products.

A mixture of gallic acid and sodium carbonate was incorporated in a bio-based multi-layer packaging film produced by three-step process of:

• Compounding
• Flat film extrusion, and
• Lamination

Next, let’s briefly review…

#2. Quick-Med’s NIMBUS Technology for Medical Applications

The NIMBUS technology developed by Quick-Med Technologies Inc. is a U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) cleared, cutting-edge antimicrobial technology custom-designed for wound care and medical device applications.

• The technology encompasses the chemistry of antimicrobials that comprise a high charge density polycation built into the backbone of various polymers.
• These non-toxic, biobased, long-chain polycation polymers with high charge density provide superior efficacy via a physical action on microbes.

Quick-Med Technologies has been granted patents for their NIMBUS technology covering:

• The incorporation of a NIMBUS polycation into the main chain of polyurethane polymer, and
• The process of attaching NIMBUS antimicrobials to a range of substrates.

The global market for healthcare antimicrobial plastics is reached 250,000 metric tons in 2018, fueled by rising demand from:

• Healthcare
• Industrial, and
• Consumer end-use sectors

Stringent government legislation and potential liabilities for service/product related infections are prompting the use of bio-based biocidal plastics in healthcare environments. The need to prevent HAI (Hospital Acquired Infection) and related complications is a major impetus for the development of novel antimicrobial polymer technologies and innovative applications deploying these solutions.

New and growing medical applications include:

• Devices that break through the skin or
• Devices that are inserted into the body, including various catheters and needleless connectors

In one study, the incorporation of Quick-Med Technologies bio-based antimicrobials in venous Thermoplastic PolyUrethane (TPU) catheters used during kidney transplants was shown to significantly reduce infection risk compared to untreated TPU catheters.

This new polyurethane polycation is well suited for a wide range of applications, including:

• Films and coatings
• Adhesives
• Catheters, and
• Other types of extruded tubing

While NIMBUS antimicrobials remain at full strength, the active agent in most other antimicrobial technologies is depleted gradually while in use.

#3. Life’s Antimicrobial Additive Extends Product Shelf Life

Finally, one of the ever-present, ongoing challenges for food packagers is to extend the shelf life of ‘natural’ foods with no or reduced preservatives. Antimicrobials in the packaging can help extend shelf life, but they must also be approved for use in food-contact plastics.

There has been significant research in this area of antimicrobials, but very few technologies have been successfully commercialized for primary food packaging due to: Effectiveness Cost, and Regulatory restrictions One quickly emerging bio-based antimicrobial additive centers on Albis Plastics’ use of Thailand-based Life Materials Technologies’ LIFE DJ/AM-00-1A additive. This bio-based additive works like a molecular sieve that delays food spoilage and extends product shelf life. It is currently used in fresh berry and cheese packages. Complies with biocide regulations in the US and EU. It is approved for use in food contact plastics globally.

Life Materials Technologies’ Antimicrobial Additive Enhanced Fresh Fruit Film Stand-Up Pouch

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