Investigation of antibacterial activities of low density polyethylene films coated with propolis

Due to its antibacterial and antioxidant effect, propolis is a versatile substance used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food industry and apitherapy centers. In recent years, the demand for antimicrobial packaging has been increasing in order to control microbial development in foods. In this study, the adhesion properties and antibacterial activity of propolis extracts produced by using different solvents were investigated. Wax-oil, oil, glycerol, film solution, ethanol, ethyl acetate and propylene glycol were used as solvents. Propolis and antibacterial solutions prepared in certain concentrations were integrated into Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) films by using spraying method. It was determined that the oil containing solutions do not adhere on the film surface. By comparing propolis solutions with different antibacterial solutions, it was found that the most suitable liquid that can be integrated into the LDPE film in the desired criteria is propolis solution with ethyl acetate. The antibacterial effects of the films were determined by applying the ISO 22196: 2011 method on the propolis sprayed LDPE films, it was observed for E.coli and S.aureus were reduced by 7 cfu/g after 24 hour. Keywords: Propolis, Antimicrobial activity, LDPE, Plastic surface