The use of essential oils obtained from different plant species in biocoating materials

The ecological and environmental problems caused by traditional plastic packaging and the increasing awareness of food safety have increased the trend towards alternative packaging materials. For this reason, various packaging materials are being developed both to extend the shelf life of food and to preserve its nutritional value. Among these packages, bio-coating materials, which have biodegradable characteristics and prevent environmental pollution and help to extend the shelf life of foods, stand out. The aim of this study was to develop bio-coating materials with essential oils obtained from Satureja hortensis, Origanum rotundifolium and Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel. The activities of produced bio-coating against E. intermedius, P. syringae, and L. monocytogenes pathogens were examined. Additionally, the surface functionalities of bio-coating films were assessed through FTIR analyses. Statistically significant antimicrobial activity was observed at doses ranging from 10 to 640 µL/mL when each of the three essential oils was applied in pure form against the pathogens. It was found that the materials prepared with essential oils inhibited the growth of the microorganisms to which they were applied without coating, except P. syringae, but this effect was lower than the pure application. It was determined that the prepared composites did not significantly reduce the bacterial load (log CFU/g) at the end of 24 hours in the foods they were applied by dipping method. When comparing microbial activities, it was observed that the highest activity occurred in applications done in pure form, while the lowest activity occurred in coating processes.