Packaging that kills bacteria presented

A team of scientists from the National Technical University of Singapore and Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the United States has developed a "smart" food packaging material, World of NAN reports citing ntu.edu.sg.

Scientists claim the material kills germs harmful to humans and is biodegradable.  The natural package is made of a type of corn protein called zein, starch and other natural biopolymers. It's also filled with a cocktail of natural antimicrobial compounds. These include oil from thyme, a common herb used in cooking, and citric acid.

Experiments have shown that the fibers in the packaging release natural antimicrobial compounds when exposed to elevated humidity or harmful bacteria enzymes, killing common dangerous food contaminating bacteria such as E. coli and listeria, as well as fungi.

The packaging is designed to release the required minimum amount of antimicrobial compounds only in response to the presence of additional moisture or bacteria. This ensures that the packaging can withstand any exposure and last for months. The new packaging is particularly suitable for fresh, perishable fruit.