Films Incorporating Photocatalytic Inorganic Antimicrobial Agents
Applications of films incorporating photocatalytic inorganic antimicrobial agents: Since photocatalytic antimicrobial products first appeared on the market in Japan in 1995, food packaging has been a major area of application.
Films Incorporating Natural and Polymeric Antimicrobial Agents
Other types include films incorporating natural or polymeric antimicrobial agents. Their antimicrobial mechanisms involve interactions between charges on the molecular chains and microorganisms, thereby inhibiting microbial proliferation and providing antimicrobial effects. Materials commonly used in food packaging include chitosan, sorbic acid, and turmeric-derived compounds (such as curcuminoids).
Films Incorporating Composite Antimicrobial Agents
The effectiveness of films incorporating composite antimicrobial agents is demonstrated in several ways: extending the duration of antimicrobial activity; achieving antimicrobial performance at low concentrations; and broadening the antimicrobial spectrum to inhibit a wider range of microorganisms than films containing any single antimicrobial agent.
Inorganic Antimicrobial Agents
Inorganic antimicrobial agents are produced by utilizing the bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties of metals-such as silver, copper, zinc, and titanium-and their respective ions.