Siberian scientists have created a unique film for food storage

Scientists from Tomsk State University (TSU) and the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science of the SB RAS have developed a polypropylene film with antimicrobial properties. The new packaging is capable of destroying up to 100% of pathogenic microorganisms on its surface, which can significantly increase the shelf life of products.

As reported by RIA Tomsk, the uniqueness of the development lies in the use of two-component nanoparticles of zinc and silver oxide (ZnO/Ag), synthesized by electric explosion. When exposed to light, these particles generate reactive oxygen species that destroy bacteria and fungi.

“The domestic industry does not have large-scale serial production of antimicrobial packaging materials for the food industry. At the same time, manufacturers are very interested in such packaging,” the TSU press service quotes senior researcher Olga Bakina as saying.

The effectiveness of the material has already been confirmed by tests against Staphylococcus aureus and yeast-like fungi Candida albicans. According to scientists, increasing the shelf life of products even by a day will significantly reduce economic losses in the food industry.

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