Strategies for Producing Improved Oxygen Barrier Materials Appropriate for the Food Packaging Sector

Phytolacca americana extract as a quality-enhancing factor for biodegradable double-layered films based on furcellaran and gelatin - Property assessment

For the first time, novel active double-layered films based on furcellaran (FUR) and gelatin (GEL) with the addition of Phytolacca americana (PA) extract were obtained. The 1st layer consisted of FUR and GEL, while the aqueous extract of P. americana berries was added in three different concentrations to the 2nd FUR-based layer. The films were characterised by good mechanical (TS range of 0.0011-0.0013 MPa, EAB range between 30.38 %-33.51 %) and water properties (WVTR range of 574.74-588.49 g/m2xd). Structural analysis (SEM and AFM) confirmed good film structure: regular, without cracks or air bubbles. The films showed antioxidant activity tested via the Folin-Ciocâlteu method (4.77-20.70 mg GAExg-1), FRAP assay (0.18-3.40 mM TExg-1) and CUPRAC assay (48.63-53.99 mM TExg-1). The film with the highest PA concentration (6 %) demonstrated the ability to neutralise free radicals, DPPH• and ABTS2+•, at the levels of 1.97 % and 17.34 %, respectively. The ecotoxicity test performed on Lepidium sativum seeds confirmed the lack of ecotoxic film aspects. The biodegradation test indicated that the films are biodegradable. The obtained films can be a good alternative to plastic packaging films (used in the food packaging industry), which are currently a global problem related to the development of post-consumer plastics.

Lignocellulosic biomass-derived functional nanocellulose for food-related applications: A review

In recent years, nanocellulose (NC) has gained significant attention due to its remarkable properties, such as adjustable surface chemistry, extraordinary biological properties, low toxicity and low density. This review summarizes the preparation of NC derived from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), including cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF). It focuses on examining the impact of non-cellulosic components such as lignin and hemicellulose on the functionality of NC. Additionally, various surface modification strategies of NC were discussed, including esterification, etherification and silylation. The review also emphasizes the progress of NC application in areas such as Pickering emulsions, food packaging materials, food additives, and hydrogels. Finally, the prospects for producing NC from LCB and its application in food-related fields are examined. This work aims to demonstrate the effective benefits of preparing NC from lignocellulosic biomass and its potential application in the food industry.

Diels-Alder Network Blends as Self-Healing Encapsulants for Liquid Metal-Based Stretchable Electronics

Two dynamic covalent networks based on the Diels-Alder reaction were blended to exploit the properties of the dissimilar polymer backbones. Furan-functionalized polyether amines based on poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) FD4000 and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) FS5000 were mixed in a common solvent and reversibly cross-linked with the same bismaleimide DPBM. The morphology of the phase-separated blends is primarily controlled by the concentration of backbones. Increasing the PDMS content of the blends results in a dilute droplet morphology at 25 wt %, with a growing size and concentration of droplets and the formation of two separate PPO- and PDMS-rich layers at 50 wt %. Further increasing the PDMS content to 75 wt % leads to larger droplets and a thicker layer of the secondary phase. The hydrophobic PDMS phase creates a barrier against water, while the more hydrophilic PPO phase enhances the resistance against oxygen diffusion. Lowering the maleimide-to-furan stoichiometric ratio resulted in a decrease in cross-link density and thus more flexible and stretchable encapsulants. Changes in the stoichiometric ratio also affected the phase morphology due to resulting changes in phase separation and network formation kinetics. Lowering the stoichiometric ratio also resulted in enhanced self-healing properties of 96% at room temperature as a consequence of the increased chain mobility in the blended networks. The self-healing blends were used to encapsulate liquid metal circuits to create stretchable strain sensors with a linear electro-mechanical response without much drift or hysteresis, which could be efficiently recovered by 90% after the damage-healing cycles.

Exploring chitosan-plant extract bilayer coatings: Advancements in active food packaging via polypropylene modification

UV-ozone activated polypropylene (PP) food films were subjected to a novel bilayer coating process involving primary or quaternary chitosan (CH/QCH) as the first layer and natural extracts from juniper needles (Juniperus oxycedrus; JUN) or blackberry leaves (Rubus fruticosus; BBL) as the second layer. This innovative approach aims to redefine active packaging (AP) development. Through a detailed analysis by surface characterization and bioactivity assessments (i.e., antioxidant and antimicrobial functionalities), we evaluated different coating combinations. Furthermore, we investigated the stability and barrier characteristics inherent in these coatings. The confirmed deposition, coupled with a comprehensive characterization of their composition and morphology, underscored the efficacy of the coatings. Our investigation included wettability assessment via contact angle (CA) measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which revealed substantial enhancements in surface concentrations of elements and functional groups of CH, QCH, JUN, and BBL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) unveiled the coatings' heterogeneity, while time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and CA profiling showed moderately compact bilayers on PP, providing active species on the hydrophilic surface, respectively. The coatings significantly reduced the oxygen permeability. Additionally, single-layer depositions of CH and QCH remained below the overall migration limit (OML). Remarkably, the coatings exhibited robust antioxidative properties due to plant extracts and exceptional antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, attributed to QCH. These findings underscore the pivotal role of film surface properties in governing bioactive characteristics and offer a promising pathway for enhancing food packaging functionality.

Valorization of edible films based on chitosan/hydroxyethyl cellulose/olive leaf extract and TiO2-NPs for preserving sour cream

Biodegradable edible films for sour cream packaging were developed based on chitosan (CS), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), Olive leaf extract (OE), and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). The prepared CS/HEC/TiO2-OE bionanocomposite films were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities as well as using FT-IR, mechanical, permeability, and contact angle. The effect of developed films on the lipid oxidation, microbiological load, and chemical properties of sour cream was investigated. The fabricated films had an antimicrobial impact against all tested strains. The film containing 8 % OE showed effective protection against fat oxidation, with a peroxide value of 3.21 meq O2/kg, a para-anisidine value 5.40, and free fatty acids of 0.82 mg KOH/kg. The films with OE 4 % and 8 % have a good effect on the microbiological load of sour cream for 90 days. These films did not influence the chemical composition of sour cream and therefore can be used in this sort of dairy product.

Coconut husk-lignin derived carbon dots incorporated carrageenan based functional film for intelligent food packaging

Carbon dots (CDs) derived from sustainable natural feed-stocks like lignin have gained wide acceptance by virtue of their renewability and promising potential in intelligent sensing applications. The precursor lignin is isolated from agro-biomass waste, coconut husk through sodium hydroxide based extraction process. CDs are synthesised from amine functionalized lignin through solvothermal process and integrated into carrageenan biopolymer matrix (1, 2 and 3 wt%). The composite film with 2 wt% CDs (CARR2CD) showed optimum fluorescent emission intensity, excellent pH dependent fluorescent color change in the food pH range, reasonable tensile strength (46.50 ± 1.32 MPa) and 27 % increase in elongation at break. CDs imparted UV-light blocking properties (70 % UV-light) and enhanced hydrophobicity of the carrageenan matrix. CARR2CD film showed 84 % visible light transparency, 79 % reduction in oxygen transmittance rate (OTR), 81 % reduction in CO2 gas permeability and excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties (against E. coli and S. aureus). As a practical application, the developed responsive packaging material is used to track pH change associated with milk spoilage via noticeable color change in fluorescent emission of the composite film. Thus, the developed responsive composite film paves a way for use as green and sustainable transparent intelligent food packaging material.

Formulation and application of poly lactic acid, gum, and cellulose-based ternary bioplastic for smart food packaging: A review

In future, global demand for low-cost-sustainable materials possessing good strength is going to increase tremendously, to replace synthetic plastic materials, thus motivating scientists towards green composites. The PLA has been the most promising sustainable bio composites, due to its inherent antibacterial property, biodegradability, eco-friendliness, and good thermal and mechanical characteristics. However, PLA has certain demerits such as poor water and gas barrier properties, and low glass transition temperature, which restricts its use in food packaging applications. To overcome this, PLA is blended with polysaccharides such as gum and cellulose to enhance the water barrier, thermal, crystallization, degradability, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the addition of these polysaccharides not only reduces the production cost but also helps in manufacturing packaging material with superior quality. Hence this review focuses on various fabrication techniques, degradation of the ternary composite, and its application in the food sector. Moreover, this review discusses the enhanced barrier and mechanical properties of the ternary blend packaging material. Incorporation of gum enhanced flexibility, while the reinforcement of cellulose improved the structural integrity of the ternary composite. The unique properties of this ternary composite make it suitable for extending the shelf life of food packaging, specifically for fruits, vegetables, and fried products. Future studies must be conducted to investigate the optimization of formulations for specific food types, explore scalability for industrial applications, and integrate these composites with emerging technologies (3D/4D printing).

Preparation and functional characterization of the bio-composite film based on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol blended with bacterial exopolysaccharide EPS MC-5 having antioxidant activities

In this study, the plate casting method was successfully used to prepare biocomposite films containing EPS from probiotic Enterococcus faecium MC-5 in combination with PVA and chitosan. The findings demonstrated that EPS was uniformly distributed in the film matrices and significantly improved the physicochemical properties of the resulting composite films. The development of intermolecular connections between the polymers was detected by high tensile strength and low water vapour transmission rate. EPS plays an important role in limiting the passage of UV- and visible light radiations through the films. FT-IR analysis was used to determine the molecular compatibility between the functional groups of the blended films made up of chitosan-EPS and PVA-EPS. The TGA results showed that composite films have a significant degree of thermal stability. The presence of amorphous peaks in the composite film was confirmed by XRD analysis. The EPS blended films displayed a greater antioxidant property than the PVA and chitosan films, as determined by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. Interestingly, the EPS-derived films showed enhanced metal chelation activity and strong antibacterial properties against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. EPS-based composite films performed better than chitosan and PVA films in terms of degradation rate. The overall functional characteristics of the EPS blended films suggested that they could be used as a packaging material to replace or reduce the use of conventional petroleum-based packaging materials.

Stretchable Clay Nanocomposite Barrier Film for Flexible Packaging

The goal of reconciling all packaging requirements, e.g., mechanical resistance, transparency, flexibility, and gas barrier properties, is immensely challenging for packaging materials. Particularly, the combination of flexibility and good gas barrier properties poses a serious problem, especially when barrier requirements can only be met by lamination with a metal foil, metalization, or vapor-deposited ceramic layers, as all of these tend to be nonstretchable. In this work, we produced a stretchable nanocomposite barrier composed of one-dimensional (1D) crystalline (Bragg stack) barrier films composed of alternating layers of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and synthetic sodium fluorohectorite (Hec) nanosheets. By sandwiching the Bragg stack type film between two plasticized poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) layers, a waterborne laminate was obtained that outperforms commercial polymer materials in terms of water vapor permeability (WVP = 2.8 g mm m^-2 day^-1 bar^-1 at 23 °C and 85% relative humidity), which is remarkable for an entirely water-soluble film. Moreover, no deterioration of barrier performance up to 10% elongation was observed, rendering the transparent self-standing laminate promising for thermoformed blister packaging, shrink wrap, or vacuum packaging. Besides the low WVP, the scalable and green processing method makes this technology auspicious for real-world applications.

Physical, Mechanical, and Structural Properties of the Polylactide and Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT)-Based Biodegradable Polymer during Compost Storage

Today, packaging is an integral part of any food product, preserving its quality and safety. The use of biodegradable packaging as an alternative to conventional polymers reduces the consumption of synthetic polymers and their negative impacts on the environment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the properties of a biodegradable compound based on polylactide (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT). Test samples were made by blown extrusion. The structural, physical, and mechanical properties of the PLA/PBAT material were studied. The property variations during compost storage in the lab were monitored for 365 days. The physical and mechanical properties were measured in accordance with the GOST 14236-2017 (ISO 527-2:2012) standard. We measured the tensile strength and elongation at rupture. We used attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared microscopy (ATR-FTIR) to analyze the changes in the material structure. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the strengths of a biodegradable material and grade H polyethylene film (manufactured to GOST 10354-82). PLA/PBAT's longitudinal and transverse tensile strengths are 14.08% and 32.59% lower than those of LDPE, respectively. Nevertheless, the results indicate that, given its physical and mechanical properties, the PLA/PBAT material can be an alternative to conventional PE film food packaging. The structural study results are in good agreement with the physical and mechanical tests. Micrographs clearly show the surface deformations of the biodegradable material. They increase with the compost storage duration. The scanning microscopy (SEM) surface analysis of the original PLA/PBAT films indicated that the PLA structure is similar to that of a multilayer shell or sponge, which is visible at medium and especially high magnification. We conclude that PLA/PBAT-based biodegradable materials are potential substitutes for conventional PE polymer films.

Sustainable and Bio-Based Food Packaging: A Review on Past and Current Design Innovations

Food loss and waste occur for many reasons, from crop processing to household leftovers. Even though some waste generation is unavoidable, a considerable amount is due to supply chain inefficiencies and damage during transport and handling. Packaging design and materials innovations represent real opportunities to reduce food waste within the supply chain. Besides, changes in people's lifestyles have increased the demand for high-quality, fresh, minimally processed, and ready-to-eat food products with extended shelf-life, that need to meet strict and constantly renewed food safety regulations. In this regard, accurate monitoring of food quality and spoilage is necessary to diminish both health hazards and food waste. Thus, this work provides an overview of the most recent advances in the investigation and development of food packaging materials and design with the aim to improve food chain sustainability. Enhanced barrier and surface properties as well as active materials for food conservation are reviewed. Likewise, the function, importance, current availability, and future trends of intelligent and smart packaging systems are presented, especially considering biobased sensor development by 3D printing technology. In addition, driving factors affecting fully biobased packaging design and materials development and production are discussed, considering byproducts and waste minimization and revalorization, recyclability, biodegradability, and other possible ends-of-life and their impact on product/package system sustainability.

Overview of the Cast Polyolefin Film Extrusion Technology for Multi-Layer Packaging Applications

The review article presents the technology of producing polyolefin-based films by extrusion casting. Due to the wide use of this type of film as packaging for food and other goods, obtaining films with favorable properties is still a challenge for many groups of producers in the plastics market. The feedblock process and multimanifold process are the main methods of producing multi-layer film. In the case of food films, appropriate barrier properties are required, as well as durability and puncture resistance also at low temperatures. On the other hand, in order to properly pack and present products, an appropriate degree of transparency must be maintained. Therefore, processing aids such as anti-slip, anti-block and release agents are commonly used. Other popular modifiers, such as waxes, fatty acid amides and mineral fillers-silica, talc or calcium carbonate-and their use in film extrusion are discussed. The article also presents common production problems and their prevention.

New perspectives on electrospun nanofiber applications in smart and active food packaging materials

Packaging plays a critical role in determining the quality, safety, and shelf-life of many food products. There have been several innovations in the development of more effective food packaging materials recently. Polymer nanofibers are finding increasing attention as additives in packaging materials because of their ability to control their pore size, surface energy, barrier properties, antimicrobial activity, and mechanical strength. Electrospinning is a widely used processing method for fabricating nanofibers from food grade polymers. This review describes recent advances in the development of electrospun nanofibers for application in active and smart packaging materials. Moreover, it highlights the impact of these nanofibers on the physicochemical properties of packaging materials, as well as the application of nanofiber-loaded packaging materials to foods, such as dairy, meat, fruit, and vegetable products.

Biodegradable active packaging: Components, preparation, and applications in the preservation of postharvest perishable fruits and vegetables

The consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is restricted by the susceptibility of fresh produce to deterioration caused by postharvest physiological and metabolic activities. Developing efficient preservation strategies is thus among the most important scientific issues to be urgently addressed in the field of food science. The incorporation of active agents into a polymer matrix to prepare biodegradable active packaging is being increasingly explored to mitigate the postharvest spoilage of fruits and vegetables during storage. This paper reviews the composition of biodegradable polymers and the methods used to prepare biodegradable active packaging. In addition, the interactions between bioactive ingredients and biodegradable polymers that can lead to plasticizing or cross-linking effects are summarized. Furthermore, the applications of biodegradable active (i.e., antibacterial, antioxidant, ethylene removing, barrier, and modified atmosphere) packaging in the preservation of fruits and vegetables are illustrated. These films may increase sensory acceptability, improve quality, and prolong the shelf life of postharvest products. Finally, the challenges and trends of biodegradable active packaging in the preservation of fruits and vegetables are discussed. This review aims to provide new ideas and insights for developing novel biodegradable active packaging materials and their practical application in the preservation of postharvest fruits and vegetables.

Antibacterial Gelidium amansii polysaccharide-based edible films containing cyclic adenosine monophosphate for bioactive packaging

A homogeneous polysaccharide (GAP), with a molecular weight of 51.8 kDa, was isolated from edible red seaweed Gelidium amansii. Composition analysis suggested GAP contained 5.31% sulfate and 17.33% 3,6-anhydro-galactose and was mainly composed of galactose. Furthermore, GAP, as a biopolymer matrix, was used to form the composite films with the small biological molecules cytidine-5'-monophosphate (CMP), adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that CMP, AMP, and cAMP interacted with the film substrates and might made films more complex. Notably, the addition of CMP, AMP, and cAMP promoted the light, water vapor, and oxygen barrier ability, surface wettability, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria. Finally, GAP-based films composited with cAMP (cAMPF) exhibited the best characteristics were applied to fish packaging and preservation at 4 °C and extended the fish shelf life. All these data suggested the potential value of cAMPF as a functional edible polysaccharide film applied in food industries.

Asymmetric Mass Transport through Dense Heterogeneous Polymer Membranes: Fundamental Principles, Lessons from Nature, and Artificial Systems

Many organisms rely on directional water transport schemes for the purpose of water retention and collection. Directional transport of water and other fluids is also technologically relevant, for example to harvest water, in separation processes, packaging solutions, functional clothing, and many other applications. One strategy to promote mass transport along a preferential direction is to create compositionally asymmetric, multi-layered, or compositionally graded architectures. In recent years, the investigation of natural and artificial membranes based on this design has attracted growing interest and allowed researchers to develop a good understanding of how the properties of such membranes can be tailored to meet the demands of particular applications. Here a summary of theoretical works on mass transport through dense asymmetric membranes, comprehensive reviews of biological and artificial membranes featuring this design, and a discussion of applications, remaining questions, and opportunities are provided.

Disorder-Order Transition-Improving the Moisture Sensitivity of Waterborne Nanocomposite Barriers

Systematic studies on the influence of crystalline vs disordered nanocomposite structures on barrier properties and water vapor sensitivity are scarce as it is difficult to switch between the two morphologies without changing other critical parameters. By combining water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) and ultrahigh aspect ratio synthetic sodium fluorohectorite (Hec) as filler, we were able to fabricate nanocomposites from a single nematic aqueous suspension by slot die coating that, depending on the drying temperature, forms different desired morphologies. Increasing the drying temperature from 20 to 50 °C for the same formulation triggers phase segregation and disordered nanocomposites are obtained, while at room temperature, one-dimensional (1D) crystalline, intercalated hybrid Bragg Stacks form. The onset of swelling of the crystalline morphology is pushed to significantly higher relative humidity (RH). This disorder-order transition renders PVOH/Hec a promising barrier material at RH of up to 65%, which is relevant for food packaging. The oxygen permeability (OP) of the 1D crystalline PVOH/Hec is an order of magnitude lower compared to the OP of the disordered nanocomposite at this elevated RH (OP = 0.007 cm³ μm m^-2 day^-1 bar^-1 cf. OP = 0.047 cm³ μm m^-2 day^-1 bar^-1 at 23 °C and 65% RH).

Polyelectrolytes as Building Blocks for Next-Generation Membranes with Advanced Functionalities

The global society is in a transition, where dealing with climate change and water scarcity are important challenges. More efficient separations of chemical species are essential to reduce energy consumption and to provide more reliable access to clean water. Here, membranes with advanced functionalities that go beyond standard separation properties can play a key role. This includes relevant functionalities, such as stimuli-responsiveness, fouling control, stability, specific selectivity, sustainability, and antimicrobial activity. Polyelectrolytes and their complexes are an especially promising system to provide advanced membrane functionalities. Here, we have reviewed recent work where advanced membrane properties stem directly from the material properties provided by polyelectrolytes. This work highlights the versatility of polyelectrolyte-based membrane modifications, where polyelectrolytes are not only applied as single layers, including brushes, but also as more complex polyelectrolyte multilayers on both porous membrane supports and dense membranes. Moreover, free-standing membranes can also be produced completely from aqueous polyelectrolyte solutions allowing much more sustainable approaches to membrane fabrication. The Review demonstrates the promise that polyelectrolytes and their complexes hold for next-generation membranes with advanced properties, while it also provides a clear outlook on the future of this promising field.

Single-Step Application of Polyelectrolyte Complex Films as Oxygen Barrier Coatings

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) films such as polyelectrolyte multilayers have demonstrated excellent oxygen barrier properties, but unfortunately, the established layer-by-layer approaches are laborious and difficult to scale up. Here, we demonstrate a novel single-step approach to produce a PEC film, based on the use of a volatile base. Ammonia was used to adjust the pH of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) so that direct complexation was avoided when it was mixed with polyethylenimine (PEI). Different charge ratios of homogeneous PEI/PAA solutions were successfully prepared and phase diagrams varying the concentration of ammonia or polyelectrolyte were made to study the phase behavior of PEI, PAA, and ammonia in water. Transparent ∼1 μm thick films were successfully deposited on biaxially orientated polypropylene (BOPP) sheets using a Meyer rod. After casting the films, the decrease in pH, caused by the evaporation of ammonia, triggered the complexation during drying. The oxygen permeation properties of films with different ratios and single polyelectrolytes were tested. All films displayed excellent oxygen barrier properties, with an oxygen permeation below 4 cm³·m^-2·day^-1·atm^-1 (<0.002 barrer) at the optimum ratio of 2:1 PEI/PAA. This ammonia evaporation-induced complexation approach creates a new pathway to prepare PEC films in one simple step while allowing the possibility of recycling.

Employing Nanosilver, Nanocopper, and Nanoclays in Food Packaging Production: A Systematic Review

Over the past decade, there has been an increasing demand for “ready-to-cook” and “ready-to-eat” foods, encouraging food producers, food suppliers, and food scientists to package foods with minimal processing and loss of nutrients during food processing. Following the increasing trend in the customer’s demands for minimally processed foodstuffs, this underscores the importance of promising interests toward industrial applications of novel and practical approaches in food. Along with substantial progress in the emergence of “nanoscience”, which has turned into the call of the century, the efficacy of conventional packaging has faded away. Accordingly, there is a wide range of new types of packaging, including electronic packaging machines, flexible packaging, sterile packaging, metal containers, aluminum foil, and flexographic printing. Hence, it has been demonstrated that these novel approaches can economically improve food safety and quality, decrease the microbial load of foodborne pathogens, and reduce food spoilage. This review study provides a comprehensive overview of the most common chemical or natural nanocomposites used in food packaging that can extend food shelf life, safety and quality. Finally, we discuss applying materials in the production of active and intelligent food packaging nanocomposite, synthesis of nanomaterial, and their effects on human health.

Influence of the Ultrasonic Treatment on the Properties of Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate, Modified by Antimicrobial Additive

Particular attention is paid to biodegradable materials from the environmental point of view and antimicrobial materials that ensure the microbiological safety of packaged products. The aim of the work was to study the properties of the composition, based on biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and the antimicrobial additive-birch bark extract (BBE). Test samples of materials were obtained on the laboratory extruder by extrusion with ultrasonic treatment of the melt. The concentration of the antimicrobial additive in the polymer matrix was 1 wt %. A complex research was carried out to study the structural, physico-mechanical characteristics, antimicrobial properties and biodegradability of the modified PBAT. Comparative assessment of the physico-mechanical characteristics of samples based on PBAT showed that the strength and elongation at break indices slightly decrease when the ultrasonic treatment of the melt is introduced. It was found out, that the antimicrobial additive in the composition of the polymer matrix at the concentration of 1 wt % has a static effect on the development of microorganisms on the surface of the studied modified films. Studies of the biodegradability of modified PBAT by composting for 4 months have shown that the decomposition period of modified materials increased, compared to pure PBAT. The developed modified polymer material can be recommended as an alternative replacement for materials based on polyethylene for food packaging.