Electrospinning of ultra-thin membranes with incorporation of antimicrobial agents for applications in active packaging: a review

Abstract

Electrospinning refers to a technique for producing nano- and micrometric-scale fibers using high voltage. It is a novel and useful technique applied over the last few years in the areas of food processing and medicine due to its versatility and low cost in the development of ultra-thin structures from natural and synthetic biopolymers, facilitating the incorporation, transport, and release of preservation agents, in particular antimicrobial compounds. These membranes find application in food and medical areas where antimicrobials inhibit cellular processes of harmful biological agents. In that sense, this study provides a comprehensive review of some recent developments and technological aspects of antimicrobial ultra-thin electrospun membranes for potential use in the food and pharmaceutical industry, with a particular approach based on biopolymers.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Active packaging
• antimicrobial agents
• electrospinning
• nanofibers
• polymers

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Research Direction (DIB), the Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Faculties of Agricultural Sciences and Medicine from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. This review was supported by the project entitled “Development of antimicrobial nanofiber membranes with potential application in active packaging and pharmaceutical products” (Project code: 41882).