Computer-Aided Design of Active Packaging/Food System for extended shelf life

Abstract

Common dynamic models of active packaging are focused on the mass transfer of the antimicrobial agents. Nevertheless, the interaction of the antimicrobial agent with the food microorganisms is usually neglected, despite being critical to optimise the food safety and quality. In this work, we propose a dynamic model simulating the dynamics of carvacrol and its inhibition by Listeria monocytogenes in an active packaging system. Carvacrol is an antimicrobial agent allowed as a food additive and Listeria monocy- togenes is the major psychrotrophic pathogen in food. The model can be exploited to study different aspects of the food quality and safety, such for example the maximum load of Listeria before packaging and the concentration of carvacrol to guarantee food quality and safety standards