Coated paper for antibacterial food packaging
A new study aims at creating paper packaging by developing paper coated with silver-exchanged zeolite that provides the necessary antibacterial properties.
Various coating solutions containing different concentrations of silver-exchanged zeolite (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%) by weight of starch mixed with starch were prepared. The study investigated the effects and properties of these silver-coated papers. Examination of the microscopic structure of the surface coated paper revealed that the coating solution effectively filled the pores of the paper, resulting in a smoother surface with even distribution of silver-exchanged zeolite. The basis weight and thickness of the coated paper increased after the coating process.
Antibacterial paper
The paper coated with silver-exchanged zeolite demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of both Gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-positive bacteria (Escherichia coli). Notably, the paper coated with 0.1% silver-exchanged zeolite exhibited improved mechanical properties and a higher water contact angle compared to uncoated paper (61°–88°). This suggests that paper coated with silver-exchanged zeolite has the potential to be used as antibacterial paper for packaging food products.
The study has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 22, pages 171–179, (2025).
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