Efficacy of natural plant extracts in antimicrobial packaging systems

Antimicrobial plant extracts used in food packaging provide a healthy packaging alternatives. They contain aromatic and phenolic compounds that are responsible for their antibacterial properties. In this study, we report the antibacterial effects of extracts obtained from sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) leaves, and inner bark of pine trees (Pinus silvestris) that were applied as coatings on paper suitable for packaging application. Extracts from sea buckthorn leaves exhibited antibacterial effect both as a solvent extract and as a coating on paper against Pseudomonas aeruginosa as test bacteria. However, coatings of pine bark extract did not exhibit antibacterial effect as coatings even though the solvent extracts exhibited antibacterial effects. Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated resistance towards both plant extracts after they had been applied as coatings on paper for packaging.