LAUSR

Abstract Novel composite films of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing photosensitizing riboflavin (RB) were developed to enhance the broad-spectrum light barrier for the application of light-sensitive food packaging with an additional antimicrobial property. With the conjugated aromatic ring system of RB, the bright yellowish LDPE-RB composite film has excellent performance for absorbing light in the ultraviolet and short-visible regions, corresponding to the wavelength range of approximately 200–500 nm. The study of using such composite film for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) effectively preserved the essential pigments, chlorophyll and β-carotene, by preventing the light-induced photodegradation. In addition, the standalone 5% RB composite film exhibits antibacterial activity, with reductions of >99% and 94% in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. The results of our studies on the enhanced light-barrier and antimicrobial properties offer unique insights for designing an innovative functional packaging film using natural food ingredients to prolong the quality of food, especially light-sensitive foods.