Use of starch biofilm to the base of red propolis for the conservation of lettuce leaves (Lactuca sativa)

Abstract

Propolis is a mixture of resinous and balsamic substances and balsamic that bees of the species Apis mellifera L. collect from various plants and lead to the hive. This resin has been widely used for medical applications, resulting in an increased interest for its chemical composition, as well as its botanical origin It can be found in many regions of the world, with wide variation in chemical and biological composition. Microbiological contamination in food is one of the most important concerns for public health, given the high rates of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Vegetables are an integral part of the diet of the world population, and lettuce is a cosmopolitan vegetable which shows strong preference by its consumers. A good alternative for the reduction of microbial count in fruits and vegetables is their protection during transport and storage in biodegradable films.In this study we investigated the antimicrobial potential of starch biofilm incorporated with propolis, used as protective packaging for lettuce leaves. Was performed to test the antimicrobial sensitivity of 10 propolis extracts samples against Bacillus cereus. The count of B. cereus in lettuce leaves was carried out after 0, 2 and 5 days of storage. The yield of hydroalcoholic extracts of propolis ranged from 9.45% to 74.62%. The results showed antibacterial action of the biofilm incorporated with the propolis against Bacillus cereus and that the incorporation of extract at a concentration of 5% was very effective against this bacteria found in the irrigation water for vegetables.