Antimicrobial Packaging for Medical Products
Microbial contamination in food packaging leads to significant product waste and safety risks, with studies showing that up to 30% of perishable foods experience premature spoilage due to insufficient antimicrobial barriers. Current packaging solutions must balance food preservation needs against material costs, regulatory requirements, and environmental impact.
The fundamental challenge lies in developing antimicrobial packaging materials that maintain their protective properties throughout the supply chain while meeting food safety regulations and sustainable manufacturing goals.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including non-leaching antimicrobial ceramics, surface-active polymer systems, controlled-release agents, and bio-based barrier materials. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation in commercial food packaging while addressing both immediate contamination control and long-term shelf stability requirements.
1. Package Interior Sterilization via Iodine-Based Top Film Application and Steam Activation
FETTER PHARMA-FELTIGUNG GAME MBEHAUNT COMPANY CAR GAME, 2024
Sterilizing the interior of a package using iodine-based sterilizing substances applied to the top film. The method involves applying iodine-containing sterilant to one side of the top film, sealing the package, and activating the sterilant inside by steaming for a specific time. The iodine-containing substance kills bacteria and viruses when activated. This allows sterilization of the package interior using a simple, low-cost process that can be done in-house without specialized equipment. The activated iodine also provides long-term residual sterilization inside the sealed package.
2. Expanded Polystyrene Packaging with Chitosan-Grafted Quaternary Phosphonium Salt and Azobisisobutyramide Reinforcement
HONGCHENG NEW MATERIAL TECH TAIZHOU CO LTD, 2023
Antibacterial and environmentally friendly expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging boxes that prevent bacterial growth and degradation. The boxes are made by adding high-efficiency antibacterial agents, antioxidants, glass fibers, deionized water, and azobisisobutyramide to PP particles during extrusion and molding. The antibacterial agent is a chitosan-grafted quaternary phosphonium salt. It provides antibacterial properties and biodegradability. Azobisisobutyramide initiates polymerization of the antibacterial agent during foaming to improve box strength.
3. Compostable Packaging Film with Chemically Bonded Antimicrobial Hydrogel Layer
IMPACTFUL HEALTH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INC, 2023
Compostable antimicrobial packaging film for perishables that prevents spoilage without contaminating the food. The film has a chemically bonded antimicrobial hydrogel layer on its surface. The hydrogel layer contains antimicrobial agents like antibodies or antimicrobial peptides. The hydrogel layer swells on contact with perishables, providing an antimicrobial barrier without leaching into the food. The antimicrobial agents are bonded to the film surface using treatments like UV, plasma, or corona. This prevents diffusion into the food. The compostable film allows targeting specific bacteria and customizing antimicrobial properties to match packaged items.
4. Biodegradable Packaging with Antimicrobial Coating Comprising Citric Acid and Sodium Compounds
HUANG SHENGYONG, 2022
Fully biodegradable, antimicrobial packaging bags and boxes that have improved freshness preservation, waterproofing, oil resistance, and degradation compared to conventional bags. The bags are made by coating a biodegradable material like paper with a preservative solution containing compounds like citric acid, sodium alginate, sodium benzoate, and sodium metabisulfite. The coated bags have high freshness retention, bacterial inhibition, waterproofness, and oil resistance. The preservative compounds prevent spoilage, mold growth, and bacteria while the biodegradable material allows natural breakdown.
5. Biodegradable Polymers Incorporating Antimicrobial Agents for Enhanced Microbial Resistance
2022
Developing biodegradable polymers with antimicrobial properties for applications like stationery, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food packaging. The polymers are made by incorporating antimicrobial agents like ammonium salts, cyclodextrins, peptides, enzymes, natural extracts, essential oils, acids, alcohols, and aldehydes into the polymerization process. These antimicrobial additives provide the polymers with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
6. Packaging Material with Antimicrobial and Antiviral Coating Layer
SINOMAX USA INC., 2021
Packaging with antimicrobial and antiviral coatings to reduce survival of infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew on packaging materials. The coatings are applied to the outer surface of packaging articles using compositions containing antimicrobial or antiviral compounds dissolved in a solvent. The coating is applied using methods like spraying, brushing, or rolling, and then the solvent is removed to leave behind the antimicrobial/antiviral coating on the packaging surface. This provides a barrier that reduces the survivability of infectious agents on the packaging, helping prevent contamination of products inside.
7. Paper-Based Packaging Material with Antimicrobial Agent-Coated Cellulose Substrate
GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC, 2021
Antimicrobial paper-based packaging material that prevents growth of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi when in contact with food or other products. The antimicrobial property is achieved by adhering an antimicrobial agent like copper to the cellulose substrate of the packaging material. This is done by coating the substrate with an ink containing the antimicrobial agent, which is then formed into cardboard boxes. The antimicrobial agent disperses when liquids leak from contained items, preventing microbial growth.
8. Polymers with Entrained Antimicrobial Releasing Agents and Variable Gas Emission Profile
CSP TECHNOLOGIES INC, 2019
Entained polymers with antimicrobial releasing agents to control, reduce and substantially destroy microbial contamination in food packaging and other applications. The polymers have an entrained base polymer, an antimicrobial releasing agent containing an active component, a catalyst, and a trigger, and an optional channeling agent. They release antimicrobial gas into the headspace of containers to prevent microbial growth without direct contact with the product. The release profile can vary based on food type and humidity. The polymers can be used in food packaging to extend shelf life without bleaching the food.
9. Blister Pack Sealing Method with Antimicrobial Agent-Infused Sheets
CMC HYGEA LTD, 2017
A method for packing medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food, etc. in blister packs to minimize contamination with pathogens. The blister packs are made from sheets containing an antimicrobial agent like silver. The article is placed in a blister formed in one sheet, then the other sheet is sealed over it. The antimicrobial coating on the inside surfaces of the pack prevents pathogen transfer from the packaging material to the sterile article.
10. Pharmaceutical Packaging Material with Polymer Blend and Antimicrobial Agents via Extrusion Blending
ANHUI TIANLE PLASTIC INDUSTRY CO LTD, 2017
Environmentally friendly pharmaceutical packaging material that extends drug shelf life and reduces pollution. The packaging material contains a blend of polymers like PVDC, PVA, natural rubber, PEG, lignocellulose, calcium carbonate, vermiculite, corn starch, acetyl citrate, cellulose acetate, and antibacterial agents like nano-titanium dioxide. The material is prepared by extrusion blending the components. The packaging provides barrier properties to protect drugs from degradation, reduces moisture absorption, and has antimicrobial properties to prevent contamination. It aims to provide a biodegradable, recyclable, and pollution-free alternative to conventional drug packaging.
11. Open-Cell Polymer Structures with Uniformly Distributed Antimicrobial Agents for Controlled Release
REVERCHON ERNESTO, 2015
Antimicrobially active packaging and membranes for preserving food and medical applications that release antimicrobial agents over extended periods without solvents. The packaging and membranes contain open-cell polymer structures loaded with antimicrobial agents like lysozyme, silver, or nisin. The membranes have uniform distribution of the antimicrobials due to the controlled polymer processing conditions. The open-cell structure allows slow, controlled release of the antimicrobials without solvents compared to coated films. This provides long-term antimicrobial preservation without affecting product quality.
12. Contact Lens Material Incorporating Ion-Exchange Bactericidal Ceramics with Metal Elements
SANGI KK, 1992
Bactericidal contact lens material that prevents bacterial growth on the lens surface to protect the eye. The contact lens material has bactericidal properties due to the incorporation of bactericidal ceramics containing metals like silver, copper, or zinc. These ceramics are mixed into the lens material by kneading or applied onto the lens surface. The bactericidal ceramics have ion exchange properties that prevent metal leaching while providing sustained bactericidal activity. The amount of bactericidal ceramics added is limited to avoid adversely affecting lens properties like transparency and conformability.
13. Polymeric Surgical Drapes with Embedded Antimicrobial Agent Dispersion
PHOENIX MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, 1991
Surgical drapes that release antimicrobial agents to reduce infection risk. The drapes have the antimicrobial agents dispersed in the polymeric material itself and optionally in adhesives used to attach the drapes. This provides continued antimicrobial coverage when the drapes come into contact with skin. The antimicrobials migrate to the surface and release over time as they are removed by the skin.
14. Medical Instrument Surfaces with Integrated Antimicrobial Compound-Infused Thermoplastic or Rubber Materials
TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA TRADING AS TERUMO CORP, 1991
Medical instrument with surfaces that continuously prevent bacterial contamination in fluids. The instrument contains compounds mixed into the thermoplastic resin or rubber materials of surfaces that contact fluids. The compounds prevent bacterial growth when the fluid passes through or is contained in the instrument. This provides continuous and effective prevention against bacteria and microorganism contamination in medical devices like respiratory circuits, urinary bags, and IV drip chambers. The compounds can be mixed into the resin or rubber during molding or applied as coatings to existing surfaces.
15. Medical Gloves with Integrated Non-Ionic Antimicrobial Agents and Internal Antimicrobial Powder Coating
SMITH & NEPHEW PLC, 1991
Antimicrobial medical gloves to reduce infection risks. The gloves contain antimicrobial agents incorporated into the glove material itself, as well as antimicrobial powders on the inside surface. The gloves have antimicrobial properties that provide protection for several hours. The non-ionic, sparingly water soluble antimicrobial agents like triclosan, chlorhexidine digluconate, and their complexes with cyclodextrins are mixed into the glove material prior to manufacturing. This provides consistent and effective antimicrobial properties throughout the glove. The antimicrobial powders on the inside surface add an extra layer of protection.
16. Rubber Articles with Uniformly Distributed Non-Ionic Sparingly Soluble Antimicrobial Agent
SMITH & NEPHEW PLC, 1991
Antimicrobial condoms and catheters made by incorporating a non-ionic, sparingly water soluble antimicrobial agent like triclosan into the rubber during manufacturing. This allows the antimicrobial to be uniformly distributed throughout the condom or catheter without coating or impregnation steps. The low solubility of the antimicrobial prevents leaching during processing. It provides antimicrobial protection during use by improving barrier properties against bacteria and viruses like HIV.
17. Latex Articles with Embedded Antimicrobial Agent for Controlled Surface Release
SMITH & NEPHEW, 1990
Antimicrobial condoms and catheters that reduce infection risk during use. The condoms and catheters contain an antimicrobial agent like triclosan directly in the material they are made from, like natural rubber latex. This avoids the need for post-processing steps like coating or impregnation. The antimicrobial agent is mixed into the latex before forming the article. The low water solubility of the antimicrobial agent allows it to remain in the rubber during manufacturing. It releases from the article surfaces during use to provide antimicrobial effectiveness.
18. Tubular Articles with Integrated Non-Ionic Sparingly Water Soluble Antimicrobial Agent
SMITH & NEPHEW, 1990
Antimicrobial tubular articles like condoms and catheters made by incorporating a non-ionic, sparingly water soluble antimicrobial agent like triclosan into the material during manufacturing. This allows the articles to have antimicrobial properties without the need for post-processing steps like coating or impregnation. The antimicrobial agent is mixed into the rubber latex before molding into the final shape. The low solubility of the antimicrobial keeps it in the article during processing and leaching steps. The antimicrobial is released from the inside and outside during use to provide antimicrobial protection.
19. Medical Gloves with Integrated and Surface-Applied Antimicrobial Agents
SMITH & NEPHEW, 1990
Antimicrobial gloves for medical use that reduce the risk of infection by preventing contamination and infection from punctures or tears in the gloves. The gloves are made with antimicrobial agents incorporated into the glove material itself, as well as antimicrobial powders on the inside surface. The antimicrobial agents are sparingly water soluble compounds like triclosan and chlorhexidine digluconate. These agents provide long-lasting antimicrobial protection from inside and outside the glove, reducing the risk of contamination from punctures or tears.
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