Laminated Film with Volatile Anti-Microbial Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anti-microbial packaging methods for food are limited in effectiveness, often damaging food quality and being costly, as they fail to adequately prevent microbial growth and spoilage without compromising the flavor, color, odor, or texture of perishable food products.

Innovation Solution

A laminated film structure comprising a barrier film and a transmission film, with a volatile liquid active at their interface, which forms a thermoplastic weldable bond without adhesives, allowing for effective anti-microbial protection and extended shelf life of food products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anti-microbial agents are embedded into the packaging film or applied as coatings, then microbial growth is inhibited, but the food quality (flavor, color, odor, texture) is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-microbial effectivenessVSAvoidfood quality damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is divided into separate functional layers: a barrier film containing the anti-microbial agent and a transmission film that contacts the food. This segmentation allows the anti-microbial function to be isolated from the food contact surface, preventing direct contamination of food quality while maintaining anti-microbial effectiveness through controlled vapor delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission film acts as an intermediary between the anti-microbial agent in the barrier film and the food product. It allows controlled transmission of anti-microbial vapor while preventing direct contact between the food and the barrier film, thus mediating the anti-microbial action without compromising food quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional anti-microbial packaging methods are used, then microbial protection is provided, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial protectionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated laminated structure: the barrier film provides both mechanical packaging function and anti-microbial agent containment, while the transmission film provides both food contact safety and controlled vapor delivery. This merging eliminates the need for separate adhesive layers and complex assembly processes, reducing production costs while maintaining microbial protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each layer in the laminated structure serves multiple functions: the barrier film acts as both structural packaging and anti-microbial reservoir, while the transmission film serves as both food contact barrier and vapor delivery medium. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If adhesive layers are used to bond packaging films, then film lamination is achieved, but the anti-microbial effectiveness is reduced due to interference with active agent delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilm bondingVSAvoidanti-microbial effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive layer from the packaging structure, replacing it with a direct thermoplastic weld between the barrier film and transmission film. This removal of the adhesive intermediary ensures unobstructed delivery of anti-microbial vapor from the barrier film to the food, maintaining full anti-microbial effectiveness while still achieving strong film bonding through thermal welding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The laminated film structure provides effective anti-microbial protection to food products by inhibiting microbial growth, maintaining food quality, and reducing production costs, thereby extending the shelf life of perishable items.

Implementation Method 1

a volatile liquid active at their interface... a liquid active comprising volatile compound... the liquid active is spread at the interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a barrier film and a transmission film, with a volatile liquid active at their interface, which forms a thermoplastic weldable bond

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoplastic welding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS20230347630A1Laminated film materials and processes for manufacturing thereof and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2023.11.02 OPTIFRESH LLC

AI summary

Provided herein are laminated films with active agents, such as volatile anti-microbial agents, suitable for use as food packaging materials. Also provided herein are bags made from such laminated films, as well as methods of manufacturing such laminated films.