A novel nanocomposite LDPE film with UV protective properties was developed for active packaging applications. Initially, undoped and Mn-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the sol-gel method and the resulting particles were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed an agglomerated nature and spherical morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicated that all products were crystalline and in the form of rutile. The reflectance spectrum of undoped TiO2 NPs demonstrated a characteristic sharp edge at 410 nm. Subsequently, nanocomposite (NC) LDPE samples were prepared with the NPs by solvent precipitation followed by film casting. The optical and thermal properties of the NC samples were investigated. Incremental increases in Mn concentration from 0.25 mol % to 1.00 mol % were associated with progressive decreases in light transmission in the UV region. The melting and maximum decomposition temperatures of all NCs were 107 and 442-449 °C, respectively. The UV protective LDPE-based NC films exhibited superior photostability. Absorption in the FTIR spectra at 1716 and 1734 cm-1 changed after 4-wk exposure to UV for all film samples as a consequence of photodegradation. Finally, the photooxidation of perilla oil was assessed as an example of a UV protective packaging application. After 12 days, protection with 1.00 mol% Mn-doped TiO2-LDPE was associated with a gradual increase in PV, while protection with TiO2-LDPE was associated with a significant increase and protection with the control treatment was associated with a dramatic increase in PV. Hence, a 1.00 mol% Mn-doped TiO2-LDPE NC showed promise for UV shielding packaging applications.

Makgeolli is rich in nutrients such as beneficial microbial species, essential amino acids, oligosaccharides, and organic acids. The lactic acid bacteria contained in Makgeolli provides a healthy function as probiotics for customers. The purpose of this study was to enhance the nutritional properties, lactic acid bacteria propagation and alcohol contents of makgeolli by controlling redox potential balance. An automatic control system was created using ORP sensor, Labview control kit, and air supplier, in which air concentration was controlled by on & off mode. Makgeolli was fermented at three different redox potentials -50 mV, -100 mV, -150 mV. Regulating of aeration according to the redox potentials could give prominence to nutritional benefits of Makgeolli. The profiles of redox potential appeared bathtub curves, and related to lactic acid bacteria growth curve and byproducts. We could find the optimum redox potential balance that affects the factors such as LAB’s, alcohol contents and byproducts. In conclusion it was essential to control redox potential balance in order to produce nutrients rich Makgeolli.