Paper Title
Development and Characterization of Biopolymers with Photo Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract
The development of smart packaging using light-based technologies has been extensively investigated. These photonic technologies involve the addition of a photosensitizing molecule into polymeric materials via a covalent or electrostatic approach. When these photosensitive materials are illuminated with light of anappropriate wavelength, and in the presence of molecular oxygen (O₂), results on generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are capable of oxidizing and inactivating pathogenic microorganisms. This technology effectively promotes the photoinactivation of microorganisms on the material's surface and prevents biofilm formation.This study reports the development of photosensitive films via immobilization of curcumin as photosensitizer, into a zein protein matrix. The films were characterized using photophysical and photochemical techniques, including fluorescence, UV-vis spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and their in vitroantimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results showed that the films exhibited significant photoantimicrobial properties, with a reduction up to 5 log units in S. aureus. These films present promising properties for application as food packaging materials, offering an effective methodology for enhancing food safety by preventing microbial contamination. Keywords - Food Contamination; Packaging; Photodynamic Therapy; Photo Antimicrobial Films.