Rice Bran Film Developed to Stop Foodborne Bacteria
Researchers have engineered biodegradable packaging that uses cold plasma to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
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Scientists at the University of Arkansas have created an antimicrobial, biodegradable food packaging film using rice bran. The film is designed to reduce foodborne bacterial pathogens without the chemical additives often found in traditional materials.
Why it matters
Conventional antimicrobial packaging often relies on synthetic chemicals that can migrate into food products, posing potential health concerns. This innovation seeks to provide a safer, biodegradable alternative for food preservation.
In a laboratory trial at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, treated films showed significant bacterial inhibition compared to untreated controls. This preliminary research demonstrated that E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations declined within 8 hours.
The players
Arkansas Biosciences Institute
A research consortium focused on agricultural and medical biotechnology that provided funding for this study.
University of Arkansas
A public research university where scientists conducted the development of the antimicrobial film.
The details
The treatment process utilizes argon cold plasma to modify the rice bran protein film at a microscopic level. This increases the surface roughness 3.3-fold, which helps physically disrupt pathogens, while simultaneously triggering the chemical production of hydrogen peroxide on the surface to kill bacteria.
Timeline
Over the past year, the team investigated plasma technology for food safety.
Bacterial populations dropped within 8 hours of exposure to the treated film.
Regrowth of bacteria was effectively inhibited at the 24-hour mark.
Health Landscape
This research contributes to the broader effort to address the 2.8 million annual antimicrobial-resistant infections reported in the United States. It represents a shift toward bio-based, chemical-free materials in the evolving landscape of food safety technology.
While this film is not yet available for consumer use, it highlights the importance of choosing food products that minimize exposure to synthetic chemical additives. Always discuss concerns about food safety and potential chemical migration in packaging with a registered dietitian or physician.
The takeaway
This technology offers a promising path toward eliminating harmful chemical preservatives in the food supply chain. Residents can track further updates on this research through the University of Arkansas as the team prepares to explore additional medical applications.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in sustainable packaging in our Organic Food section.
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Would you prefer using biodegradable food packaging even if it costs slightly more than conventional plastic?
