Abstract: The invention provides novel devices to allow for the accelerated evaluation of the impacts of light exposure on the contents of the packaging system. Through this approach and using the methods described herein, it can be determined how the components of a complete package system perform collectively to influence its photoprotective performance enabling a first ever method to quantitate these impacts. The use of this device with the methods described herein will allow for package designs to be optimized for the photoprotection performances, for the impacts of packaging production defects to be explored, and for the influence of packaging form (e.g., surface area to volume ratio) to be determined. Such device capabilities allow a first ever means to provide simulated retail, isothermal light exposures to complete package systems.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods to place a complete package system filled with a sample into a light exposure chamber as a complete unit with periodic monitoring of the contents of the packaging system. Through this approach, it can be determined how the components of a complete package system perform collectively to influence its photoprotective performance enabling a first ever method to quantitate these impacts. In turn this will allow for package designs to be optimized for the photoprotection performances, for the impacts of packaging production defects to be explored, and for the influence of packaging form (e.g., surface area to volume ratio) to be determined. Such capabilities allow a first ever means to optimize package systems for photoprotective performance.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for determining photosensitive properties of product materials by exposing the product materials to controlled light exposures and measuring for changes in the product materials to quantify light sensitivity.

Abstract: A new light protective closure that includes a wall portion(s) and a top plate. The top plate is provided with an at least partial supplemental light protection layer in addition to the light protection provided by the material used to form the top plate.

Abstract: A new light protective package which includes a monolayer container and a removable and re-sealable monolayer closure, wherein both the monolayer container and the monolayer closure have an LPF value of at least about 20.

Abstract: A new light protective rigid monolayer package which includes TiO2 particles, at least one color pigment selected from black and yellow, and a polymer. The light protective rigid monolayer package can have an LPF value of at least about 20.

Abstract: A new light protective package including a monolayer which includes treated TiO2 particles at high concentration levels of 6 wt % or higher of the monolayer, more preferably greater than 7 wt % of the monolayer, even more preferably greater than 8 wt. % of the monolayer, wherein the monolayer protects the food within the package from both light and physical damage. The monolayer has superior light protection properties while maintaining mechanical properties. The monolayer has a light protection factor (“LPF”) value of greater than 25, preferably greater than 30, more preferably greater than 40 or even more preferably greater than 50. The treated TiO2 material can be dispersed and processed in package production processes by use of incorporation with a masterbatch, and preferably processed into a package using blow molding methods.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for quantification of photoprotective performance of packaging concepts in an accelerated timeframe are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a light source which provides a light beam that impinges upon a photoprotective material before being transmitted to a sample cell of a photosensitive entity, such as a photosensitive nutrient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and methods can be used to generate models for the prediction of photoprotective performance values of untested materials based upon some other known qualitative or quantitative property.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for quantification of photoprotective performance of packaging concepts in an accelerated timeframe. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a light source which provides a light beam that impinges upon a photoprotective material before being transmitted to a sample cell comprising a photosensitive entity, such as a photosensitive nutrient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and methods can be used to generate models for the prediction of photoprotective performance values of untested materials based upon some other known qualitative or quantitative property.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for quantification of photoprotective performance of packaging concepts in an accelerated timeframe. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a light source which provides a light beam that impinges upon a photoprotective material before being transmitted to a sample cell comprising a photosensitive entity, such as a photosensitive nutrient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and methods can be used to generate models for the prediction of photoprotective performance values of untested materials based upon some other known qualitative or quantitative property.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for quantification of photoprotective performance of packaging concepts in an accelerated timeframe. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a light source which provides a light beam that impinges upon a photoprotective material before being transmitted to a sample cell comprising a photosensitive entity, such as a photosensitive nutrient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and methods can be used to generate models for the prediction of photoprotective performance values of untested materials based upon some other known qualitative or quantitative property.

Abstract: The invention is a process useful for providing a treated support comprising a porous nanoweb coating wherein the treated support is characterized by a biofilm cell count of less than 50% that of an untreated porous support control. The process is useful for modifying porous materials, such as filter media and barrier fabrics to provide resistance to biofouling. The porous nanoweb coating is comprised of fibrous structures derived from gelation and drying of supramolecular assemblies of non-covalently bonded organogelators. Typical organogelators useful in the invention include those that assemble via hydrogen bonding and ?-stacking.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for making a composite material comprising a porous support and a porous nanoweb comprising: (a) providing a porous support; (b) providing a gelling mixture comprising one or more solvent(s) and one or more organogelator(s); (c) applying the gelling mixture to the porous support; (d) inducing said organogelator(s) to form a nanoweb gel; and (e) removing the solvent(s) from the nanoweb gel to provide a dry porous nanoweb coating on said porous support; wherein the one or more solvent(s) is a supercritical fluid. Preferably the supercritical fluid is carbon dioxide. Other embodiments of the invention include a nanoweb composite provided by the method.