Bio-based antimicrobial food packaging films based on hydroxypropyl starch/polyvinyl alcohol loaded with the biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles

Hybrid Metal Oxide (Ag-ZnO) Impregnated Biocomposite in the Development of an Eco-Friendly Sustainable Film

Nanotechnology offers an innovative application as an eco-friendly food packaging film fabricated along with a degradable active mixture (AM). The AM is an assortment of alloyed metal oxide nanoparticles (Ag-ZnO), citron powder (AA), and Curcuma peel powder (CPP). Alloyed nanoparticles (NPs) were observed to exhibit a hexagonal structure from the experimental X-ray diffraction. Compositional and morphological study of the NPs (22.69 nm) and AM (32 nm) was done using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ζ- potential was observed to be -14.7 mV, indicating the stability of NPs. The prepared film was observed to be more effective with antibacterial analysis against Escherichia coli, exhibiting 72% of inhibition and antioxidant activity with IC50: 51.56% using the 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Film 1, Film 2, Film 3, and Film 4 were fabricated with the AM and observed to be perfectly encapsulated by PVA using XRD. FESEM images of the film exhibit the aggregation of NPs with biocomposites in perfect distribution. The mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, elongation at break, tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS- 5.37 MPa) were experimented for the films. The degradation rate was observed to be 6.12% for film 1 using the soil burial method. The study emphasizes that NPs along with biocomposite upgrade the sustainability of the packaging film with improved mechanical and physicochemical properties. The synthesized film with biomaterials could be used as a "green" food package to store fruits, vegetables, and sweets in the food industry.

The application of starch-based edible film in food preservation: a comprehensive review

Using renewable resources for food packaging not only helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with traditional plastics. Starch has been a hot topic in the field of current research because of its low cost, wide source and good film forming property. However, a comprehensive review in this field is still lacking. Starch-based films offer a promising alternative for sustainable packaging in the food industry. The present paper covers various aspects such as raw material sources, modification methods, and film formation mechanisms. Understanding the physicochemical properties and potential commercial applications is crucial for bridging the gap between research and practical implementation. Finally, the application of starch-based films in the food industry is discussed in detail. Different modifications of starch can improve the mechanical and barrier properties of the films. The addition of active substances to starch-based films can endow them with more functions. Therefore, these factors should be better investigated and optimized in future studies to improve the physicochemical properties and functionality of starch-based films. In summary, this review provides comprehensive information and the latest research progress of starch-based films in the food industry.

Ag Nanoparticle Incorporated Guar Gum-Sodium Alginate-I-Carrageenan Tribiopolymer Blended Cloth Waste Lint Extracted Cellulose Nanocrystal Antimicrobial Composite Film

A biopolymer-based formulation for robust and active food packaging material was developed. This material consisted of a blend of three biopolymers (guar gum-sodium alginate-i-carrageenan) reinforced by cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) alongside the integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with varying sizes. The CNC utilized in this process was derived from cloth waste lint (CWL) generated from a household cloth dryer machine. This CNC synthesis underwent a series of solvent treatments to yield the CNC used in the composite. CNC and AgNPs were incorporated into the tribiopolymeric blend matrix to construct a nanocomposite film that showed excellent tensile strength (∼90 MPa). The nanocomposite film also exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Bacillus cereus MTCC 1272. In this report, it was demonstrated that the zone of inhibition against E. coli and B. cereus depends on the variation of size and amount of AgNPs inside the polymeric matrix. The practical applicability of such a film was also demonstrated by applying it to sliced bread and the enhancement of the shelf life of the raped bread was compared with a control. Thus, the guar gum-sodium alginate-i-carrageenan tribiopolymer blend with a cloth waste lint extracted cellulose nanocrystal composite film is antimicrobial, hence, an excellent candidate as an active packaging film.

An antibacterial packaging film based on amylose starch with quaternary ammonium salt chitosan and its application for meat preservation

A new generation of food packaging films is gradually replacing traditional plastic packaging films because of their biodegradability, safety, and some functional properties such as anti-bacterial and oxidant resistance. In the present work, an antibacterial packing film based on amylose starch and 2-hydroxypropyl-trimethylammonium chloride chitosan (HTCC) was prepared for meat preservation. The interfacial bonding mechanism between amylose, HTCC, and glutaraldehyde (GA) was determined experimentally and through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The macromolecular chains of amylose starch and HTCC became entangled via inter-molecular H-bonds and then cross-linked with GA via the Schiff base reaction. The interaction of amylose starch and HTCC improved the mechanical properties of the amylose films. Compared with the amylose films, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the optimal HTCC/amylose films reached to 16.13 MPa (an increase of 206.65 %) and 53.86 % (an increase of 109.49 %). The HTCC/amylose films were found to provide obvious bacteriostatic performance, a relatively low cytotoxicity, the lower transmittance in the UV region, and thus the ability to enhance the preservation of fresh meat. These excellent characteristics therefore suggest that HTCC/amylose films might be promising candidates for application in antibacterial food packaging films.

Development and characterization of starch/PVA antimicrobial active films with controlled release property by utilizing electrostatic interactions between nanocellulose and lauroyl arginate ethyl ester

The two nanocellulose (nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and carboxylated nanofibrillated cellulose (C-NFC)) could interact with lauryl arginine ethyl ester hydrochloride (LAE) through electrostatic bonding. The zeta potential (absolute value) of C-NFC (-27.80 mV) was higher than that of NFC (-10.07 mV). The starch/polyvinyl alcohol active films with controlled release property by utilizing electrostatic interactions between nanocellulose and LAE were prepared and their properties were investigated. For incorporation of the NFC or C-NFC, the cross-section of the films became slightly uneven and some fibrils were observed, the films exhibited an increase in strength, while the film water vapor and oxygen barrier properties decreased. The release of LAE from the films to food simulants (10 % ethanol) decelerated with increasing of NFC or C-NFC. These might be mainly attributed to the enhanced electrostatic interaction between NFC or C-NFC and LAE. It demonstrated that nanocellulose with higher negative charges would exhibit stronger electrostatic interaction with LAE, thus slowing the release of LAE. The film with highest C-NFC content exhibited smallest inhibition zone among LAE-containing films, which was related with its slowest release rate of LAE. It showed a great prospect to develop controlled release active packaging films by utilizing electrostatic interactions between substances.

Animal derived biopolymers for food packaging applications: A review

It is essential to use environment-friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable and sustainable materials for various applications. Biopolymers are derived from renewable sources like plants, microorganisms, and agricultural wastes. Unlike conventional polymers, biopolymer has a lower carbon footprint and contributes less to greenhouse gas emission. All biopolymers are biodegradable, meaning natural processes can break them down into harmless products such as water and biomass. This property is of utmost importance for various sustainable applications. This review discusses different classifications of biopolymers based on origin, including plant-based, animal-based and micro-organism-based biopolymers. The review also discusses the desirable properties that are required in materials for their use as packaging material. It also discusses the different processes used in modifying the biopolymer to improve its properties. Finally, this review shows the recent developments taking place in using specifically animal origin-based biopolymer and its use in packaging material. It was observed that animal-origin-based biopolymers, although they possess unique properties however, are less explored than plant-origin biopolymers. The animal-origin-based biopolymers covered in this review are chitosan, gelatin, collagen, keratin, casein, whey, hyaluronic acid and silk fibroin. This review will help in renewing research interest in animal-origin biopolymers. In summary, biopolymer offers a sustainable and environment-friendly alternative to conventional polymers. Their versatility, biocompatibility will help create a more sustainable future.

New polyvinyl alcohol/gellan gum-based bioplastics with guava and chickpea extracts for food packaging

Plastic is a fossil-based synthetic polymer that has become an essential material in our daily life. Plastic pollution resulting from the accumulation of plastic objects has become problematic for our environment. Bioplastic can be a biodegradable environmentally friendly alternative for the synthetic plastic. In this paper, bioplastics based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/gellan gum (GG) blend have been produced in three different compositions and their chemical structure, mechanical, morphological and thermal properties have been studied. Glycerol has been used as a plasticizer. To add extra features to the PVA/GG bioplastic, Psidium guajava (guava) leaves, GL, and chickpea, CP, extracts have been added to the PVA/GG (30/70) blend. Water and aqueous ethanol have been used in the extraction of GL and CP, respectively. The addition of the plant's extracts enhanced the tensile properties of the PVA/GG bioplastic. Weathering acceleration tests have been carried out to examine the degradation of the prepared bioplastics. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the prepared bioplastic is safe to be used in food packaging applications. Water and oxygen permeability for the new PVA/GG bioplastic have also been studied. The addition of the plant extracts (GL and CP extracts) increased the oxygen and water permeability to different extents. Bioplastic life cycle assessment (LCA) and CO2 emissions in comparison to fossil-based plastic have been investigated. From all the results, PVA/GG based bioplastic proved to be a degradable, safe and effective alternative for fossil-based plastics in food packaging applications.