The Green Era of Food Packaging: General Considerations and New Trends

Investigation into the role of layered nanoporous modified clays for adsorption/desorption of rosemary essential oil in the gas phase and the ability of this system as an antioxidant and preservation agent in food applications

A new green composite material with antioxidant properties and specific-targeting capabilities was developed using Montmorillonite Clay in modified forms for rosemary essential oil gaseous adsorption without harmful chemicals or excessive heat. The modified clays were tested for their adsorption capabilities, with the sodic clay showing the highest affinity for the essential oil. The study also found that the adsorbed essential oil on sodic clay had the highest antioxidant activity compared to the organic and pillared clays. Adsorption isotherms revealed values of 40, 30, and 18 mg g-1 for sodic, organic, and pillared clay respectively. To assess the experimental data three models were used: First Order, Second Order, and Intra-particular Diffusion. According to the models' data, the Second Order model fits the experimental results. These results suggest combining modified clays with essential oils can create materials suitable for controlled release systems in food and pharmaceutical applications. Highlights The capacity of gaseous adsorption of REO on sodic, organic, and pillared clays depends essentially on the interaction between the clay's external surface and the essential oil-active molecules. Adsorbed essential oil on clays' surfaces without any direct contact shows an antioxidant activity against DPPH that can be explored in further research concerning food packaging, drug delivery…etc. The desorbed amount of REO is practically less than half of the adsorbed quantity which involves both physisorption and chemisorption interactions.

Production of biopolymers from watermelon mesocarp: structural characterization, cytogenotoxicological safety, and antioxidant activity

This study aimed to produce flexible and optically semi-transparent biopolymers exclusively from watermelon mesocarp. Washed (WM-W) and non-washed (WM-NW) films were obtained hydrothermally, followed by grinding and casting steps, and characterized, targeting correlations among chemical structure, film-forming protocol, cytogenotoxicological safety, and antioxidant activity. The morphological aspects were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and, according to thermogravimetry measurements, the films are thermally stable with glass transition temperatures determined with differential scanning calorimetry ranging from 12.1 to 77.6 °C for WM-NW and 56.0 °C for WM-W. These differences are probably due to the presence of soluble carbohydrates. The elastic modulus and tensile strength ranged from 88 MPa to 1.1 GPa and from 0.4 MPa to 3.4 MPa, respectively, while the elongation at break decreased from 0.7 to 0.46%. The chemical groups were identified using FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopy while the crystallinity index (from 10.4 to 50%) was determined with X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the relative water absorption, swelling ratio, water barrier properties, and fluid handling capacity were assessed. WM-NW showed slightly higher cytotoxicity than the WM-W film in cultures of human keratinocytes (HaCat cells). Furthermore, both exhibited antioxidant potential and lacked mutagenic effects, supporting their safe use in diverse value-added applications, particularly in medical devices.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-06076-z.

Development of κ-carrageenan/tourmaline composite for active food packaging applications: Improved mechanical, gas barrier, and antimicrobial

In order to solve the environmental pollution problems of traditional food packaging films, a kind of antibacterial packaging film based on κ-carrageenan and tourmaline powder was prepared. The addition of tourmaline powder as an inorganic filler improved the mechanical properties and gas barrier properties of κ-carrageenan films, and tourmaline had the function of spontaneously generating negative ions (NAIs) to give the film the antibacterial effect. With the increase in the amount of tourmaline powder, the water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability decrease, the water contact angle becomes larger, and the thermal degradation temperature increases. When the additional amount of tourmaline powder is 0.75 (%, w/v), the elongation at break and tensile strength can reach 39.356 % and 8.952 MPa. The κ-carrageenan/tourmaline composite film has an inhibitory effect on foodborne S. aureus, the best inhibition rate was obtained at 39.80 %. The weight loss of the figs packaged with this film is reduced, and the decay rate is slower. These results indicated that the κ-carrageenan/tourmaline composite film is promising in the food industry.

Comparative Study of the Method of Decorticating on Chemical Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Xyloglucan Extracted from Tamarindus indica L. Seeds at a Semi-Industrial Scale

Xyloglucan from Tamarindus indica seeds (TISs) is a polysaccharide widely used in the food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Nevertheless, the challenge in future research for the food processing industry is to provide adequate knowledge regarding natural product extraction, chemical modifications, interactions, and potential applications according to sustainability issues. The goal of this work was to implement a sustainable method for xyloglucan extraction from TISs at a semi-industrial scale and carry out the characterization of this hydrocolloid, to compare the effect of the technique of decorticating of seeds on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of xyloglucan. The TISs were decorticated using soaking (DS) and roasting (DR) methods, and, then, the xyloglucan was extracted applying a semi-industrial mechanical separation process. Subsequently, the extraction yield, chemical content, Fourier transform infrared analysis, color, morphology, molecular weight (MW), viscosity, texture, Z potential, particle size, and thermal properties were evaluated. Xyloglucan extraction from TISs at a semi-industrial scale was demonstrated for the first time. The xyloglucan yield by DR (44.04%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with DS (41.42%), while separation efficiency was similar in both methods (~97%). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in fat, ashes, crude fiber, calcium, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity in xyloglucan samples were observed by applying DS and DR. The method of decorticating promoted changes in the MW and particle size of xyloglucan samples, which were reflected in the viscosity, particle size, texture attributes, Z potential, and thermal properties of xyloglucan. These results show that the decorticating method is an important issue to be considered in the resultant chemical and physicochemical properties of xyloglucan extracted from tamarind seeds, for suitable applications of the xyloglucan in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries.

Contributing factors to the migration of antimicrobials in active packaging films

Antimicrobial active packaging plays a key role in food quality and safety. The addition of antimicrobial agents in packaging production aims to release these agents from film to food, thereby preventing, reducing, or eliminating the contamination caused by pathogens or food spoilage microorganisms. This review provides an overview of the antimicrobial active packaging and gives an insight of the antimicrobials that have been used to manufacture antimicrobial active films. Additionally, it discusses the findings of studies that have developed active films, identifying the related factors with the release of antimicrobials from film to packaged food, as well as their possible mechanisms of release. Four interrelated factors that affect the release of antimicrobial agents have been identified. The first one addresses the film properties, the second one corresponds to food characteristics, the third one environmental condition, and the last one the attributes of the antimicrobial agent itself. There have been reported two mechanisms for explaining the antimicrobial release. The first mechanism addresses the water as the main regulator, and the second implies a natural diffusion of antimicrobials. The identification of related factors with the release can contribute to optimizing new methods in the design of antimicrobial active packaging.

Biopolymers as Sustainable and Active Packaging Materials: Fundamentals and Mechanisms of Antifungal Activities

Developing bio-based and biodegradable materials has become important to meet current market demands, government regulations, and environmental concerns. The packaging industry, particularly for food and beverages, is known to be the world's largest consumer of plastics. Therefore, the demand for sustainable alternatives in this area is needed to meet the industry's requirements. This review presents the most commonly used bio-based and biodegradable packaging materials, bio-polyesters, and polysaccharide-based polymers. At the same time, a major problem in food packaging is presented: fungal growth and, consequently, food spoilage. Different types of antifungal compounds, both natural and synthetic, are explained in terms of structure and mechanism of action. The main uses of these antifungal compounds and their degree of effectiveness are detailed. State-of-the-art studies have shown a clear trend of increasing studies on incorporating antifungals in biodegradable materials since 2000. The bibliometric networks showed studies on active packaging, biodegradable polymers, films, antimicrobial and antifungal activities, essential oils, starch and polysaccharides, nanocomposites, and nanoparticles. The combination of the development of bio-based and biodegradable materials with the ability to control fungal growth promotes both sustainability and the innovative enhancement of the packaging sector.

A critical review on plastic waste life cycle assessment and management: Challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives

The global production and consumption of plastics, as well as their deposition in the environment, are experiencing exponential growth. In addition, mismanaged plastic waste (PW) losses into drainage channels are a growing source of microplastic (MP) pollution concern. However, the complete understanding of their environmental implications throughout their life cycle is yet to be fully understood. Determining the potential extent to which MPs contribute to overall ecotoxicity is possible through the monitoring of PW release and MP removal during remediation. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) have been extensively utilized in many comparative analyses, such as comparing petroleum-based plastics with biomass and single-use plastics with multi-use alternatives. These assessments typically yield unexpected or paradoxical results. Nevertheless, there is still a paucity of reliable data and tools for conducting LCAs on plastics. On the other hand, the release and impact of MP have so far not been considered in LCA studies. This is due to the absence of inventory-related data regarding MP releases and the characterization factors necessary to quantify the effects of MP. Therefore, this review paper conducts a comprehensive literature review in order to assess the current state of knowledge and data regarding the environmental impacts that occur throughout the life cycle of plastics, along with strategies for plastic management through LCA.

Hybrid Materials of Bio-Based Aerogels for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

This review explores the field of hybrid materials in the context of bio-based aerogels for the development of sustainable packaging solutions. Increasing global concern over environmental degradation and the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional packaging materials have led to a growing interest in the synthesis and application of bio-based aerogels. These aerogels, which are derived from renewable resources such as biopolymers and biomass, have unique properties such as a lightweight structure, excellent thermal insulation, and biodegradability. The manuscript addresses the innovative integration of bio-based aerogels with various other materials such as nanoparticles, polymers, and additives to improve their mechanical, barrier, and functional properties for packaging applications. It critically analyzes recent advances in hybridization strategies and highlights their impact on the overall performance and sustainability of packaging materials. In addition, the article identifies the key challenges and future prospects associated with the development and commercialization of hybrid bio-based aerogel packaging materials. The synthesis of this knowledge is intended to contribute to ongoing efforts to create environmentally friendly alternatives that address the current problems associated with conventional packaging while promoting a deeper understanding of the potential of hybrid materials for sustainable packaging solutions.

A review on takeaway packaging waste: Types, ecological impact, and disposal route

Rapid economic growth and urbanization have led to significant changes in the world's consumption patterns. Accelerated urbanization, the spread of the mobile Internet, and the increasing pace of work globally have all contributed to the demand for the food takeaway industry. The rapid development of the takeaway industry inevitably brings convenience to life, and with it comes great environmental pressure from waste packaging materials. While maintaining the convenience of people's lives, further reducing the environmental pollution caused by takeaway packaging materials and promoting the recycling and reuse of takeaway packaging waste need to attract the attention and concern of the whole society. This review systematically and comprehensively introduces common takeaway food types and commonly used packaging materials, analyzes the impacts of discarded takeaway packaging materials on human health and the ecological environment, summarizes the formulation and implementation of relevant policies and regulations, proposes treatment methods and resourceful reuse pathways for discarded takeaway packaging, and also provides an outlook on the development of green takeaway packaging. Currently, only 20% of waste packaging materials are recycled worldwide, and there is still a need to develop more green takeaway packaging materials and continuously improve relevant policies and regulations to promote the sustainable development of the takeaway industry. The review is conducive to further optimizing the takeaway packaging management system, alleviating the environmental pollution problem, and providing feasible solutions and technical guidance for further optimizing takeaway food packaging materials and comprehensive utilization of resources.

Biological Activities and Solubilization Methodologies of Naringin

Naringin (NG), a natural flavanone glycoside, possesses a multitude of pharmacological properties, encompassing anti-inflammatory, sedative, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-osteoporosis, and lipid-lowering functions, and serves as a facilitator for the absorption of other drugs. Despite these powerful qualities, NG's limited solubility and bioavailability primarily undermine its therapeutic potential. Consequently, innovative solubilization methodologies have received considerable attention, propelling a surge of scholarly investigation in this arena. Among the most promising solutions is the enhancement of NG's solubility and physiological activity without compromising its inherent active structure, therefore enabling the formulation of non-toxic and benign human body preparations. This article delivers a comprehensive overview of NG and its physiological activities, particularly emphasizing the impacts of structural modification, solid dispersions (SDs), inclusion compound, polymeric micelle, liposomes, and nanoparticles on NG solubilization. By synthesizing current research, this research elucidates the bioavailability of NG, broadens its clinical applicability, and paves the way for further exploration and expansion of its application spectrum.

Acetic acid bacteria in agro-wastes: from cheese whey and olive mill wastewater to cellulose

In this study, cheese whey and olive mill wastewater were investigated as potential feedstocks for producing bacterial cellulose by using acetic acid bacteria strains. Organic acids and phenolic compounds composition were assayed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to investigate modifications in bacterial cellulose chemical and morphological structure. Cheese whey was the most efficient feedstock in terms of bacterial cellulose yield (0.300 g of bacterial cellulose/gram of carbon source consumed). Bacterial cellulose produced in olive mill wastewater presented a more well-defined network compared to pellicles produced in cheese whey, resulting in a smaller fiber diameter in most cases. The analysis of bacterial cellulose chemical structure highlighted the presence of different chemical bonds likely to be caused by the adsorption of olive mill wastewater and cheese whey components. The crystallinity ranged from 45.72 to 80.82%. The acetic acid bacteria strains used in this study were characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, allowing to assign them to Komagataeibacter xylinus and Komagataeibacter rhaeticus species. This study proves the suitability to perform sustainable bioprocesses for producing bacterial cellulose, combining the valorisation of agro-wastes with microbial conversions carried out by acetic acid bacteria. The high versatility in terms of yield, morphology, and fiber diameters obtained in cheese whey and olive mill wastewater contribute to set up fundamental criteria for developing customized bioprocesses depending on the final use of the bacterial cellulose. KEY POINTS: • Cheese whey and olive mill wastewater can be used for bacterial cellulose production. • Bacterial cellulose structure is dependent on the culture medium. • Komagataeibacter strains support the agro-waste conversion in bacterial cellulose.