Sustainable Bioactive Packaging Based on Thermoplastic Starch and Microalgae

This study combines the use of corn starch and Tetradesmus obliquus microalgae for the production of antioxidant starch films as flexible packaging material. Starch was plasticized with glycerol and blended with 1 w% polyallylamine chosen as an agent to modify the film physical properties. The addition of polyallylamine improved film water stability and water vapor transmission rate as well as mechanical stiffness and tenacity. The dried Tetradesmus obliquus microalgae, which showed an EC50 value of 2.8 mg/mg DPPH (2.2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), was then used as antioxidant filler. The addition of microalgae provided the films with good antioxidant activity, which increased with microalgae content increasing. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the development of sustainable bioactive packaging films composed of almost 100% starch, and follows the European union’s goals on plastics strategy concerning the promotion of bio-based, compostable plastics and the setting up of approaches to prevent food waste with a simple plastic packaging.

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Influence of Starch Composition and Molecular Weight on Physicochemical Properties of Biodegradable Films

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym11071084 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1084 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Daniel Domene-López ◽

Juan Carlos García-Quesada ◽

Ignacio Martin-Gullon ◽

Mercedes G. Montalbán

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Corn Starch ◽

Amylose Content ◽

Potato Starch ◽

Thermoplastic Starch ◽

Grain Structure ◽

Rice Starch ◽

Hydration Properties ◽

Casting Technique ◽

Starch Films

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) films are considered one of the most promising alternatives for replacing synthetic polymers in the packaging field due to the starch biodegradability, low cost, and abundant availability. However, starch granule composition, expressed in terms of amylose content and phosphate monoesters, and molecular weight of starch clearly affects some film properties. In this contribution, biodegradable TPS films made from potato, corn, wheat, and rice starch were prepared using the casting technique. The effect of the grain structure of each starch on microstructure, transparency, hydration properties, crystallinity, and mechanical properties of the films, was evaluated. Potato starch films were the most transparent and corn starch films the most opaque. All the films had homogeneous internal structures—highly amorphous and with no pores, both of which point to a good starch gelatinization process. The maximum tensile strength (4.48–8.14 MPa), elongation at break (35.41–100.34%), and Young’s modulus (116.42–294.98 MPa) of the TPS films were clearly influenced by the amylose content, molecular weight, and crystallinity of the film. In this respect, wheat and corn starch films, are the most resistant and least stretchable, while rice starch films are the most extensible but least resistant. These findings show that all the studied starches can be considered suitable for manufacturing resistant and flexible films with similar properties to those of synthetic low-density polyethylene (LDPE), by a simple and environmentally-friendly process.

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Effect of Anthocyanin Preparations as Colorants on Hygroscopicity of Dry-Pack Foods

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x-42.3.225 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 42 (3) ◽

pp. 225-227 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

F. M. CLYDESDALE ◽

J. H. MAIN ◽

F. J. FRANCIS ◽

K. M. HAYES

Keyword(s):

Water Vapor ◽

Relative Humidity ◽

Transmission Rate ◽

Packaging Material ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Water Vapor Transmission Rate ◽

Natural Colorants ◽

Water Vapor Transmission ◽

Grape Skins ◽

Equilibrium Relative Humidity

The equilibrium relative humidity isotherm of a cherry beverage base and a strawberry gelatin dessert mix colored with anthocyanins from grape skins, cranberries and roselle was evaluated versus a Red No. 2 control. As well, the water vapor transmission rate of the packaging material was evaluated to evaluate probable shelf-life. Results indicated that physical parameters, such as hygroscopicity, must be considered in estimating effects of the use of natural colorants in foods as well as the color and chemical stability normally investigated.

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Flexible Thermoplastic Starch Films Functionalized With Copper Particles for Packaging of Food Products

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33435/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Olivia López ◽

María E. Villanueva ◽

Guillermo J. Copello ◽

Marcelo A Villar

Keyword(s):

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Corn Starch ◽

Composite Films ◽

Thermoplastic Starch ◽

Biodegradable Films ◽

Melt Mixing ◽

Elongation At Break ◽

Copper Particles ◽

Starch Films ◽

Fresh Products

Abstract Biodegradable films based on thermoplastic corn starch (TPS) and copper particles with antimicrobial capacity were developed. Copper nanoparticles (Cu) and silica coated copper microparticles (Si-Cu) in the range of 0.25 to 5 % were used. Composite films were obtained by melt-mixing and subsequent thermo-compression. Particles distribution within TPS matrix and the presence of some pores and cracks, induced by Si-Cu particles, was evaluated by SEM. The presence of both fillers gave to composite films a brown pigmentation and decreased their transparency; these effects were more pronounced at higher particles concentrations. Regarding mechanical properties, copper particles at 1 and 5 % acted as reinforcing agents increasing the maximum tensile strength but their presence lead to a decrease in elongation at break, affecting films ductility. Composites inhibited the growth of Gram+ and Gram- bacteria, demonstrating their antimicrobial capacity. Copper effectively migrated to a simulant of aqueous foods and naked particles concentration in the simulant medium resulted higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration for bacteria. The characteristics and properties of developed composite films make them an interesting material for food primary packaging, mainly for meat fresh products.

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Flexible Thermoplastic Starch Films Functionalized With Copper Particles for Packaging of Food Products

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33435/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Olivia López ◽

María E. Villanueva ◽

Guillermo J. Copello ◽

Marcelo A Villar

Keyword(s):

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Corn Starch ◽

Composite Films ◽

Thermoplastic Starch ◽

Biodegradable Films ◽

Melt Mixing ◽

Elongation At Break ◽

Copper Particles ◽

Starch Films ◽

Fresh Products

Abstract Biodegradable films based on thermoplastic corn starch (TPS) and copper particles with antimicrobial capacity were developed. Copper nanoparticles (Cu) and silica coated copper microparticles (Si-Cu) in the range of 0.25 to 5 % were used. Composite films were obtained by melt-mixing and subsequent thermo-compression. Particles distribution within TPS matrix and the presence of some pores and cracks, induced by Si-Cu particles, was evaluated by SEM. The presence of both fillers gave to composite films a brown pigmentation and decreased their transparency; these effects were more pronounced at higher particles concentrations. Regarding mechanical properties, copper particles at 1 and 5 % acted as reinforcing agents increasing the maximum tensile strength but their presence lead to a decrease in elongation at break, affecting films ductility. Composites inhibited the growth of Gram+ and Gram- bacteria, demonstrating their antimicrobial capacity. Copper effectively migrated to a simulant of aqueous foods and naked particles concentration in the simulant medium resulted higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration for bacteria.The characteristics and properties of developed composite films make them an interesting material for food primary packaging, mainly for meat fresh products.

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Characteristics of Edible Films Based on Corn Starch and Protein Isolates from Liquid Waste Extraction of Tofu Processing Industry

Jurnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi ◽

10.14710/jksa.23.6.216-221 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 216-221

Author(s):

Rina Mirdayanti ◽

Amalia Amalia

Keyword(s):

Water Vapor ◽

Corn Starch ◽

Transmission Rate ◽

Edible Films ◽

Protein Isolate ◽

Small Scale ◽

Water Vapor Transmission Rate ◽

Processing Industry ◽

Protein Isolates ◽

Water Vapor Transmission

One factor contributing to the environment's waste is industrial activity both large and small scale. During this time, the waste collection is done by dumping it into a ditch and flowing it into the river, thus worsening environmental sanitation. This study aims to analyze the character of edible films of corn starch with protein isolates from the extraction of tofu processing industry wastewater. Samples were analyzed to determine the tensile strength and elongation of the resulting film by varying the amount of protein isolates, 0%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9%. The protein extraction process was carried out by centrifugation, while the water vapor transmission test was by the saucer method, while the identification of functional groups was through FTIR analysis. The results showed that the highest mechanical properties were obtained in the variation of 5% protein isolates with a value of 52.16 MPa and elongation of 38.4%. For water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), film comparisons were made with 5% variation of protein isolates and 0% protein isolates. Films with 5% protein isolates have a smaller water absorption of 0.56%, than films with 0% of 0.66%. The value of water vapor transmission rate shows a very significant ratio, at 5% protein isolate of water vapor transmission at 0.00176 g/m2/day, much smaller than 0% protein isolate at 0.00864 g/m2/day. IR spectra showed the presence of amide groups I and II on the results of the analysis of protein isolates. While the globular structure of proteins is shown by the absorption of wave numbers 1667 and 1650 cm-1.

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Flexible Thermoplastic Starch Films Functionalized With Copper Particles for Packaging of Food Products

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33435/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Olivia López ◽

María E. Villanueva ◽

Guillermo J. Copello ◽

Marcelo A Villar

Keyword(s):

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Corn Starch ◽

Composite Films ◽

Thermoplastic Starch ◽

Biodegradable Films ◽

Melt Mixing ◽

Elongation At Break ◽

Copper Particles ◽

Starch Films ◽

Fresh Products

Abstract Biodegradable films based on thermoplastic corn starch (TPS) and copper particles with antimicrobial capacity were developed. Copper nanoparticles (Cu) and silica coated copper microparticles (Si-Cu) in the range of 0.25 to 5 % were used. Composite films were obtained by melt-mixing and subsequent thermo-compression. Particles distribution within TPS matrix and the presence of some pores and cracks, induced by Si-Cu particles, was evaluated by SEM. The presence of both fillers gave composite films a brown pigmentation and decreased their transparency; these effects were more pronounced at higher particles concentrations. Regarding mechanical properties, copper particles at 1 and 5 % acted as reinforcing agents increasing the maximum tensile strength but their presence lead to a decrease in elongation at break, affecting films ductility. Composites inhibited the growth of Gram+ and Gram- bacteria, demonstrating their antimicrobial capacity. Copper effectively migrated to a simulant of aqueous foods and naked particles concentration in the simulant medium resulted higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration for bacteria. The characteristics and properties of developed composite films make them an interesting material for food primary packaging, mainly for meat fresh products.

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Valorization of Rice Straw into Cellulose Microfibers for the Reinforcement of Thermoplastic Corn Starch Films

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11188433 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (18) ◽

pp. 8433

Author(s):

Pedro A. V. Freitas ◽

Carla I. La Fuente Arias ◽

Sergio Torres-Giner ◽

Chelo González-Martínez ◽

Amparo Chiralt

Keyword(s):

Rice Straw ◽

Corn Starch ◽

Composite Films ◽

Thermoplastic Starch ◽

Starch Granules ◽

Melt Mixing ◽

Cellulose Microfibers ◽

Gelatinized Starch ◽

Dry Heating ◽

Starch Films

In the present study, agro-food waste derived rice straw (RS) was valorized into cellulose microfibers (CMFs) using a green process of combined ultrasound and heating treatments and were thereafter used to improve the physical properties of thermoplastic starch films (TPS). Mechanical defibrillation of the fibers gave rise to CMFs with cumulative frequencies of length and diameters below 200 and 5–15 µm, respectively. The resultant CMFs were successfully incorporated at, 1, 3, and 5 wt% into TPS by melt mixing and also starch was subjected to dry heating (DH) modification to yield TPS modified by dry heating (TPSDH). The resultant materials were finally shaped into films by thermo-compression and characterized. It was observed that both DH modification and fiber incorporation at 3 and 5 wt% loadings interfered with the starch gelatinization, leading to non-gelatinized starch granules in the biopolymer matrix. Thermo-compressed films prepared with both types of starches and reinforced with 3 wt% CMFs were more rigid (percentage increases of ~215% for TPS and ~207% for the TPSDH), more resistant to break (~100% for TPS and ~60% for TPSDH), but also less extensible (~53% for TPS and ~78% for TPSDH). The incorporation of CMFs into the TPS matrix at the highest contents also promoted a decrease in water vapor (~15%) and oxygen permeabilities (~30%). Finally, all the TPS composite films showed low changes in terms of optical properties and equilibrium moisture, being less soluble in water than the TPSDH films.

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Packaging Films for Electronic and Space-Related Hardware

Journal of the IEST ◽

10.17764/jiet.1.28.4.d82464457q83687h ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 46-52

Author(s):

Estrelita Shon ◽

Otto Hamberg

Keyword(s):

Transmission Rate ◽

Water Vapor Transmission Rate ◽

New Materials ◽

Packaging Film ◽

Packaging Films ◽

Flexible Packaging ◽

Film Characteristics ◽

And Storage ◽

Protective Packaging ◽

Selection Of

Flexible packaging films are used to bag and/or wrap precision cleaned electronic or space hardware to protect them from environmental degradation during shipping and storage. Selection of packaging films depends on a knowledge of product requirements and packaging film characteristics. The literature presently available on protective packaging films has been updated to include new materials and to amplify space-related applications. Presently available packaging film materials are compared for their various characteristics: electrostatic discharge (ESD) control, flame retardancy, water vapor transmission rate, particulate shedding, molecular contamination, and transparency. The tradeoff between product requirements and the characteristics of the packaging films available are discussed. Selection considerations are given for the application of specific materials of space hardware-related applications. Applications for intimate, environmental, and electrostatic protective packaging are discussed.

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Development and Characterization of the Edible Packaging Films Incorporated with Blueberry Pomace

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods9111599 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1599

Author(s):

Anika Singh ◽

Yixin Gu ◽

Simone D. Castellarin ◽

David D. Kitts ◽

Anubhav Pratap-Singh

Keyword(s):

Structural Integrity ◽

Corn Starch ◽

Transmission Rate ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Green Bean ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Acetic Acid Medium ◽

Food Simulant ◽

Edible Packaging ◽

Starch Films

This work focused on the development of starch-based (potato, corn, sweet potato, green bean and tapioca) edible packaging film incorporated with blueberry pomace powder (BPP). The optical, mechanical, thermal, and physicochemical properties were subsequently tested. The film color was not affected by the addition of BPP. BPP incorporated into corn and green bean starch films showed increased light barrier properties, indicating a beneficial effect to prevent UV radiation-induced food deterioration. Film thickness and transparency were not primarily affected by changing the starch type or the BPP concentration, although the corn starch films were the most transparent. Furthermore, all films maintained structural integrity and had a high tensile strength. The water vapor transmission rate of all the films was found to be greater than conventional polyethylene films. The average solubility of all the films made from different starch types was between 24 and 37%, which indicates the usability of these films for packaging, specifically for low to intermediate moisture foods. There were no statistical differences in Differential Scanning Calorimetry parameters with changes in the starch type and pomace levels. Migration assays showed a greater release of the active compounds from BPP into acetic acid medium (aqueous food simulant) than ethanol medium (fatty food simulant). The incorporation of BPP into starch-chitosan films resulted in the improvement of film performance, thereby suggesting the potential for applying BPP into starch-based films for active packaging.

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Chitosan/Gelatin/Silver Nanoparticles Composites Films for Biodegradable Food Packaging Applications

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13111680 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 1680

Author(s):

Sreelekha Ediyilyam ◽

Bini George ◽

Sarojini Sharath Shankar ◽

Thomas Thuruthiyil Dennis ◽

Stanisław Wacławek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Silver Nanoparticles ◽

Water Vapor ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Transmission Rate ◽

Composite Films ◽

Packaging Material ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

Water Vapor Transmission Rate ◽

Moisture Retention ◽

Water Vapor Transmission

The food packaging industry explores economically viable, environmentally benign, and non-toxic packaging materials. Biopolymers, including chitosan (CH) and gelatin (GE), are considered a leading replacement for plastic packaging materials, with preferred packaging functionality and biodegradability. CH, GE, and different proportions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used to prepare novel packaging materials using a simple solution casting method. The functional and morphological characterization of the prepared films was carried out by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical strength, solubility, water vapor transmission rate, swelling behavior, moisture retention capability, and biodegradability of composite films were evaluated. The addition of AgNPs to the polymer blend matrix improves the physicochemical and biological functioning of the matrix. Due to the cross-linking motion of AgNPs, it is found that the swelling degree, moisture retention capability, and water vapor transmission rate slightly decrease. The tensile strength of pure CH–GE films was 24.4 ± 0.03, and it increased to 25.8 ± 0.05 MPa upon the addition of 0.0075% of AgNPs. The real-time application of the films was tested by evaluating the shelf-life existence of carrot pieces covered with the composite films. The composite film containing AgNPs becomes effective in lowering bacterial contamination while comparing the plastic polyethylene films. In principle, the synthesized composite films possessed all the ideal characteristics of packaging material and were considered biodegradable and biocompatible food packaging material and an alternate option for petroleum-based plastics.

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