Antimicrobial Biodegradable Food Packaging Based on Chitosan and Metal/Metal-Oxide Bio-Nanocomposites: A Review

Finding a practical alternative to decrease the use of conventional polymers in the plastic industry has become an acute concern since industrially-produced plastic waste, mainly conventional food packaging, has become an environmental crisis worldwide. Biodegradable polymers have attracted the attention of researchers as a possible alternative for fossil-based plastics. Chitosan-based packaging materials, in particular, have become a recent focus for the biodegradable food packaging sector due to their biodegradability, non-toxic nature, and antimicrobial properties. Chitosan, obtained from chitin, is the most abundant biopolymer in nature after cellulose. Chitosan is an ideal biomaterial for active packaging as it can be fabricated alone or combined with other polymers as well as metallic antimicrobial particles, either as layers or as coacervates for examination as functional components of active packaging systems. Chitosan-metal/metal oxide bio-nanocomposites have seen growing interest as antimicrobial packaging materials, with several different mechanisms of inhibition speculated to include direct physical interactions or chemical reactions (i.e., the production of reactive oxygen species as well as the increased dissolution of toxic metal cations). The use of chitosan and its metal/metal oxide (i.e., titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and silver nanoparticles) bio-nanocomposites in packaging applications are the primary focus of discussion in this review.

Download Full-text

Bio-Mediated Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Packaging Applications

Materials Research Foundations - Bioinspired Nanomaterials ◽

10.21741/9781644901571-4 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 96-117

Keyword(s):

Thermal Stability ◽

Metal Oxide ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Oxide Nanoparticles ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

New Variety ◽

Metal Metal ◽

Mechanical Tensile

Change in lifestyle of humans in this present generation with huge dependence on packaging materials has encouraged several studies on development of new variety of packaging materials. Emphasis on replacement of existing non-biodegradable packaging materials with biodegradable materials paved the way for the use of biopolymers. Lack of properties, such as thermal stability and mechanical strength in biopolymers led to the development of biopolymer nanocomposites by adding metal/metal oxide nanoparticles as fillers into the biopolymers. Metal/metal oxide nanoparticles improve mechanical/tensile strength, thermal stability as well as antimicrobial properties of the binding and receiving polymer matrix. Bio-mediated synthesis of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles result in the development of novel packaging materials at a low cost and without releasing hazardous wastes into the environments. Novel packaging materials with metal/metal oxide nanoparticles as additives are capable of increasing the shelf life of food, in certain cases they act as indicators of quality food inside the package. Summarily, this present chapter focuses on bio-mediated synthesis of various metal/metal oxide nanoparticles and their applications in food packaging.

Download Full-text

Biopolymers-Based Materials Containing Silver Nanoparticles as Active Packaging for Food Applications–A Review

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21030698 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 698 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Karolina Kraśniewska ◽

Sabina Galus ◽

Małgorzata Gniewosz

Keyword(s):

Silver Nanoparticles ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Food Products ◽

Active Packaging ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

Active Food Packaging ◽

Food Applications ◽

External Conditions ◽

Packaged Food

Packaging is an integral part of food products, allowing the preservation of their quality. It plays an important role, protecting the packed product from external conditions, maintaining food quality, and improving properties of the packaged food during storage. Nevertheless, commonly used packaging based on synthetic non-biodegradable polymers causes serious environmental pollution. Consequently, numerous recent studies have focused on the development of biodegradable packaging materials based on biopolymers. In addition, biopolymers may be classified as active packaging materials, since they have the ability to carry different active substances. This review presents the latest updates on the use of silver nanoparticles in packaging materials based on biopolymers. Silver nanoparticles have become an interesting component of biodegradable biopolymers, mainly due to their antimicrobial properties that allow the development of active food packaging materials to prolong the shelf life of food products. Furthermore, incorporation of silver nanoparticles into biopolymers may lead to the development of materials with improved physical-mechanical properties.

Download Full-text

The production of ecofriendly biofilm with natural oil for food packaging

Proceedings - The Tenth International Symposium GRID 2020 ◽

10.24867/grid-2020-p23 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Emine Arman Kandirmaz ◽

◽

Omer Bunyamin Zelzele ◽

Keyword(s):

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Shelf Life ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Uv Spectroscopy ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Active Packaging ◽

E Coli ◽

Active Food Packaging

The use of edible biofilms in food packaging reduces the use of petrochemical polymers that are harmful to human health, such as PE, PP, PET. The second most common biopolymer in nature, chitosan is a nontoxic, nonantigenic, biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. Considering these features, it is frequently used in food packaging applications. Increasing needs for food amount and quality canalized food ındustry to fund in new packaging techniques that improve storage life and grade of foods. Active packaging systems, one of these methods, can be designed as a sensor, antimicrobial or antimigrant in order to extend the shelf life of the food product and to inform the shelf life in possible degradation. Essential oils, which are antimicrobial environmentally friendly packaging material additives, are used due to their effective biological activities. Essential oils that have known antimicrobial properties include lavender, rosemary, mint, eucalyptus and geranium. These oils are also edible. In this study, it is aimed to produce antimicrobial, ecofriendly, edible, printable biofilm for active packaging, using chitosan and peppermint essential oil. For this purpose, chitosan biofilms containing different rates (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10%) of peppermint essential oil were produced by solvent casting method. Surface morphology were examined by SEM. The transparency of biofilms was determined by UV spectroscopy. Antimicrobial properties of the obtained films were determined against S. aureus and E. coli. Biofilms were printed with screen printing. The color, gloss, contact angle, surface tension values of all printed and unprinted samples were examined. As a result, chitosan biofilms which are loaded with peppermint essential oil were successfully produced. Biofilms are colorless, highly transparent and have good printability. It is concluded that the amount of peppermint essential oil increased inhibitory feature against S. aureus and E. coli. When the obtained results are examined, it is determined that the printable, ecofriendly, edible biofilms can be used in active food packaging applications.

Download Full-text

3D Printing of Metal/Metal Oxide Incorporated Thermoplastic Nanocomposites With Antimicrobial Properties

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology ◽

10.3389/fbioe.2020.568186 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Tuerdimaimaiti Abudula ◽

Rayyan O. Qurban ◽

Sherifdeen O. Bolarinwa ◽

Ahmed A. Mirza ◽

Mirza Pasovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Metal Oxide ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Metal Metal

Download Full-text

Sustainable Use of Fruit and Vegetable By-Products to Enhance Food Packaging Performance

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods9070857 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 857 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Flavia Dilucia ◽

Valentina Lacivita ◽

Amalia Conte ◽

Matteo A. Del Nobile

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Industrial Processes ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

Sugar Production ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

The World ◽

Food Applications ◽

By Products

Fruit and vegetable by-products are the most abundant food waste. Industrial processes such as oil, juice, wine or sugar production greatly contribute to this amount. These kinds of residues are generally thrown away in form of leftover and used as feed or composted, but they are a great source of bioactive compounds like polyphenols, vitamins or minerals. The amount of residue with potential utilization after processing has been estimated in millions of tons every year. For this reason, many researchers all around the world are making great efforts to valorize and reuse these valuable resources. Of greatest importance is the by-product potential to enhance the properties of packaging intended for food applications. Therefore, this overview collects the most recent researches dealing with fruit and vegetable by-products used to enhance physical, mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of packaging systems. Recent advances on synthetic or bio-based films enriched with by-product components are extensively reviewed, with an emphasis on the role that by-product extracts can play in food packaging materials.

Download Full-text

Review on Polysaccharides Used in Coatings for Food Packaging Papers

Coatings ◽

10.3390/coatings10060566 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 566 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Petronela Nechita ◽

Mirela Roman (Iana-Roman)

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Extraction Methods ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

Paper Coatings ◽

Marine Biomass ◽

Film Forming ◽

Packaging Paper

Paper and board show many advantages as packaging materials, but the current technologies employed to obtain adequate barrier properties for food packaging use synthetic polymers coating and lamination with plastic or aluminium foils—treatments which have a negative impact on packaging sustainability, poor recyclability and lack of biodegradability. Recently, biopolymers have attracted increased attention as paper coatings, which can provide new combinations in composite formulas to meet the requirements of food packaging. The number of studies on biopolymers for developing barrier properties of packaging materials is increasing, but only a few of them are addressed to food packaging paper. Polysaccharides are viewed as the main candidates to substitute oil-based polymers in food paper coating, due to their film forming ability, good affinity for paper substrate, appropriate barrier to gases and aroma, and positive effect on mechanical strength. Additionally, these biopolymers are biodegradable, non-toxic and act as a matrix for incorporation additives with specific functionalities for coated paper (i.e., active-antimicrobial properties). This paper presents an overview on the availability and application of polysaccharides from vegetal and marine biomass in coatings for foods packaging paper. The extraction methods, chemical modification and combination routes of these biopolymers in coatings for paper packaging are discussed.

Download Full-text

Valorization of Carob Fruit Residues for the Preparation of Novel Bi-Functional Polyphenolic Coating for Food Packaging Applications

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules24173162 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (17) ◽

pp. 3162 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vlasios Goulas ◽

Loukas Hadjivasileiou ◽

Alexandra Primikyri ◽

Christodoulos Michael ◽

George Botsaris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Listeria Monocytogenes ◽

Lipid Oxidation ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Low Cost ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Thiobarbituric Acid ◽

Active Packaging ◽

Plastic Container ◽

Innovative Biomaterials ◽

Glass Surfaces

The food industry has become interested in the development of innovative biomaterials with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Although several biopolymers have been evaluated for food packaging, the use of polyphenolic coatings has been unexplored. The purpose of this work was to develop an antioxidant and antimicrobial coating for food packaging through the polymerization of carob phenolics. At first, the polyphenolic coatings were deposited in glass surfaces polymerizing different concentrations of carob extracts (2 and 4 mg mL−1) at three pH values (7, 8 and 9). Results demonstrated that the coating produced at pH 8 and at a concentration of 4 mg mL−1 had the most potent antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Then, the coating was applied directly on the salmon fillet (coating) and on the plastic container (active packaging). Peroxide and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) methods were used to measure the potency to inhibit lipid oxidation in salmon fillets. Furthermore, the anti-Listeria activity of coatings was also assessed. Results showed a significant decrease of lipid oxidation during cold storage of salmon fillets for both treatments; the superiority of applied coating directly on the salmon fillets was also highlighted. Regarding the antimicrobial potency, the polyphenolic coating depleted the growth of Listeria monocytogenes after 10 days storage; while the active packaging had no effect on Listeria monocytogenes. Overall, we describe the use of low-cost carob polyphenols as precursors for the formation of bifunctional coatings with promising applications in food packaging.

Download Full-text

Modelling of sorbic acid diffusion through bacterial cellulose-based antimicrobial films

Chemical Papers ◽

10.2478/s11696-011-0086-2 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 66 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Loredana-Mihaela Dobre ◽

Anicuţa Stoica-Guzun ◽

Marta Stroescu ◽

Iuliana Jipa ◽

Tǎnase Dobre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Cellulose ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Sorbic Acid ◽

Composite Films ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Antimicrobial Effect ◽

Poly Vinyl Alcohol ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

Biocomposite Films ◽

Swelling Rate

AbstractAntimicrobial packaging protects the product from the external environment and microbial contamination, conferring numerous advantages on human health. Interest in biopolymers as packaging materials has considerably increased recently. Bacterial cellulose is an interesting biomaterial produced as nanofibrils by Acetobacter xylinium and is a promising candidate due to its remarkable properties. New composite materials with antimicrobial properties were developed in this work, containing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as polymer matrix and ground bacterial cellulose (BC) as reinforcing fibres. Sorbic acid was used as an antimicrobial agent because it is a preservative recognised in the food industry. The materials obtained were studied using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The swelling rate of the composites was also measured. Release experiments of sorbic acid from the composite films into water were performed and the mass transfer phenomena were investigated using Fick’s law of diffusion. The antimicrobial effect was tested against Escherichia coli K12-MG1655. The results obtained indicated that the new biocomposite films could be promising antimicrobial food packaging materials.

Download Full-text

Biopolymer and Synthetic Polymer-Based Nanocomposites in Wound Dressing Applications: A Review

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13121962 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 1962

Author(s):

Ravichandran Gobi ◽

Palanisamy Ravichandiran ◽

Ravi Shanker Babu ◽

Dong-Jin Yoo

Keyword(s):

Metal Oxide ◽

Wound Dressing ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Synthetic Polymer ◽

Research Field ◽

Wound Dressings ◽

Fibrous Materials ◽

Natural Polymers ◽

Structural And Functional Properties ◽

Metal Metal

Biopolymers are materials obtained from a natural origin, such as plants, animals, microorganisms, or other living beings; they are flexible, elastic, or fibrous materials. Polysaccharides and proteins are some of the natural polymers that are widely used in wound dressing applications. In this review paper, we will provide an overview of biopolymers and synthetic polymer-based nanocomposites, which have promising applications in the biomedical research field, such as wound dressings, wound healing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and medical implants. Since these polymers have intrinsic biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, non-toxicity, and biodegradable properties, they can be used for various clinical applications. The significant advancements in materials research, drug development, nanotechnology, and biotechnology have laid the foundation for changing the biopolymeric structural and functional properties. The properties of biopolymer and synthetic polymers were modified by blending them with nanoparticles, so that these materials can be used as a wound dressing application. Recent wound care issues, such as tissue repairs, scarless healing, and lost tissue integrity, can be treated with blended polymers. Currently, researchers are focusing on metal/metal oxide nanomaterials such as zinc oxide (ZnO), cerium oxide (CeO2), silver (Ag), titanium oxide (TiO2), iron oxide (Fe2O3), and other materials (graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNT)). These materials have good antimicrobial properties, as well as action as antibacterial agents. Due to the highly antimicrobial properties of the metal/metal oxide materials, they can be used for wound dressing applications.

Download Full-text

Two-Layer Functional Coatings of Chitosan Particles with Embedded Catechin and Pomegranate Extracts for Potential Active Packaging

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym12091855 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 1855 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sanja Potrč ◽

Tjaša Kraševac Glaser ◽

Alenka Vesel ◽

Nataša Poklar Ulrih ◽

Lidija Fras Zemljič

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Oxygen Permeability ◽

Binding Capacity ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Chitosan Solution ◽

Active Packaging ◽

Functional Coatings ◽

Desorption Experiment ◽

Functionalized Films ◽

Migration Limit

Two-layer functional coatings for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) films were developed for the active packaging concept. Prior to coating, the polymer films were activated by O2 and NH3 plasma to increase their surface free energy and to improve the binding capacity and stability of the coatings. The first layer was prepared from a macromolecular chitosan solution, while the second (upper) layer contained chitosan particles with embedded catechin or pomegranate extract. Functionalized films were analyzed physico-chemically to elemental composition using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and XPS. Further, oxygen permeability and wettability (Contact Angle) were examined. The antimicrobial properties were analyzed by the standard ISO 22196 method, while the antioxidative properties were determined with an ABTS assay. Functionalized films show excellent antioxidative and antimicrobial efficacy. A huge decrease in oxygen permeability was achieved in addition. Moreover, a desorption experiment was also performed, confirming that the migration profile of a compound from the surfaces was in accordance with the required overall migration limit. All these properties indicate the great potential of the developed active films/foils for end-uses in food packaging.

Download Full-text