Xylan Hemicellulose: A Renewable Material with Potential Properties for Food Packaging Applications

Xylan hemicelluloses are considered the second most abundant class of polysaccharides after cellulose which has good natural barrier properties necessary for foods packaging papers and films. Xylan exists today as a natural polymer, but its utilisation in packaging applications is limited and not sufficiently analysed. In this study, the performances of hardwood xylan hemicellulose in forming uniform films and as biopolymer for paper coatings were analysed. The xylan-coated paper and film samples were tested regarding their water, air, and water vapour permeability, water solubility, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. Structural analyses of xylan hemicelluloses emphasised a high number of hydroxyl groups with high water affinity. This affects the functional properties of xylan-coated papers but can facilitate the chemical modification of xylan in order to improve their hydrophobic properties and extend their areas of application. The obtained results unveil a promising starting point for using this material in food packaging applications as a competitive and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers.

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Cellulose Nanofibril (CNF) Films and Xylan from Hot Water Extracted Birch Kraft Pulps

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app9163436 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (16) ◽

pp. 3436 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Marc Borrega ◽

Hannes Orelma

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Kraft Pulp ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Hot Water ◽

Kraft Pulps ◽

Cellulose Nanofibril ◽

Vapour Permeability ◽

Transparent Films ◽

Cnf Films ◽

Birch Kraft Pulp

The effects of xylan extraction from birch kraft pulp on the manufacture and properties of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) films were here investigated. Hot water extractions of bleached and unbleached kraft pulps were performed in a flow-through system to remove and recover the xylan. After the extraction, the pulps were oxidized with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) and fibrillated in a high-pressure microfluidizer. Compared to CNF from bleached kraft pulp, the CNF dispersions obtained from water-extracted pulps were less viscous and generally contained a higher amount of microfiber fragments, although smaller in size. In all cases, however, smooth and highly transparent films were produced from the CNF dispersions after the addition of sorbitol as plasticizer. The CNF films made from water-extracted pulps showed a lower tensile strength and ductility, probably due to their lower xylan content, but the stiffness was only reduced by the presence of lignin. Interestingly, the CNF films from water-extracted bleached pulps were less hydrophilic, and their water vapour permeability was reduced up to 25%. Therefore, hot water extraction of bleached birch kraft pulp could be used to produce CNF films with improved barrier properties for food packaging, while obtaining a high-purity xylan stream for other high-value applications.

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Antimicrobial and Conductive Nanocellulose-Based Films for Active and Intelligent Food Packaging

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano9070980 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 980 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Carla Vilela ◽

Catarina Moreirinha ◽

Eddy M. Domingues ◽

Filipe M. L. Figueiredo ◽

Adelaide Almeida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

High Water ◽

Nitrogen Atmosphere ◽

Nanocomposite Films ◽

One Pot ◽

Glycol Diacrylate ◽

Active Food Packaging ◽

The One

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is becoming an important substrate for engineering multifunctional nanomaterials with singular and tunable properties for application in several domains. Here, antimicrobial conductive nanocomposites composed of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) and BNC were fabricated as freestanding films for application in food packaging. The nanocomposite films were prepared through the one-pot polymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) inside the BNC nanofibrous network and in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate as cross-linking agent. The ensuing films are macroscopically homogeneous, more transparent than pristine BNC, and present thermal stability up to 265 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. Furthermore, the films have good mechanical performance (Young’s modulus ≥ 3.1 GPa), high water-uptake capacity (450–559%) and UV-blocking properties. The zwitterion film with 62 wt.% cross-linked PSBMA showed bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (4.3–log CFU mL−1 reduction) and Escherichia coli (1.1–log CFU mL−1 reduction), and proton conductivity ranging between 1.5 × 10−4 mS cm−1 (40 °C, 60% relative humidity (RH)) and 1.5 mS cm−1 (94 °C, 98% RH). Considering the current set of properties, PSBMA/BNC nanocomposites disclose potential as films for active food packaging, due to their UV-barrier properties, moisture scavenging ability, and antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic microorganisms responsible for food spoilage and foodborne illness; and also for intelligent food packaging, due to the proton motion relevant for protonic-conduction humidity sensors that monitor food humidity levels.

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Natural Antimicrobial Lignin in Polyvinyl Alcohol and Polyvinylpyrrolidone Film for Packaging Application

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.936.105 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 936 ◽

pp. 105-109

Author(s):

Kewalee Inna ◽

Jackapon Sunthornvarabhas ◽

Anusith Thanapimmetha ◽

Maythee Saisriyoot ◽

Penjit Srinophakun

Keyword(s):

Polyvinyl Alcohol ◽

Sugarcane Bagasse ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Alkali Treatment ◽

Composite Films ◽

Dilution Method ◽

Hydroxyl Groups ◽

Fatty Food ◽

Broth Dilution

Lignin was extracted from sugarcane bagasse using alkali treatment process. The antimicrobial activity of sugarcane bagasse lignin (LNB) was evaluated against two pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by broth dilution method. The MIC and MBC values of LNB are 10,000 μg/ml and 20,000 μg/ml, respestively in both pathogenic bacteria. The composite film between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blending with LNB at five different amounts (1%, 3%, 5%, 10% and 15%) were produced by solvent casting. The chemical interactions of composite films were investigated using FTIR. The IR spectra indicates the formation of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of PVA or PVP and lignin. Furthermore, the overall migration was investigated. The migration results revealed that the PVA films blending with lignin up to 3% and the PVP films blending with lignin up to 5% could be considered suitable for application in fatty food packaging field.

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Fabrication of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles and Limonene Incorporated Pullulan/Carrageenan-Based Film with Improved Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym12112665 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 2665

Author(s):

Swarup Roy ◽

Jong-Whan Rhim

Keyword(s):

Composite Film ◽

Copper Sulfide ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Composite Films ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Food Borne ◽

Active Food Packaging ◽

Thermal Stability Of

Edible biopolymer (pullulan/carrageenan) based functional composite films were fabricated by the addition of copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNP) and D-limonene (DL). The DL and CuSNP were compatible with the pullulan/carrageenan biopolymer matrix. The addition of CuSNP significantly increased the UV-blocking properties without substantially reducing the transparency of the film. The addition of CuSNP improved the film’s tensile strength by 10%; however, the DL addition did not significantly influence the strength, while the combined addition of CuSNP and DL increased the strength by 15%. The addition of the fillers did not significantly affect the thermal stability of the film, but the water vapor barrier property was slightly improved. There was no significant change in the moisture content and hydrophobicity of the composite film. Besides, the composite film showed some antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The fabricated pullulan/carrageenan-based film with antimicrobial and UV-barrier properties is likely to be used in active food packaging applications.

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Development and Characterization of Yeast-Incorporated Antimicrobial Cellulose Biofilms for Edible Food Packaging Application

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13142310 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (14) ◽

pp. 2310

Author(s):

Omar Mohammad Atta ◽

Sehrish Manan ◽

Abeer Ahmed Qaed Ahmed ◽

Mohamed Awad ◽

Mazhar Ul-Islam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shelf Life ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Water Solubility ◽

Elevated Temperatures ◽

Chemical Interaction ◽

Composite Films ◽

High Water ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Edible Films ◽

Ex Situ

The unique properties and advantages of edible films over conventional food packaging have led the way to their extensive exploration in recent years. Moreover, the incorporation of bioactive components during their production has further enhanced the intrinsic features of packaging materials. This study was aimed to develop edible and bioactive food packaging films comprising yeast incorporated into bacterial cellulose (BC) in conjunction with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and glycerol (Gly) to extend the shelf life of packaged food materials. First, yeast biomass and BC hydrogels were produced by Meyerozyma guilliermondii (MT502203.1) and Gluconacetobacter xylinus (ATCC53582), respectively, and then the films were developed ex situ by mixing 30 wt.% CMC, 30 wt.% Gly, 2 wt.% yeast dry biomass, and 2 wt.% BC slurry. FE-SEM observation showed the successful incorporation of Gly and yeast into the fibrous cellulose matrix. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the development of composite films through chemical interaction between BC, CMC, Gly, and yeast. The developed BC/CMC/Gly/yeast composite films showed high water solubility (42.86%). The yeast-incorporated films showed antimicrobial activities against three microbial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Saccharomyces aureus, by producing clear inhibition zones of 16 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm, respectively, after 24 h. Moreover, the films were non-toxic against NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells. Finally, the coating of oranges and tomatoes with BC/CMC/Gly/yeast composites enhanced the shelf life at different storage temperatures. The BC/CMC/Gly/yeast composite film-coated oranges and tomatoes demonstrated acceptable sensory features such as odor and color, not only at 6 °C but also at room temperature and further elevated temperatures at 30 °C and 40 °C for up to two weeks. The findings of this study indicate that the developed BC/CMC/Gly/yeast composite films could be used as edible packaging material with high nutritional value and distinctive properties related to the film component, which would provide protection to foods and extend their shelf life, and thus could find applications in the food industry.

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Edible Chitosan Films and Their Nanosized Counterparts Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity and Enhanced Mechanical and Barrier Properties

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules24010127 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 127 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Laidson Gomes ◽

Hiléia Souza ◽

José Campiña ◽

Cristina Andrade ◽

António Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Water Solubility ◽

Chitosan Nanoparticles ◽

Chitosan Film ◽

Water Vapor Permeability ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Vapor Permeability ◽

Blend Films ◽

Color Changes

Chitosan and chitosan-nanoparticles were combined to prepare biobased and unplasticized film blends displaying antimicrobial activity. Nanosized chitosans obtained by sonication for 5, 15, or 30 min were combined with chitosan at 3:7, 1:1, and 7:3 ratios, in order to adjust blend film mechanical properties and permeability. The incorporation of nanosized chitosans led to improvements in the interfacial interaction with chitosan microfibers, positively affecting film mechanical strength and stiffness, evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. Nanosized or blend chitosan film sensitivity to moisture was significantly decreased with the drop in biocomposite molecular masses, evidenced by increased water solubility and decreased water vapor permeability. Nanosized and chitosan interactions gave rise to light biobased films presenting discrete opacity and color changes, since red-green and yellow-blue colorations were affected. All chitosan blend films exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The performance of green unplasticized chitosan blend films displaying diverse morphologies has, thus, been proven as a potential step towards the design of nontoxic food packaging biobased films, protecting against spoilage microorganisms, while also minimizing environmental impacts.

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Pleurotus Macrofungi-Assisted Nanoparticle Synthesis and Its Potential Applications: A Review

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof6040351 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 351

Author(s):

Kanchan Bhardwaj ◽

Anirudh Sharma ◽

Neeraj Tejwan ◽

Sonali Bhardwaj ◽

Prerna Bhardwaj ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Water Solubility ◽

Metal Tolerance ◽

Binding Capacity ◽

Low Cost ◽

Nanoparticle Synthesis ◽

High Water ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Synthesis Methods ◽

Mushroom Species

Research and innovation in nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis derived from biomaterials have gained much attention due to their unique characteristics, such as low-cost, easy synthesis methods, high water solubility, and eco-friendly nature. NPs derived from macrofungi, including various mushroom species, such as Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus spp., Lentinus spp., and Ganoderma spp. are well known to possess high nutritional, immune-modulatory, antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral), antioxidant, and anticancerous properties. Fungi have intracellular metal uptake ability and maximum wall binding capacity; because of which, they have high metal tolerance and bioaccumulation ability. Primarily, two methods have been comprehended in the literature to synthesize metal NPs from macrofungi, i.e., the intracellular method, which refers to NP synthesis inside fungal cells by transportation of ions in the presence of enzymes; and the extracellular method, which refers to the treatment of fungal biomolecules aqueous filtrate with a metal precursor. Pleurotus derived metal NPs are known to inhibit the growth of numerous foodborne pathogenic bacteria and fungi. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such review article reported in the literature describing the synthesis and complete application and mechanism of NPs derived from macrofungi. Herein, we intend to summarize the progressive research on macrofungi derived NPs regarding their synthesis as well as applications in the area of antimicrobial (antibacterial & antifungal), anticancer, antioxidant, catalytic and food preservation. Additionally, the challenges associated with NPs synthesis will also be discussed.

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Antioxidant Films from Cassava Starch/Gelatin Biocomposite Fortified with Quercetin and TBHQ and Their Applications in Food Models

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13071117 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 1117

Author(s):

Wirongrong Tongdeesoontorn ◽

Lisa J. Mauer ◽

Sasitorn Wongruong ◽

Pensiri Sriburi ◽

Alissara Reungsang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Packaging ◽

Water Solubility ◽

Transmission Rate ◽

Composite Films ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Cassava Starch ◽

Active Packaging ◽

Gelatin Films ◽

Active Food Packaging ◽

Ft Ir

Edible and active packaging are attractive for use in food packaging applications due to their functionality and sustainability. This research developed new antioxidant active food packaging materials from cassava starch/gelatin (7:3 w/w) composite films with varied antioxidant types (quercetin and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)) and concentrations (0–200 mg/200 mL film-forming solution) and evaluated their properties. Antioxidant addition altered the mechanical and barrier properties of the films. At 34% relative humidity (RH), increasing the concentration of quercetin increased the tensile strength and decreased the elongation at break of the composite films. Increasing quercetin and TBHQ contents increased the film water solubility and water vapor transmission rate. Intermolecular interactions between the antioxidants and films, as found in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and XRD micrographs, were related to the changed film functionalities. In food application studies, the cassava starch/gelatin films containing quercetin and TBHQ retarded the oxidation of lard (more than 35 days) and delayed the redness discoloration of pork. Cassava starch/gelatin composite films integrated with quercetin and TBHQ can be utilized as active packaging that delays oxidation in foods.

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Physical and Barrier Properties of Polylactic Acid/Halloysite Nanotubes-Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.1021.280 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1021 ◽

pp. 280-289

Author(s):

Abdulkader M. Alakrach ◽

Awad A. Al-Rashdi ◽

Mohamed Khalid Al-Omar ◽

Taha M. Jassam ◽

Sam Sung Ting ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Vapor ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Water Solubility ◽

Water Vapor Permeability ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Halloysite Nanotubes ◽

Nanocomposite Films ◽

Vapor Permeability ◽

Water Contact ◽

Film Density

In this study, PLA/TiO2 and PLA/HNTs-TiO2 nanocomposites films were fabricated via solution casting method. By testing the film density, solubility, water contact angle and water vapor permeability, the PLA nanocomposite films, the comprehensive performances of the nanocomposites were analysed. The outcomes demonstrated that maximum film density of PLA/TiO2 and PLA/HNTs-TiO2 nanocomposites films increased gradually with the increasing of nanofiller loadings. Moreover, the incorporation of TiO2 and HNTs-TiO2 significantly decreased the water vapor transmittance rate of the nanocomposite films with a slight priority to the addition of HNTs-TiO2, the water solubility was significantly improved with the addition of both nanofillers. Furthermore, the barrier properties were developed with the addition of both TiO2 and HNTs-TiO2 especially after the addition of low nanofiller loadings. Overall, the performance of the PLA/HNTs-TiO2 nanocomposite films was better than that PLA/TiO2 film. Nevertheless, both of the PLA nanocomposite samples achieved the requests of food packaging applications.

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Barrier Properties Analysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate Films (PET) Coated with Natural Polyphenolic and Gelatin Mixture (PGM)

Defect and Diffusion Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/ddf.382.38 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 382 ◽

pp. 38-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shagufta Ishtiaque ◽

Shahina Naz ◽

Jawaad Ahmed ◽

Arshad Faruqui

Keyword(s):

Polyethylene Terephthalate ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Oxygen Transfer Rate ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Vapour Permeability ◽

Barrier Materials ◽

Oxygen Penetration ◽

Green Tea Leaves ◽

Film Formulation ◽

Pet Films

The food packaging material provides protection against moisture, heat, enzymes, oxygen penetration etc. The shelf life of food can be increased by coating barrier materials on plastic films. In this work the oxygen transfer rate (OTR) and water vapour permeability (WVP) of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were adjusted via coating of Polyphenols and Gelatin mixture (PGM) with different concentrations while maintaining the other properties of modified PET films. This article deals with the changes in properties of PGM coated PET films with some innovative ideas of multilayer film formulation. Polyphenolics were extracted from Terminalia Catappa (Indian almond), Camellia sinensis (Green tea leaves) and Trachyspermumammi (Ajwain). The results showed that WVP was decreased from 1.0±0 to 0.12±0.03 g/in2/day (p < 0.01) in comparison with uncoated (1.3±0.07g/in2/day). Similarly, same trend was obtained for OTR (63.5±0.02 to 38.1±0.03g/in2/day) with respect to uncoated film (82 ± 3.5). This study provides important evidence that addition of PGM on PET films leads to improved films in terms of OTR and WVP with minor changes in optical properties.

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