Adsorption and barrier properties of bio-based coating on paper against MOSH for improving food packaging safety

Abstract

Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSHs) are commonly found in food packaging printing inks. They can migrate into packaged food, posing risks to human health.In this study, a bio-based coating using sugarcane fibre (SF), anionic starch (AS), nanofibrated cellulose (NFC), and chitosan (CTS) is developed and applied to the internal surface of a food packaging white cardboard. The coating is investigated for its efficiency in reducing MOSH migration into dry food simulants (Porapak). The MOSH adsorption capacity of coated white cardboard is 4.6 and 14 times greater than those of uncoated and polythene (PE)-coated versions, respectively. Hence, the surface of SF-AS-NFC-CTS coating functions as a sponge and protective screen, adsorbing and hindering significant amounts of MOSH and subsequently slowing and reducing the migration of MOSH to food.Meanwhile, the basic properties, such as mechanical properties, air permeability (barrier property to MOSH), oil resistance, thermal stability, and antibacterial efficacy, of the coated cardboard for food packaging are all improved. Therefore, this study can offer a promising solution to food contamination concerns for food packaging.