Chapter20 - Biodegradable polymers/silica nanocomposites: Applications in food packaging

Abstract

Huge amount of nonbiodegradable plastic used in food packaging industries has been a serious threat to the environment. Recycling of plastic is an extravagant approach; therefore, use of biodegradable polymers is an urgent requirement for the packaging industry. Silica nanocomposites can be a good replacement for plastic as it is a convenient approach to meet all the demands required for maintaining the food safety, such as controlling microbial growth extend the shelf life and retard the rate of oxidation. Silica nanoparticle along with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polylactic acid (PLA), and chitosan acts as an oxygen barrier thus improving the shelf life. Mechanical properties of gelatin, starch, alginate, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are enhanced with the addition of silica nanoparticle. Nanosized SiO2 along with the biopolymers such as collagen hydrolysate (CH) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) lowers water solubility rate, water transmission rate and UV light penetration. Nanocomposites have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties thus beneficial in food preservation. Hence, in this chapter we focus on the current advances in biodegradable polymers with silica nanoparticle in food packaging.