Fabrication of Paper Sheets Coatings Based on Chitosan/Bacterial Nanocellulose/ZnO with Enhanced Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties.

Joanna Jabłońska,Rafał Rakoczy,Ewa Mijowska,Adrian Augustyniak,Magdalena Onyszko,Maciej Konopacki

doi:10.3390/ijms22147383

Abstract

Here, we designed paper sheets coated with chitosan, bacterial cellulose (nanofibers), and ZnO with boosted antibacterial and mechanical activity. We investigated the compositions, with ZnO exhibiting two different sizes/shapes: (1) rods and (2) irregular sphere-like particles. The proposed processing of bacterial cellulose resulted in the formation of nanofibers. Antimicrobial behavior was tested using E. coli ATCC® 25922™ following the ASTM E2149-13a standard. The mechanical properties of the paper sheets were measured by comparing tearing resistance, tensile strength, and bursting strength according to the ISO 5270 standard. The results showed an increased antibacterial response (assigned to the combination of chitosan and ZnO, independent of its shape and size) and boosted mechanical properties. Therefore, the proposed composition is an interesting multifunctional mixture for coatings in food packaging applications.

Highlights

IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
Attempts to use more eco-friendly materials, such as biopolymers, are intensified. Those materials can exhibit good properties when incorporated into the mass of cellulose used for paper production or can be applied as coatings of the paper sheets [5,6]
Our study indicated that fabricated paper coated with composites based on chitosan, bacterial cellulose, and ZnO exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and mechanical performance

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The food packaging industry is a source of tons of plastic waste every year. It raises environmental concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, a growing carbon footprint, and the welfare of sea animals and birds [1,2,3,4]. Attempts to use more eco-friendly materials, such as biopolymers, are intensified. Those materials can exhibit good properties when incorporated into the mass of cellulose used for paper production or can be applied as coatings of the paper sheets [5,6]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion