Novel cellulose nanocrystal/metal-organic framework composites: Transforming ASA-sized cellulose paper for innovative food packaging solutions

Abstract

In this study, a novel cellulose nanocrystal/metal-organic framework composite (MC) was developed as a stabilizer for alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) Pickering emulsions, demonstrating remarkable sizing performance and antimicrobial properties for advanced food packaging applications. The MCs exhibited superior emulsion stabilization capabilities compared to pure metal-organic frameworks, with the optimum MC concentration identified as 1.0 wt% CNC. The hydrophobicity of the sizing paper was found to be enhanced with increasing CNC content. The MC-ASA sized paper demonstrated commendable storage stability, robust gas adsorption, and resistance to water vapor or water droplets. The MCs-ASA sized paper showed excellent food preservation efficacy, maintaining the freshness of strawberries for up to seven days, compared to ASA-sized paper without MCs. The antimicrobial assays targeting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus highlighted the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of the MCs, contributing to the extended freshness of the encased strawberries. The water vapor barrier efficacy and water retention capabilities of MCs-ASA sized paper were found to be superior to those of the paper without MCs, emphasizing the potential of the developed composite as an innovative and effective food packaging solution. This study offers valuable insights into the synthesis and implementation of CNC/MOF composite particles for versatile applications in food packaging, water-resistant materials, and environmental protection.