Abstract
The continuous petroleum-based plastics manufacturing generates disposal issues, spreading the problem of plastic pollution and its rise in the environment. Recently, innovative techniques and scientific research promoted biopolymers as the primary alternative for traditional plastics, raising and expanding global bioplastic production. Due to its unmatched biological and functional attributes, chitosan (Ch) has been substantially explored and employed as a biopolymeric matrix. Nevertheless, the hydrophilicity and the weak mechanical properties associated with this biopolymer represent a significant intrinsic restriction to its implementation into some commercial applications, namely, in food packaging industries. Distinct methodologies have been utilized to upgrade the mechanical and barrier properties of Ch, such as using organic or inorganic nanofillers, crosslinkers, or blends with other polymers. This review intends to analyze the most recent works that combine the action of different nanoparticle types with Ch films to reinforce their mechanical and barrier properties.
Highlights
Published: 26 February 2021The food industry employs distinct types of materials in which glass and metal containers are highlighted for their excellent physical, gas, and water barrier properties, becoming important options to be considered by the food and beverage packaging
The analysis made on bionanocomposites characteristics allowed us to confirm that the incorporation of nanoparticles provides a significant reinforcement of the biopolymer’s barrier and mechanical properties
The type of nanocomposite, its aspect ratio, and the amount added to the chitosan film are crucial to determine the affinity established between both, and to obtain a good particle dispersion and percolation through the matrix
Summary
The food industry employs distinct types of materials in which glass and metal containers are highlighted for their excellent physical, gas, and water barrier properties, becoming important options to be considered by the food and beverage packaging. The biopolymeric matrix (i.e., chitosan) is generally attractive due to its good obstacle characteristics against oxygen In this subject, due to the well-ordered hydrogen-bonded network configuration, polysaccharides unveiled to be an effective barrier to gas transference, such as O2 and CO2 , preventing oxidative rancidity, Polymers 2021, 13, 721 and surface-browning. Better performance in terms of water vapor permeability and lower water solubility have been reported for combinations of chitosan with other polysaccharides, such as starch, pectin, or alginate compared to chitosan films [20] To make it possible for biopolymer-based food packaging to go from concept to reality, it is fundamental to strengthen their composition, modifying and improving their properties. Critical analysis of the most recent information available will be useful to identify future opportunities for the use of nanoparticles in food packaging systems, helping to overcome current restrictions associated with the limited scale-up of chitosan-based polymers in food packaging
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
