Active Nanocomposite Films Research Articles

Development of an active biogenic silver nanoparticles composite film based on berry wax and chitosan for rabbit meat preservation

This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly active biogenic nanocomposite film through the complexation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), berry wax (BYW), and chitosan (CT) for maintiaing rabbit functional meat freshness. AgNPs were synthesized using Chinese medicinal paeoniaceae petal extract, and they were loaded at various concentrations (0.5 %, 0.75 %, 1.0 %, 1.25 %, and 1.5 % based on CT w/w) into the CT/BYW complex. The AgNPs exhibited an average size of 55 nm and a zeta potential of −26.3 mV with a spherical shape. The particle size and zeta potential of the film dispersions were 370.5–529.5 nm and 40.17–49.345 mV, respectively. FTIR, SEM, and XRD results showed compatibility among AgNPs and CT/BYW structure. The film water vapor permeability and light transparency decreased from 6.5 to 3.5 and 10 to 0.78 %, respectively, while opacity increased from 1.76 to 9.96 % with increasing concentrations of AgNPs. Among them, the film composite CT/BYW/AgNPs1.5% had better antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which was then applied for rabbit meat preservation at 4 °C for 16 days of storage. CT/BYW/AgNPs1.25%-packed sample had lower values of TVB-N, TBARS, TVC, and pH with greater retention of color properties compared to the control sample, which describes its ability to maintain meat freshness.

Improving the Properties of Gelatin-Based Films by Incorporation of "Pitanga" Leaf Extract and Crystalline Nanocellulose.

Biopolymer-based films can be activated by the incorporation of active compounds into their matrix. Plant extracts are rich in phenolic compounds, which have antimicrobial and/or antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to produce gelatin-based active films and nanocomposite films incorporated with "pitanga" (Eugenia uniflora L.) leaf extract (PLE) and/or crystalline nanocellulose extracted from soybean straw (CN), and to study the physicochemical, functional, microstructural, thermal, UV/Vis light barrier, and antioxidant properties of these materials. PLE enhanced some film properties, such as tensile strength (from 30.2 MPa to 40.6 MPa), elastic modulus (from 9.3 MPa to 11.3 MPa), the UV/Vis light barrier, and antioxidant activity, in addition to affecting the microstructural, surface, and color properties. These improvements were even more significant in nanocomposites simultaneously containing PLE and CN (59.5 MPa for tensile strength and 15.1 MPa for elastic modulus), and these composites also had lower moisture content (12.2% compared to 13.5-14.4% for other treatments) and solubility in water (from 48.9% to 44.1%). These improvements may be the result of interactions that occur between PLE's polyphenols and gelatin, mainly in the presence of CN, probably due to the formation of a stable PLE-CN-gelatin complex. These results are relevant for the food packaging sector, as the activated nanocomposite films exhibited enhanced active, barrier, and mechanical properties due to the presence of PLE and CN, in addition to being entirely produced with sustainable components from natural and renewable sources.

Gelatin-based nanocomposite films activated by double emulsion loaded with “Pitanga” leaf extract: Bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity of emulsions and films after in vitro digestion

The main aim of this study was to carry out an in vitro digestion of gelatin-based films and nanocomposite films activated with “Pitanga” (Eugenia uniflora L.) leaf extract (PLE) encapsulated in a W/O/W double emulsion. Also, the effects of encapsulation and addition of crystalline nanocellulose on PLE bioaccessibility, and on Caco-2 cells viability, after in vitro digestion, were evaluated. The free PLE, W/O (SE) emulsions and W/O/W (DE) emulsions were also submitted to in vitro digestion. The encapsulation of PLE within DE considerably increased the stability and bioaccessibility of PLE after in vitro digestion, which was also higher compared to SE. The PLE encapsulation within DE was positive compared to encapsulation only in SE, as DE also showed higher digestibility and lower cytotoxicity than SE. The active films and nanocomposite films showed lower PLE bioaccessibility when compared to SE and DE, but they were not cytotoxic to Caco-2 at all PLE concentrations studied. The PLE stability and bioaccessibility were higher using N-DE (nanocomposite film activated with DE). The effect of previously encapsulating PLE in DE, and the addition of crystalline nanocellulose in the film matrix, contributed to the protection of PLE's biological activity. Gelatin-based films and active nanocomposite films may have additional properties and applications in the food industry, as they have been shown to be active after in vitro digestion. Furthermore, DE was an effective encapsulation system for aqueous active compounds and can be potentially applied to several other areas of the food industry.

Sodium alginate-nanocellulose-based active composite film for edible oils packaging applications

The fabricated sodium alginate-nanocellulose-based active nanocomposite film possesses high mechanical strength, excellent stability in edible oils, and effective antioxidant functionality thus ideal as packaging materials for edible oils.

Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol-based nanocomposite films incorporated with L-Glu surface functionalized ZnO NPs: Physicochemical, photocatalytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties evaluation

Present work describes fabrication of active nanocomposite films (NCs) by incorporation of functionalized ZnO NPs (2, 4, 6 and 8 wt%) onto blended polymers chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA). The required ZnO NPs prepared for this work by novel biogenic method using water extract of mango peel ash (WEMPA), and surface functionalized by L-Glutamic acid (L-Glu) and composite films were prepared by solvent casting method. The barrier properties, tensile strength, and antioxidant activity of the prepared films showed improved by addition of different percentage content of the ZnO-L-Glu NPs. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared films were confirmed by degradation of the methylene blue dye up to 98% in 120 min duration under sun light expose noticed. Further, prepared NC films were tested for inhibition to S. aureus (gram-positive) and E. coli (gram-negative) bacteria, and emerged as a good antibacterial. Therefore, the new CS/PVA/ZnO NPs-Glu films prepared in this work (CPZG), could be used for the food packaging as well as photo decolorization for the environmental remediation applications.

Fabrication and Characterization of an Active Nanocomposite Film based on Polystyrene/ Thyme/Nano ZnO for Food Packaging

The main objective of this research is to develop an active antifungal packaging material utilizing polystyrene as the matrix material with active agents. The uniqueness of this study lies in the use of thyme extract as a reducing agent in the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The nanocomposite film was fabricated by impregnating zinc oxide nanoparticles in polystyrene. The nanocomposite films were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM and antifungal testing. The crystallite size of the synthesized ZnO NPs was observed to be in the 20–30 nm range. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of ZnO NPs at the peak of 1000 cm–1. The morphological analysis showed the nanoparticles having a spherical shape. The results indicated that nanocomposite films exhibited excellent resistance against the fungus viz., Pencillum sp, Nigrospora oryzae and Chaetomium oryzae. The development of such active packaging materials with nanoparticles to preserve food grains will pave the way for a new technological path in food packaging applications.

Fabrication and characterization of active nanocomposite films loaded with cellulose nanocrystals stabilized Pickering emulsion of clove bud oil

There is a tremendous increase in the development of alternative food packaging materials which are functional, environment-friendly, and can improve the shelf-life of food products. One such possible approach is to develop biopolymer-based active films loaded with antimicrobial essential oils. In the present study, pearl millet starch (PMS) films reinforced with kudzu cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) stabilized Pickering emulsions of clove bud oil (CBO) were developed as active and sustainable packaging material. Active nanocomposite films were prepared by blending PMS with Pickering emulsions of CBO at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt% conc. Using the solution casting method. Overall, active nanocomposite films displayed improved thermal, mechanical, and water barrier properties, with an optimum CBO-Pickering emulsion concentration of 1.5 %. CBO and PMS films showed strong chemical interactions, which significantly improved the mechanical resistance of the film. Further, SEM showed the appearance of micro-porous holes in the films because of partial evaporation on the cryo-fractured surface due to the vacuum condition. In addition, films exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with a rate response from increasing CBO Pickering emulsion concentration from 0.5 to 2 %. E. coli and S. aureus exhibited an inhibition zone ranging from 10.5 to 2.15 mm and 11.2 to 22.1 mm. This study suggests that PMS starch and kudzu CNCs-based active nanocomposite films loaded with CBO-Pickering emulsions have good potential to develop active and sustainable packaging materials.

Smart pH‐sensitive films based on biomaterials: Preparation from soy protein with hybrid fillers of CuO nanorods, cellulose nanofibrils, and Clitoria ternatea anthocyanin

AbstractBackgroundThe environmental concern about plastic consumption always rises the need for alternate materials. Plastics being widely employed in the food packaging and hence highly demands such alternatives. The toxicity and pollution produced by the conventional petroleum‐based plastics can be reduced by the usage of bioplastics. The area of food packaging using various biopolymer composites has grown much and is developing new materials by incorporating various nanofillers, especially based on green synthesis approach. This study focuses on the usage of soy protein isolate as a matrix for such films and uses copper nanomaterials and cellulose as reinforcing agent.ResultsAn active and intelligent bio nanocomposite thin film based on soy protein isolate (SPI) was prepared. Copper oxide nanorods(CuONRs) were synthesised from ascorbic acid and honey, cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were extracted from the Acasiacaesia using steam explosion technique and anthocyanin was extracted from Clitoria ternatea flower (CTE). The effect of the addition of CuONR (5%, 10%), CNF (10%), and CTE (7%) on the physiomechanical, barrier, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the films was investigated. SEM showed uniform distribution of CuONR/CNF/CTE in the SPI matrix.ConclusionThe addition of CuO and CNF was found to effectively increase the mechanical property, thermal stability, and decrease the moisture content percentage of the films. In contrast, the addition of CTE made the film pH‐sensitive. SPI‐CuONR/CNF/CTE films showed good antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Fabricated film could act both as a pH sensor for detecting the evolution of acidic and basic gases and as active packaging material to extend the shelf life of food materials.

Development of (TiO2-ZnO)/LDPE based active nanocomposite films and detection of migration to minced beef during storage using response surface methodology

In the current research, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using ethylene ethyl acrylate as compatibilizer are incorporated into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to generate active nanocomposite films (ANFs) using melt blowing technique. The film properties such as colour, thickness, mechanical and thermal properties, surface morphology, and molecular composition were analyzed. Subsequently, minced beef samples were packed with ANFs, and migration was determined in 7-days storage period at 1 °C, 7 °C, and −18 0C. The migration characteristics were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at these 3 different temperature applications. The SEM results indicated that metal oxides had a substantially homogenous distribution in the polymer matrix, but agglomerates were formed in some regions. The Ti and Zn nanoparticles migrated to minced beef were significantly affected by the independent variables. The amounts of Ti and Zn migrated into minced beef samples ranged from 21.37 to 48.15 ppm and 11.01 and 52.74 ppm, respectively. In general, migration from Ti nanoparticles was greater compared to Zn nanoparticles. As a result, it has been demonstrated that TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles are good alternatives to functionalizing food packaging film.

Starch-based bio-nanocomposites films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals extracted from Kudzu (Pueraria montana) vine

In the current study, starch-based active nanocomposite films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals (CNCs) of Kudzu were developed as an alternative option to existing biodegradable plastic packaging. Firstly, Kudzu CNCs were prepared by subjecting Kudzu fibers to the processes such as depolymerization followed by bleaching, acid hydrolysis, and mechanical dispersion. Further, nanocomposite films were formulated by blending pearl millet starch (PMS) and glycerol (30%) with different Kudzu CNCs compositions (0–7 wt%) using the solution casting process. The prepared PMS/Kudzu CNCs nanocomposite films were analyzed for their morphological (SEM and TEM), thermal (TGA and DSC), structural (FTIR), mechanical (tensile strength (TS), elongation at break and young modulus), and water barrier properties. The PMS/Kudzu CNCs films possessed improved crystallinity, heat and moisture-barrier properties, TS, and young-modulus after reinforcement. The optimum reinforcer concentration of CNCs was 5%. The Kudzu CNCs reinforced starch film offers a promising candidate for developing biodegradable films.

Effect of Copper and Titanium-Exchanged Montmorillonite Nanostructures on the Packaging Performance of Chitosan/Poly-Vinyl-Alcohol-Based Active Packaging Nanocomposite Films

In this study, CuMt and TiMt montmorillonites were produced via an ion-exchange process with Cu+ and Ti4+ ions. These nanostructured materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements and added as nanoreinforcements and active agents in chitosan (CS)/poly-vinyl-alcohol (PVOH)-based packaging films. The developed films were characterized by XRD and FTIR measurements. The antimicrobial, tensile, and oxygen/water-barrier measurements for the evaluation of the packaging performance were carried out to the obtained CS/PVOH/CuMt and CS/PVOH/TiMt films. The results of this study indicated that CS/PVOH/CuMt film is a stronger intercalated nanocomposite structure compared to the CS/PVOH/TiMt film. This fact reflected higher tensile strength and water/oxygen-barrier properties. The antibacterial activity of these films was tested against four food pathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. Results showed that in most cases, the antibacterial activity was generated by the CuMt and TiMt nanostructures. Thus, both CS/PVOH/CuMt and CS/PVOH/TiMt films are nanocomposite candidates with very good perspectives for future applications on food edible active packaging.

Eco–Friendly Peelable Active Nanocomposite Films Designed for Biological and Chemical Warfare Agents Decontamination

In the context of imminent threats concerning biological and chemical warfare agents, the aim of this study was the development of a new method for biological and chemical decontamination, employing non-toxic, film-forming, water-based biodegradable solutions, using a nano sized reagent together with bentonite as trapping agents for the biological and chemical contaminants. Bentonite-supported nanoparticles of Cu, TiO2, and Ag were successfully synthesized and dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/glycerol (GLY) aqueous solution. The decontamination effectiveness of the proposed solutions was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques on various micro-organisms, with sulfur mustard (HD) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) as contaminants. The results indicate that the peelable active nanocomposite films can be successfully used on contaminated surfaces to neutralize and entrap the hazardous materials and their degradation products. Mechanical and thermal characterization of the polymeric films was also performed to validate the decontamination solution’s potential as peelable-film generating materials. The removal efficacy from the contaminated surfaces for the tested micro-organisms varied between 93% and 97%, while for the chemical agent HD, the highest decontamination factor obtained was 90.89%. DMMP was almost completely removed from the contaminated surfaces, and a decontamination factor of 99.97% was obtained.

Optimization and Characterization of Plantago major Seed Gum/Nanoclay/Foeniculum vulgare Essential Oil Active Nanocomposite Films and Their Application in Preservation of Local Butter

Optimization and Characterization of Plantago major Seed Gum/Nanoclay/Foeniculum vulgare Essential Oil Active Nanocomposite Films and Their Application in Preservation of Local Butter

Chitosan-based nanocomposite films incorporated with NiO nanoparticles: Physicochemical, photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties

The aim of this research was to fabricate active nanocomposite films by incorporation of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) (3, 6 and 9% w/w) into the chitosan-based films. The NiONPs were synthesized by solution combustion method and the films were prepared by solvent casting method. The formation of new interactions and increasing of films' crystallinity were confirmed by FT-IR and XRD analyses. Uniform dispersion of NiONPs at lower concentrations and their aggregation at level of 9% was confirmed by FE-SEM observations. Water barrier properties, tensile strength, thermal properties and surface hydrophobicity of films enhanced by addition of 6% NiONPs. Photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites was confirmed by absorption of 72% of methyl orange during 270 min under UV irradiation. The nanocomposite films exhibited good antibacterial activity against gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (S. typhimurium) bacteria. Therefore, the chitosan-NiONPs nanocomposite films could be used for active food packaging applications and photodecolorization purposes.

Development of active packaging films based on poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and silver–montmorillonite for shelf life extension of sea bream

This paper is a continuation of our previous study focusing on the development of active food packaging films and presents the results of their potential application in the sea bream storage. Intended for fish packaging, active nanocomposite films based on poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and silver–montmorillonite (PBAT/Ag-MMT) with 2, 3 and 5 wt. % of Ag-MMT were successfully prepared and characterized by several techniques which confirmed the formation of exfoliated nanocomposite structures with a random dispersion of spherically shaped Ag nanoparticles on the whole of the polymer matrix. PBAT/Ag-MMT films exhibited a sharp reduction in their water and oxygen permeabilities. The kinetic study of the silver ions migration confirmed that the release was mainly ensured by diffusion. Due to this controlled release, these packaging films displayed a long-lasting antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the results of their use as sea bream packaging films confirmed their great potential for maintaining the freshness and quality of the fish and extending its shelf life for a period of 15 days.

Chitosan packaging functionalized with Cinnamodendron dinisii essential oil loaded zein: A proposal for meat conservation

The nanoencapsulation of essential oils for biodegradable films functionalization is a viable alternative for the production of active food packaging. In this study, the Cinnamodendron dinisii Schwanke essential oil was nanoencapsulated using zein as wall material, and applied in chitosan matrix to produce an active nanocomposite film packaging for food conservation. The chemical composition of the Cinnamodendron dinisii Schwanke essential oil showed a variety of unexplored bioactive compounds, and 1,8-cineole was the major compound. The oil nanoencapsulation produced stable and homogeneous nanoparticles with zeta potential close to 30 mV and polydispersity index lower than 0.2. The nanoparticles size showed a size variation between 70 and 110 nm. The chitosan films obtained functionalized with nanoparticles demonstrated antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. The active packaging containing zein nanoparticles was efficient in the conservation of ground beef, stabilizing the deterioration reactions and preserving the color.

Development of new active nanocomposite packaging films containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane for walnut (Juglans regiaL.) kernel packaging

Active nanocomposite films made from low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were prepared as of food packaging material for walnut kernels (Juglans regia L.) oil protection against lipid oxidation. N‐Phenylaminopropyl‐POSS (NP‐POSS), octaammonium‐POSS (QA‐POSS) and methacryl‐POSS (M‐POSS) were utilized as convenient additives. Intact and crushed walnut kernels were stored in conditions set to accelerate oxidation (24 h of light, 38°C, and 33% RH). On the 14th day, peroxide value (PV) was determined as 14.13 meq O2/kg in intact walnut kernel oil (WKO), whereas the PV of walnuts was measured as 5.94 meq O2/kg and 7.95 meq O2/kg wrapped with 5 wt% NP‐POSS and 3 wt% QA‐POSS containing the film, respectively. At the end of the storage, K232 values were measured as 4.42 and 6.12 packaged with control films, whereas K232 values ranged 2.72 and 3.14 in samples packaged with 5 wt% NP‐POSS. Similarly, K232 value of WKO wrapped with QA‐POSS containing films was detected as 2.89 and 3.20 in intact and crushed walnut samples, respectively. The p‐anisidine value of WKO wrapped with pure LDPE reached 4.86 and 7.33 for WKO obtained from the intact and crushed walnut kernel, and the lowest p‐anisidine values observed intact (2.07) and crushed (3.84) samples of packaged with 5 wt% NP‐POSS, respectively. The results have shown that novel nanocomposite food packaging films, including NP‐POSS and QA‐POSS, for vacuum‐packed walnut kernels are sufficient to protect against oxidation.

Preparation of Active Nanocomposite Film Consisting of Sodium Caseinate, ZnO Nanoparticles and Rosemary Essential Oil for Food Packaging Applications

Active films based on sodium caseinate (SC) were fabricated via the casting method; these films were reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and rosemary essential oil (REO). The films’ optical, mechanical, and barrier and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. Further characterization was done using SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results disclosed that the incorporation of ZnO NPs and REO into the SC matrix significantly improved the mechanical and barrier properties as well as moisture resistance of the SC film. The simultaneous incorporation of ZnO NPs and REO considerably reduced the water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films but increased their flexibility and strength. The microscopic and spectroscopic characterization revealed that the additives were highly compatible with the SC film matrix given the formation of uniform and homogeneous composite films. The nanocomposite films also exhibited noteworthy antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria. In summary, this type of biopolymer-based active film can be considered as a promising material for food packaging applications.

Nanocomposite films consisting of functional nanoparticles (TiO2 and ZnO) embedded in 4A-Zeolite and mixed polymer matrices (gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol)

In this study, nanocomposite films with enhanced functional properties were prepared by loading titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles within 4A zeolite (4AZ) particles, and then incorporating these nanocomposites into a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and gelatin matrix. The composition and morphology of the films were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal behavior of the films was established using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). SEM showed the nanoparticles were dispersed throughout the films when used at these levels. FTIR indicated that the inorganic nanoparticles interacted with the PVA/gelatin polymer network through hydrogen bonding. XRD confirmed that the nanoparticles were in a crystalline state within the films. DSC and TGA showed that introduction of the nanoparticles modified the nanocomposite’s thermal behavior. Nanoparticle addition had a number of effects: (i) it decreased film transparency from 78.7% to 69.4% 72.0% and 69.7%; (ii) it decreased film water vapor permeability (WVP) from 8.20 × 10−9 to 5.13 × 10−9, 5.71 × 10−9 and 5.24 × 10−9 g/Pa.h.m; (iii) it reduced film oxygen permeability from 4.57 to 3.29, 3.10 and 3.00 mEq/g; and (i) it increased film tensile strength (TS) from 14.6 to 22.0, 20.3 and 18.0 MPa, for PVA/gelatin films containing 0%, 1.5% ZnO, 1.5% TiO2 and 1% (ZnO + TiO2) nanoparticles, respectively (with the nanoparticles being trapped within 4AZ). Moreover, active nanocomposite films exhibited significant antimicrobial effects especially against gram-negative bacteria. Overall, our results show that nanoparticle-loaded PVA/gelatin nanocomposites may be useful as active biodegradable nanocomposite films for application in the packaging industry and that their properties can be modulated by controlling the nature and level of nanoparticles incorporated.

Development and evaluation of soy protein isolate-based antibacterial nanocomposite films containing cellulose nanocrystals and zinc oxide nanoparticles

This study aimed to develop soy protein isolate (SPI)-based active nanocomposite films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP), CNC/ZnONP mixture (physical mixing), or CNC@ZnONP nanohybrids (in situ growth). The tensile strength, oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, water resistance ability, and thermal stability were substantially improved by the incorporation of nano reinforcements, particularly the CNC-containing agents. However, the nanocomposite films displayed a lower elongation at break, surface hydrophobicity, and transmittance compared with the pure SPI-based film. The filling effect of reinforcements and their hydrogen bonds with the film matrix contributed to the formation of a compact and homogeneous film structure. The ZnO-containing films obviously inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and also reduced the total viable counts and the total volatile basic nitrogen values in a pork sample. Furthermore, the CNC@ZnONP film prevented the migration of zinc from the film into the food system. Therefore, the obtained nanocomposite films have broad application prospects in the field of active food packaging.