Active Packaging Technologies Research Articles

Recent advances in packaging materials for food products

AbstractThe food industry is adapting to evolving consumer demands for “healthy” and premium quality food by reducing the adverse effects of food packaging through innovative advancements in active and intelligent packaging technologies. These smart innovations offer diverse and creative ways to enhance food product quality and safety while extending shelf life. Emerging techniques are also improving the passive aspects of food packaging systems, such as thermal stability, barrier effectiveness, and mechanical strength. Notably, the use of plants, biodegradable materials, and nanomaterials in sustainable food packaging helps mitigate its negative environmental impact. By integrating intelligent, environmentally friendly, and active packaging technologies, a multipurpose food packaging system can be developed that maintains the integrity of all its components, representing the pinnacle of technological advancement in food packaging. This article reviews the fundamentals of food packaging systems, recent advancements in various packaging techniques, commercialized patents, future research trends, and the challenges that need to be addressed in food packaging.

Protein-Based Packaging Films in Food: Developments, Applications, and Challenges.

With the emphasis placed by society on environmental resources, current petroleum-based packaging in the food industry can no longer meet people's needs. However, new active packaging technologies have emerged, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, in which proteins are widely used for their outstanding gel film-forming properties. Most of the current literature focuses on research applications of single protein-based films. In this paper, we review the novel protein-based packaging technologies that have been used in recent years to categorize different proteins, including plant proteins (soybean protein isolate, zein, gluten protein) and animal proteins (whey protein isolate, casein, collagen, gelatin). The advances that have recently been made in protein-based active packaging technology can be understood by describing protein sources, gel properties, molding principles, and applied research. This paper presents the current problems and prospects of active packaging technology, provides new ideas for the development of new types of packaging and the expansion of gel applications in the future, and promotes the development and innovation of environmentally friendly food packaging.

Limonene and its derived oligomer as bioactive additives in starch/coffee husks biocomposites for food packaging applications

In this study, antioxidant, and antimicrobial starch-based biocomposite films reinforced with coffee husks (S/CH) were developed by incorporating either limonene (LM) (S/CH/LM) or its oligomer derivative, poly(limonene) (PLM) (S/CH/PLM), at different concentrations (5–10 % w/w of starch). Through a comprehensive assessment of film properties, morphology, and structure, a comparative analysis between the two additives was proposed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed some defects throughout the polymer matrix after additive incorporation. The tensile strength (TS) and modulus of elasticity (ME) showed a decrease upon the inclusion of both LM and PLM, while the elongation at break (E) increased. Notably, PLM exhibited outstanding antioxidant capacity, enhancing the films by 108 % over control samples. Additionally, at just 5 % concentration, PLM effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli ATCC 11775 (35.33 ± 2.52 mm) and demonstrated an impressive UV–Vis barrier, comparable to the highest amount of LM incorporated. Therefore, this research highlights the potential of coffee husk-reinforced starch biocomposites with limonene-derived additives as a promising solution for food packaging applications. The comparative analysis sheds light on the advantages of using the PLM in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, contributing to the advancement of active packaging technologies.

Smart food packaging: Recent advancement and trends.

Food packaging plays an important role in protecting the safety and quality of food products and enables communication with consumers. With the improved consumers' awareness of safety and quality of food products, the changes in consumers' lifestyle, and the growing demand for transparency of food products along the supply chain, food packaging technologies have evolved from only providing the four fundamental functions (i.e., protection and preservation, containment, communication and marketing, and convenience) to possessing additional functions including active modification of the inside microenvironment (i.e., active packaging) and monitoring the safety and quality of products in real-time (i.e., intelligent packaging). A variety of active and intelligent packaging systems have been developed to better protect and monitor the quality and safety of food products during the past several decades. Recently, advanced versions of smart packaging technologies, such as smart active packaging and smart intelligent packaging technologies have also been developed to enhance the effectiveness of conventional smart packaging systems. Additionally, smart packaging systems that harvest the advantages of both active packaging and intelligent packaging have also been developed. In this chapter, a brief overview of smart packaging technologies was provided. Specific technologies being covered include conventional smart packaging technologies and advanced smart packaging technologies, such as smart active packaging, smart intelligent packaging and dual-function smart packaging.

Biobased ternary films of thermoplastic starch, bacterial nanocellulose and gallic acid for active food packaging

The use of active packaging technologies and biopolymeric materials are among the emerging trends for implementation of sustainability in the food packaging industry. Thus, herein, bioactive transparent nanocomposite films of thermoplastic starch (TPS) reinforced with bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) (1%, 5% and 10% w/w, relative to starch) and enriched with gallic acid (GA) (1 and 1.5% w/w, relative to starch) were prepared by the solvent casting method. The addition of BNC (≥5% w/w) and GA (1 and 1.5% w/w) enhanced both the mechanical properties (Young's Modulus: 1.2–2.0 GPa vs. 1.0 GPa for TPS; tensile strength: 23–39 MPa vs. 20 MPa for TPS) and the water resistance (moisture absorption and solubility in water) of the nanocomposites. All films are thermally stable up to 125 °C. It was also found that the addition of GA imparted the hydrocolloid TPS-BNC nanocomposites with UV-blocking properties and antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging activity above 80%). In addition, the film with 10% w/w of BNC nanofibers and 1% w/w of GA had good oxygen barrier properties with a coefficient of permeability of 0.91 ± 0.12 cm3 μm m−2 d−1 kPa−1 and antibacterial activity against the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (reduction of about 4.5 log10 colony forming units (CFU) mL−1 after 48 h). This is the first time that antibacterial activity is reported for TPS-BNC nanocomposites. The film with 10% w/w of BNC nanofibers and 1% w/w of GA was further demonstrated to have the ability of delaying the browning and weight loss of packaged fresh cut apple stored at +4 °C for 7 days. All these outcomes are of great relevance for the packaging sector, thus attesting the potential of the developed TPS-BNC-GA nanocomposites as sustainable and eco-friendly film materials for active food packaging.

Role of Active Packaging in the Food Industry: A Review

In response to shifting consumer demands, food packaging's conventional function is continuing to change. Consumer desire for healthier, safer and good quality meals with longer shelf-life is one of the current causes that are challenging the food packaging sector to produce new and better technology packaging solutions. Therefore, Active packaging (AP) can be used to satisfy these requirements. The biggest advantage of Active packaging (AP) is less food waste because the items have a longer shelf life. Undoubtedly, active packaging is a great option for a variety of food sector applications. In the upcoming years, the commercial success of active packaging systems should be anticipated as they represent the growth of food packaging in the future. In this review, a summary of active packaging technologies, including oxygen scavenger, moisture scavenger, ethylene absorber, antioxidant-releaser, CO2 emitter, and antimicrobial packaging systems are provided. In particular, reviews of scientific studies emphasizing the advantages of these technologies for certain food products are conducted. However, the development of food nano-packaging is still in its early stage, despite having numerous opportunities to enhance packaging materials and functions. Although, due to the advancements in nanotechnology there might be higher chances of enabling the creation of better active packaging. This article also discusses current breakthroughs in food nano packaging based on active nanoparticles.

The use of essential oils in chitosan or cellulose-based materials for the production of active food packaging solutions: a review.

In recent decades, interest in sustainable food packaging systems with additional functionality, able to increase the shelf life of products, has grown steadily. Following this trend, the present review analyzes the state of the art of this active renewable packaging. The focus is on antimicrobial systems containing nanocellulose and chitosan, as support for the incorporation of essential oils. These are the most sustainable and readily available options to produce completely natural active packaging materials. After a brief overview of the different active packaging technologies, the main features of nanocellulose, chitosan, and of the different essential oils used in the field of active packaging are introduced and described. The latest findings about the nanocellulose- and chitosan-based active packaging are then presented. The antimicrobial effectiveness of the different solutions is discussed, focusing on their effect on other material properties. The effect of the different inclusion strategies is also reviewed considering both in vivo and in vitro studies, in an attempt to understand more promising solutions and possible pathways for further development. In general, essential oils are very successful in exerting antimicrobial effects against the most diffused gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and affecting other material properties (tensile strength, water vapor transmission rate) positively. Due to the wide variety of biopolymer matrices and essential oils available, it is difficult to create general guidelines for the development of active packaging systems. However, more attention should be dedicated to sensory analysis, release kinetics, and synergetic action of different essential oils to optimize the active packaging on different food products. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Interfacial behavior of a polylactic acid active packaging film dictates its performance in complex food matrices

The convergence of food wasted due to spoilage and disposal of single use, non-compostable plastic packaging presents a significant economic and environmental burden. The ongoing market trend of reducing additive use in foods generates an opportunity to extend shelf life through alternative means. Active packaging technologies which seek to extend ‘clean label’ product shelf life at the post-retail level using bioderived polymers thus represents a unique solution in reducing volumes of both food and plastic municipal solid waste. An understanding of the active packaging interfacial behavior is necessary to predict performance in complex food systems. Here we present a characterization of the carboxylate pKa for polylactic acid (PLA) films grafted with the antioxidant nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), PLA-g-NTA. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the pKa values of 3.97 and 8.99 for the carboxylic acid groups of NTA and a pH dependent ABTS radical scavenging assay was performed to determine the pKa value of 6.74 for the tertiary amine of NTA. These results indicate PLA-g-NTA would be useful as an antioxidant material at the food interface with pH values above 6.74, as an electron transfer from the deprotonated tertiary amine was shown to be the largest driver of radical scavenging capacity. Utilizing a biodegradable antioxidant packaging material such as PLA-g-NTA thus gives way to protect food from oxidation while meeting consumer demands for reduced additive use towards the goal of reducing food waste and the environmental impact of petroleum based single-use plastics.

Progress in the Valorization of Fruit and Vegetable Wastes: Active Packaging, Biocomposites, By-Products, and Innovative Technologies Used for Bioactive Compound Extraction.

According to the Food Wastage Footprint and Climate Change Report, about 15% of all fruits and 25% of all vegetables are wasted at the base of the food production chain. The significant losses and wastes in the fresh and processing industries is becoming a serious environmental issue, mainly due to the microbial degradation impacts. There has been a recent surge in research and innovation related to food, packaging, and pharmaceutical applications to address these problems. The underutilized wastes (seed, skin, rind, and pomace) potentially present good sources of valuable bioactive compounds, including functional nutrients, amylopectin, phytochemicals, vitamins, enzymes, dietary fibers, and oils. Fruit and vegetable wastes (FVW) are rich in nutrients and extra nutritional compounds that contribute to the development of animal feed, bioactive ingredients, and ethanol production. In the development of active packaging films, pectin and other biopolymers are commonly used. In addition, the most recent research studies dealing with FVW have enhanced the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of packaging and biocomposite systems. Innovative technologies that can be used for sensitive bioactive compound extraction and fortification will be crucial in valorizing FVW completely; thus, this article aims to report the progress made in terms of the valorization of FVW and to emphasize the applications of FVW in active packaging and biocomposites, their by-products, and the innovative technologies (both thermal and non-thermal) that can be used for bioactive compounds extraction.

Active packaging technologies for clean label food products: a review

Active packaging technologies for clean label food products: a review

Public sensemaking of active packaging technologies: A feature-based perspective.

Taking a point of departure in the idea that technology features can act as cues for sensemaking, we explore how the public makes sense of new active packaging technologies; technologies that absorb or release substances from or into the packaging atmosphere, preserving the freshness and safety of food products. Based on data from ten focus groups across five countries (Ireland, Denmark, Italy, Spain and China), we show that sensemaking occurs at two feature-proximity levels. At the first level, we observe the production of proximal representations, where salient technology features drive the sensemaking process and how the individuals come to understand the essence of the technology. At the second level, we observe the production of distal representations, where distinct technology features become less salient, and the holistic understanding of the technology takes over in how individuals come to understand the locus of the technology in broader contexts. Our insights contribute to theory regarding public sensemaking of novel technologies and have practical implications for stakeholders who aim to increase their adoption prospects.

Antimicrobial nanoparticles and biodegradable polymer composites for active food packaging applications.

The food industry faces numerous challenges to assure provision of tasty and convenient food that possesses extended shelf life and shows long-term high-quality preservation. Research and development of antimicrobial materials for food applications have provided active antibacterial packaging technologies that are able to meet these challenges. Furthermore, consumers expect and demand sustainable packaging materials that would reduce environmental problems associated with plastic waste. In this review, we discuss antimicrobial composite materials for active food packaging applications that combine highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles (i.e., metal, metal oxide, mesoporous silica and graphene-based nanomaterials) with biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers (i.e., gelatin, alginate, cellulose, and chitosan) obtained from plants, bacteria, and animals. In addition, innovative syntheses and processing techniques used to obtain active and safe packaging are showcased. Implementation of such green active packaging can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne pathogen outbreaks, improve food safety and quality, and minimize product losses, while reducing waste and maintaining sustainability.

Fruit Quality Monitoring with Smart Packaging.

Smart packaging of fresh produce is an emerging technology toward reduction of waste and preservation of consumer health and safety. Smart packaging systems also help to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods during transport and mass storage, which are difficult to regulate otherwise. The use of these ever-progressing technologies in the packaging of fruits has the potential to result in many positive consequences, including improved fruit quality, reduced waste, and associated improved public health. In this review, we examine the role of smart packaging in fruit packaging, current-state-of-the-art, challenges, and prospects. First, we discuss the motivation behind fruit quality monitoring and maintenance, followed by the background on the development process of fruits, factors used in determining fruit quality, and the classification of smart packaging technologies. Then, we discuss conventional freshness sensors for packaged fruits including direct and indirect freshness indicators. After that, we provide examples of possible smart packaging systems and sensors that can be used in monitoring fruits quality, followed by several strategies to mitigate premature fruit decay, and active packaging technologies. Finally, we discuss the prospects of smart packaging application for fruit quality monitoring along with the associated challenges and prospects.

Holistic Approach to a Successful Market Implementation of Active and Intelligent Food Packaging

Market implementation of active and intelligent packaging (AIP) technologies specifically for fiber-based food packaging can be hindered by various factors. This paper highlights those from a social, economic, environmental, and legislative point of view, and elaborates upon the following aspects mainly related to interactions among food packaging value chain stakeholders: (i) market drivers that affect developments, (ii) the gap between science and industry, (iii) the gap between legislation and practice, (iv) cooperation between the producing stakeholders within the value chain, and (v) the gap between the industry and consumers. We perceive these as the most influential aspects in successful market implementation at a socioeconomic level. The findings are supported by results from quantitative studies analyzing consumer buying expectations about active and intelligent packaging (value perception of packaging functions, intentions to purchase AIP, and willingness to pay more) executed in 16 European countries. Finally, in this paper, we discuss approaches that could direct future activities in the field towards industrial implementation.

A review of bread qualities and current strategies for bread bioprotection: Flavor, sensory, rheological, and textural attributes.

The unequivocal economical and social values of bread as a staple food commodity lead to constant interests in optimizing its postproduction quality and extending its shelf life, which is related to the maintenance and enhancement of flavors and textural properties, and finally, to the delay of microbial spoilage. The latter has been the subject of a multitude of studies and reviews, in which the different approaches and views were discussed. However, variations in bread freshness, flavor, and textural quality are still of concerns for the bread making industry, in conjunction with the expectation from consumers for bread products with high-quality attributes and free of synthetic ingredients that satisfy their pleasure and their sustainable lifestyle. This review mainly focuses on the quality profiles of bread, including flavor, rheological, textural, and sensorial aspects; on the modalities to assess them; as well as on the conventional and emerging approaches developed so far over the past decades. The applications of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and enzymes as bioprotective technologies are examined and discussed, along with active packaging and novel processing technologies for either the maintenance or improvement of bread qualities during storage.

A Systematic Review of Consumer Perceptions of Smart Packaging Technologies for Food

Smart packaging, an emerging technology in the food packaging industry incorporates both active and intelligent technologies. Consumer demand for natural products and increasingly extended and diverse supply chains required to feed the growing global population, mean that traditional packaging is becoming less capable of meeting the functional demands placed on it. To help ensure the commercial success of proposed smart packaging technologies a thorough understanding of consumers attitudes towards them is required. Understanding the cultural, social and cognitive factors that affect acceptance will help ‘fine tune’ smart packaging development to best meet consumer preferences and needs and ensure that communication about the technologies effectively addresses consumer concerns and educates them on the benefits. This systematic review of 26 peer reviewed journal articles summarizes the current knowledge on consumer acceptance or rejection of active and intelligent packaging, and the behavioral forces behind those attitudes. Articles containing primary data and published in the English language over the last 10 years reporting consumer responses to active and/or intelligent packaging technologies in general or to more specific technologies that achieved the functional goals of active or intelligent packaging were obtained and analyzed for themes in the qualitative data analysis software NVivo. Themes were organized into groups as to whether they identified control variables, moderating variables, barriers or motivations to purchase and the benefits of the technology. To develop a conceptual framework for understanding consumer preferences for smart packaging, the identified themes were integrated with several consumer behavior models including the theory of planned behavior and an attitude model. Consumer perceptions of smart packaging is a poorly covered research area with most research being clustered in Europe and a smaller cluster in the Americas so there were significant opportunities to build on the body of knowledge.

RELEASE OF α-TOCOPHEROL FROM CHITOSAN/PECTIN POLYELECTROLYTE COMPLEX FILM INTO FATTY FOOD SIMULANT FOR THE DESIGN OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVE FOOD PACKAGE

Lipid oxidation is one of the leading causes of the decline in food product quality. However, it might be overcome with active antioxidant packaging technologies, which is based on the incorporation of antioxidants to the packaging material. In this study, the polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) from chitosan (CS) and pectin (PE) was used as a packaging material and a-tocopherol (a-TOH) was used as an antioxidant to develop an antioxidant active packaging with the addition of Tween-80 to facilitate the incorporation of hydrophobic a-TOH into hydrophilic PEC CS/PE solution. This research showed that the composition of PEC chitosan/pectin, the concentration of Tween-80, and the concentration of a-TOH affected the releasing profile of a-TOH. The hydrophilicity of film increased with the increase of PE amount in PEC and the concentration of Tween–80. This improvement in the hydrophilicity also led to an increase in the release of a-TOH. The highest accumulative release of a-TOH was achieved when using a film with the highest initial concentration of incorporated a-TOH (C3), which was up to 98.49%. The result of the performed DPPH assay showed that the complex films exhibited high antioxidant activity up to 90.60%. The releasing profile of all films exhibited an initial burst effect followed by sustain release over 10 d. Therefore, this film can be promising as an antioxidant active package.

Reactive Extrusion of Nonmigratory Antioxidant Poly(lactic acid) Packaging.

Reactive extrusion of bio-derived active packaging offers a new approach to address converging concerns over environmental contamination and food waste. Herein, metal-chelating nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) ligands were grafted onto poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by reactive extrusion to produce metal-chelating PLA (PLA-g-NTA). Radical grafting was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy with the introduction of secondary alkyl stretches (2919 and 2860 cm-1) and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with an increase in the atomic percentage of nitrogen. Compared to films prepared from native, granular PLA (gPLA), PLA-g-NTA films had lower contact angles and hysteresis values (86.35° ± 2.49 and 31.89° ± 2.27 to 79.91° ± 1.58 and 21.79° ± 1.72, respectively), supporting the surface orientation of the NTA ligands. The PLA-g-NTA films exhibited a significant antioxidant character with a radical scavenging capacity of 0.675 ± 0.026 nmol Trolox(eq)/cm2 and an iron chelation capacity of 54.09 ± 9.36 nmol/cm2. PLA-g-NTA films delayed ascorbic acid degradation, retaining ∼45% ascorbic acid over the 9-day study compared to <20% for control PLA. This research makes significant advances in translating active packaging technologies to bio-derived materials using scalable, commercially translatable synthesis methods.

Properties of Solvent Cast Polycaprolactone Films Containing Pomegranate Seed Oil Stabilized with Nanocellulose

The increase of consumer demand for using natural products and reducing the use of non-compostable packaging materials have encouraged research on biodegradable polymers including natural components such as essential oils. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) has active properties such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The aim of this study was to prepare active polycaprolactone (PCL) films by using PSO. PCL films including PSO emulsions (5-30%), which were stabilized with nanocellulose (NC) particles, were prepared by casting method. The physical and active properties of PCL films were determined by means of water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical properties, optical properties, release behaviour, and potential antimicrobial activity. The WVP values of PCL films was lower when incorporated with NC-stabilized PSO emulsions. The incorporation of PSO into PCL films in the form of NC-stabilized emulsions significantly reduced the transmittance and lightness values, which resulted in an increase in opacity. In the release tests, the slower release of PSO was observed for NC-stabilized films. The stabilization of PSO with NC showed to be less effective when high concentrations of oil (30%) were used. Film samples showed potential antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, however, a clear zone of inhibition around the film samples was not detected. Results also suggested that the antimicrobial effect was dependent on two important factors: the release behaviour of PSO through the film samples and, the direct interaction between PSO and microorganisms. These results showed that the combination PCL films and PSO stabilized with NC could be an interesting approach in active packaging technologies.

The Role of Solid Support Bound Metal Chelators on System-Dependent Synergy and Antagonism with Nisin.

Active packaging can enhance the performance of natural antimicrobials in controlling food spoilage and waste, while addressing consumer demands for cleaner labels. Yet, synergies are system dependent, with some conditions counterintuitively promoting antagonistic effects. In particular, metal chelators can improve performance of certain natural antimicrobials and have been incorporated in nonmigratory metal chelating active packaging technologies. However, the influence of chelating ligand chemistry on antimicrobial efficacy has not been investigated in microbial spoilage models. The effect of three commercial chelating resins on the growth of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris ATCC 49025, a thermoduric acidophilic spore-former, in growth media and apple juice was investigated. Dowex MAC-3, Chelex 100, and Lewatit TP260 were used as models for metal chelating active packaging containing carboxylic acid (CA), iminodiacetic acid (IDA), and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) ligands. Diameters (CA = 472.4 ± 117.2 μm, IDA = 132.93 ± 26.71 μm, and AMPA = 498.3 ± 29.24 μm), dissociation kinetics (CA = 6.44 ± 0.109, IDA = -0.977 ± 9.94, AMPA = 7.43 ± 0.193), and metal chelating capacities (CA = 1.16 × 10-4 mol/g, IDA = 1.52 × 10-3 mol/g, and AMPA = 4.67 × 10-4 mol/g) were used to distinguish differences in antimicrobial efficacies. Growth of A. acidoterrestris in acidified Potato Dextrose Broth over 24 hr with chelating resins indicated early death phase for CA and IDA resins and bactericidal for AMPA resin. However, viability in commercial apple juice with the inclusion of nisin and chelating resins was variable, with IDA resin significantly (P < 0.05) increasing viability while the effect of CA and AMPA resins remained elusive. This work emphasizes the importance of biological repeatability and correct statistical modeling in identifying conditions under which the antimicrobial intervention of nisin in real food systems, such as acidic beverages and juices, are synergistic or antagonistic. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: New technologies to control microbial food spoilage and waste need to be explored to address consumers on-going demands for reducing additive use. Solid support bound metal chelators can both promote and control microbial growth when used in conjunction with nisin, a natural antimicrobial. This work explores how system conditions can render a given technology either synergistic or antagonistic, and highlights the importance of sufficient biological replicates in experimental design.