Active Packaging Research Articles (Page 1)

ABSTRACT Edible films derived from natural biopolymers provide a biodegradable alternative to synthetic plastics while enhancing food quality, safety, and shelf life. The present study developed edible films using fish (Nemipterus japonicas) myofibrillar protein (2% and 5%), sodium alginate (2%), glycerol (0.6%), microbial transglutaminase (0.1%) and 1% ginger extract as functional additive. The 2% protein formulation showed superior film-forming ability with good tensile strength (66.12 kg/cm2), water solubility (18.98%), and reduced water absorptiveness (200–400 g/m2), except elongation properties, than commercial films. Crosslinked protein films are thinner (0.05 to 0.09 mm), exhibited high transparency, smooth and dense microstructures, and higher thermal stability (DSC Tm: 141.55°C). DSC thermograms displayed distinct melting and crystalline transitions, similar to synthetic plastics. Sensory analysis of spring roll wrappers revealed higher acceptability than commercial alternatives, supporting its potential as edible bioplastics in food packaging.

Under the backdrop of the rapid development of new media technologies, intelligent packaging has emerged, driving packaging to evolve from its traditional static form into an intelligent medium that integrates information transmission, emotional interaction, and technological realization. Particularly in the cosmetics industry, renowned brands such as L'Oral,Gucci Beauty, and Watsons have incorporated technologies like NFC, RFID, AR interaction, and thermochromic color-changing into their packaging designs, which have been well-received by the public. This study takes the cosmetics industry as a core case and employs qualitative research methods, combining text analysis and case studies, to explore the visual communication mechanism of intelligent packaging in the context of new media. The research finds that intelligent packaging mainly reshapes consumers' perception and experience through the reconfiguration of the symbol system, the strengthening of narrative strategies, and the expansion of interactive design, significantly enhancing brand communication effectiveness and user emotional connection. However, it also faces challenges such as high technical costs, content homogenization, and audience stratification. In the future, it is imperative to seek a balance between technological functionality and aesthetic value.

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) is highly perishable postharvest. Even under refrigerated storage conditions, its shelf life typically lasts only about one week. This study developed a novel antibacterial food packaging membrane to extend its shelf life and explored the underlying preservation mechanisms. A composite fiber membrane was fabricated via solution blow spinning (SBS) using polyethylene oxide (PEO) and oxidized sesbania gum (OSG) incorporated with ε-polylysine (ε-PL). The composite membrane demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus by disrupting cell wall and membrane integrity, as evidenced by increased protein leakage, alkaline phosphatase activity, and electrical conductivity. Morphological observations through scanning electron microscopy confirmed extensive cellular damage and bactericidal effects. During nine days of ambient storage, the PEO/OSG/PL membrane significantly maintained the postharvest quality of wax apples. This was evidenced by a lower decay index (2.22 ± 0.19) and weight loss rate (5.32 ± 0.16%) compared to the control group, alongside better preservation of firmness (4.11 ± 0.08 N) and color stability. The treatment suppressed respiratory rate and delayed the degradation of soluble solids and titratable acidity. Furthermore, it enhanced antioxidant capacity through higher peroxidase activity and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation, indicating attenuated oxidative stress. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the membrane treatment modulated critical metabolic pathways, particularly phenylalanine metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism. These metabolic adjustments contributed to enhanced defense responses and delayed senescence. The results show that the PEO/OSG/ε-PL fiber membrane acts as an effective active packaging material by inhibiting microbial growth and regulating metabolism. This provides a potential method to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits.

This work presents the non-destructive assessment of polymeric composites based on synthetic matrices low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) enhanced with chitosan (CS) biopolymer for use in active packaging systems for moisture control. Composites were prepared by incorporating CS at different contents (1, 3 and 5 phr) into LDPE and PS matrices. To evaluate the structural and thermal alterations induced by biopolymer loading, the materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The composites’ water-regulating properties—specifically, moisture absorption, retention, diffusion, and water vapor transmission rate—were quantitively tracked. Furthermore, the mechanical integrity of both dried and water-exposed systems was assessed via Shore D hardness testing. The results reveal a direct correlation between CS concentrations and enhanced hydrophilic behavior and water absorption, primarily attributed to the polar hydroxyl and amine groups within its molecular structure. The composites maintained adequate mechanical strength even after water exposure, confirming their structural stability for practical applications. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of CS into non-polar synthetic matrices significantly improves water affinity without requiring chemical compatibilizers, representing a cost-effective route to develop responsive packaging. The promise of these composites as responsive materials for real-time environmental interaction is highlighted by the successful non-destructive monitoring of their performance. This research establishes the feasibility and efficacy of non-destructive monitoring techniques in developing active packaging technologies, accelerating the progress of polymer-based systems with integrated and tunable moisture regulation capabilities.

Purpose Most traditional packaging materials such as plastics are obtained from materials that are not environmentally friendly and could constitute health hazards. The ongoing battle against plastic pollution had pushed development of a number of new technologies that include edible films as modern alternatives, biodegradable coatings and active or intelligent packaging. This study aims to shed light based on developments in innovative biomaterials on the most recent advancements in food packaging technologies that potentially surpass traditional plastics in terms of cost, performance, safety and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis of a quantitative approach was used to analyze large volumes of scientific literature. A database of 236 papers was obtained by doing a thorough search using keywords like sustainable biopolymer applications in value-added and functional food packaging across major bibliometric information sources like Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. The review criteria were satisfied by 28 publications. Findings A number of environmentally friendly packaging choices were found, including biopolymers like polylactic acid and polybutylene adipate terephthalate. Nonetheless, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, gelatin or protein-based films comprise the majority of effective packaging methods. Although the technology seems adequately developed for real-world application, a substantial research gap has been found with relation to the expansion of natural polymer-based packaging materials. Research has shown that adding nanoparticles can enhance the properties of natural polymer films. For instance, adding TiO2 nanoparticles to chitosan-cassava starch films improved tensile strength by over 15% and reduced UV transmittance by 97%. Incorporating TiO2 nanotubes into carrageenan films improved their UV-blocking, mechanical strength and antibacterial activity, which resulted in significantly better banana preservation over 12 days. Originality/value The introduction of biopolymer-based food packaging on a global scale and use it as a substitute for plastic packaging has not been fully studied. The information gathered will assist professionals and researchers in understanding the importance of biopolymers as sustainable materials in functional and value-added food packaging.

A review on surface and interface engineering of nanocellulose and its application in smart packaging.

Starch-based biodegradable active intelligent packaging with color superimposition via emulsion electrospinning nanofiber for meat freshness monitoring and shelf-life extension.

Smartphone-based label on package for monitoring the freshness of meat: a review.

A polysaccharide smart packaging materials: Anthocyanin microcapsules synergized with nanosilver co-filled gellan gum/sodium alginate film for monitoring chilled mutton freshness.

Recent advances: How bioactive agents combine with packaging systems to impact preservation effects.

Recent advances in the development and application of anthocyanin-based intelligent active food packaging: a review.

Polybutylene succinate/fractionated nano lignin@Ag composite films with tunable functions for active food packaging.

Innovative dual-ligand approach for designing Zn-MOFs nanostructures for carrageenan-based active and intelligent packaging of fresh-cut fruits.

Adaptive response platforms in smart packaging: Endogenous triggering and exogenous activation enable dynamic release of active substances to preserve postharvest fruits and vegetables

A comparative study of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was conducted, and for the first time, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was reported for the recovery of bioactive compounds from Justicia spicigera. Among the compounds identified in MAE were kaempferol and peonidin derivatives. In contrast, the extracts obtained via UAE contained cyanidin and kaempferol derivatives. These compounds were associated with the colorimetric changes observed as a function of pH. The results demonstrated that MAE achieved a higher recovery of phenolic compounds (48.93mg GAE/g of dry extract) and total flavonoids (23.46mg catechin/g of dry extract). Regarding antioxidant activity, MAE exhibited an IC50 of 124.47μg of dry extract/mL in the DPPH assay, with no significant differences compared to ABTS and FRAP assays when compared to UAE. This study underscores the role of both extraction technologies in the recovery of bioactive compounds from Justicia spicigera and the potential development of active and intelligent packaging.

Assessment of the properties of ginger starch-based films and their potential application as intelligent packaging.

Molecularly engineered Janus nanosheets dual-anchored interfaces for multifunctional polylactic acid blends in intelligent packaging

Rosehip (Rosa rugosa) seed essential oil-loaded polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose biocomposites for active packaging applications.

Development and characterization of pink pepper extract incorporated chitosan, guar gum, gelatin, and palm mucilage based active film for sustainable food packaging applications.

Novel cellulose-PVA bioactive aerogels with Portulaca oleracea extracts for chilled meat preservation: Antimicrobial efficacy and microbial community modulation.