Active Food Packaging Applications Research Articles

Effect of chitosan modified halloysite on the physical and functional properties of pullulan/chitosan biofilm integrated with rutin

Chitosan-functionalized halloysite nanotube (CHT) composite was prepared and used along with quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) to fabricate pullulan/chitosan-based functional films. The CHT was characterized using various analytical methods like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Pullulan/chitosan (Pul/Chs) composite film was prepared by adding CHT and rutin using a solution casting method to reinforce and impart the composite film's functionality. Physical properties (UV-barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties) of the film were significantly improved by the addition of CHT but did not affect the water vapor barrier properties. Although there was a difference in speed depending on the type of food simulant solutions, rutin was released rapidly from the composite film. The Pul/Chs-based functional film also showed strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The Pul/Chs-based functional films with improved mechanical and functional properties can be used for active food packaging applications.

Development and characterization of PVA-starch incorporated with coconut shell extract and sepiolite clay as an antioxidant film for active food packaging applications

An active antioxidant film was fabricated by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and corn starch (ST) and incorporated with and 3, 5, 10, and 20% (v/v) coconut shell extract (CSE) and sepiolite clay (SP) for the first time. The microstructure and physical properties of prepared films were characterized and examined. The addition of sepiolite clay to PVA improved the elongation break 15.57 to 69.24%, and water vapor permeability increased with the addition of CSE. In addition to CSE to films, the antioxidant activity properties of the films were enhanced up to 80%. Further, increasing the amount of CSE slightly affected the color of the active films. The thermal properties of films were enhanced with the addition of CSE and SP. The dispersion of SP in the PVA matrix was affected by an increase in CSE concentration in the PVA matrix. Remarkably, PVA-ST film-based sachets successfully improved the oxidative stability of packaged soybean oil. Our results suggest PVA-ST film containing CSE and sepiolite clay can be utilized as a novel antioxidant packaging material in the food processing industry.

Characterization of chitosan-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose blend films enriched with nettle or sage leaf extract for active food packaging applications

The incorporation of plant leaf extracts into biodegradable food packaging materials is a promising green approach to develop active films with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this context, this study aimed to develop active films based on chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose blend (CS/HPMC) enriched with sage (SLE) and nettle (NLE) leaf extracts (7.5–15% w/w of biopolymer) to characterize their surface and cross-section morphology, optical, mechanical, water barrier, and antioxidant properties for food packaging applications. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed microstructural integrity and compatibility between CS and HPMC and incorporated leaf extracts. The successful incorporation of plant extracts was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Active films showed improvement in UV–Vis light barrier properties (p < 0.05) with opacity value lower than five. Addition of leaf extracts induced a slightly darker color by inducing a green and yellow shade. Addition of NLE increased the water solubility and water vapor permeability compared to the control film (p < 0.05). Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were increased upon addition of leaf extracts. Overall, CS/HPMC films incorporated with SLE and NLE could be employed as a green alternative for partial substitution of synthetic plastics with antioxidant activity and to prolong the shelf-life of food products.

Silver loaded aminosilane modified halloysite for the preparation of carrageenan-based functional films

The surface of the halloysite nanotubes (Hal) was modified to improve the silver ion loading capacity using (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS). Surface modification of Hal was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The modification of Hal using APTMS improved the silver ion adsorption capacity. The functionalized Hal was used as a nanofiller to make the carrageenan-based composite film. The carrageenan-based films with silver ion loaded APTMS-modified halloysite exhibited increased WCA, UV-light barrier, WVP, and antibacterial activity than their unmodified counterparts. The developed film with superior physical and functional properties is likely to be used for active food packaging applications.

Editorial

At the beginning of 2020, the whole world was paralyzed with a rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus that resulted in declaring it a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The whole world has been impacted, with a tragic human toll of more than 3.5 million victims. The pandemic has shut down many research institutions completely, and most of the institutes have not resumed work yet or are working partially with limited manpower following the mandate on social distancing due to the pandemic. Conversely, the unprecedented hard work and dedication of scientists has brought a ray of hope to mankind by developing Covid-19 vaccines in a record-breaking time. Legume Science salutes those scientists for the discovery and sympathizes with those who lost their loved ones in this pandemic. The on-going pandemic has made an impact on scientists at all stages in their careers; however, early-career researchers (ECRs), including postdoctoral fellows and newly recruited faculty are particularly vulnerable during these unprecedented times. In this lockdown situation, Legume Science floated the idea of an open research paper competition for the ECRs in the area of Legumes Processing and Quality. The publisher (John Wiley & Sons) generously agreed to grant a full waiver (equaling USD 2700) for the nine best papers selected in the competition. It is my pleasure to share those nine papers in this special issue, which is dedicated to those researchers who maintained their strengths and scientific dedication during these extraordinary times by submitting their research works. A wide range of papers on processing and nutritional aspects of legumes have been selected by a panel of experts. The sole review paper focuses on the potential health benefits of garden pea seeds and pods. For the first time, 109 common bean genotypes collected from the Western Himalayas have been well characterized based on morphological traits. The impact of processing on phenolic profiles of four new mung bean lines and in vitro protein quality, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant potential of 10 selected pulses are reported in two papers. In a separate paper, quality characteristics, fatty acid profiles, and glycemic indexes of extrusion processed snacks enriched with the multicomponent mixture of cereals and legumes are emphasized. The use of nonthermal processing on legumes has been described in two papers; one reports on the impact of plasma technology on chickpea soaking and quality, and the other presents results of the dielectric heating-assisted disinfestation of black gram. One of the ECRs investigated the encapsulation of gallic acid in pea flour wall matrix followed by synthesis of nanofibers by an electrospinning process. The results from this particular research have potential applications in active food packaging. Finally, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, the publisher, and the support rendered by the Legume Science team in bringing out the special issue on early-career researchers in time. We hope for a ray of hope for the global community in the days to come.

Development and Characterization of Bioactive Poly(butylene-succinate) Films Modified with Quercetin for Food Packaging Applications.

The preparation of biodegradable active packaging materials is still a major challenge. Here, we report the fabrication and characterization of poly(butylene succinate)-based (PBS) films enriched with a natural polyphenolic antioxidant—quercetin. The PBS-based films with various quercetin content (0.05; 0.10; 0.25 and 0.50 pph on PBS) were prepared via a solvent casting method. Physical (optical, mechanical, thermal, moisture and water sorption, water vapor and UV–vis barrier) and biofunctional (antioxidant and antibacterial against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) film properties were tested. The migration of quercetin into model food liquid systems was determined. As a result of quercetin addition, significant changes in color, opacity and UV-blocking effect were observed. The presence of the active substance did not significantly affect the thermal properties of the PBS matrix. However, the mechanical properties of the films were slightly decreased. The films exhibited excellent free radicals (DPPH, ABTS, O2−) scavenging and some bactericidal activities. PBS-quercetin films with superior functional properties have many possibilities for active food packaging applications.

Fabrication of bioactive binary composite film based on gelatin/chitosan incorporated with cinnamon essential oil and rutin

Chitosan/gelatin-based functional films were fabricated by incorporating cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and rutin for active packaging application. The functional fillers were evenly distributed in the polymer matrix and formed a film compatible with the chitosan/gelatin polymer matrix. However, the functional material did not affect the physical properties such as mechanical, thermal, and water vapor barrier properties of the film but exhibited high light transmittance with enhanced UV blocking properties. The rutin release from the composite film was evaluated using various food simulant solutions and found that rutin was released faster in acidic and alcoholic solutions. The chitosan/gelatin-based composite film showed potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In addition, the combined use of CEO and rutin showed a synergistic effect of functional properties. The CEO and rutin-added chitosan/gelatin-based films with improved physical and functional properties can be used for active food packaging applications.

Effect of blended colorants of anthocyanin and shikonin on carboxymethyl cellulose/agar-based smart packaging film

Natural colorants (anthocyanin and shikonin) were blended in different ratios (3:1 and 1:3) and used for the preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/agar-based functional halochromic films. The colorants were compatible with the polymer matrix and evenly spread over the polymer matrix. The addition of colorants slightly improved the mechanical strength and significantly improved the water vapor barrier properties of CMC/agar-based films without altering the thermal stability. The color indicator film exhibited excellent UV- barrier properties without substantially reducing the transparency. It also showed distinct pH-responsive color-changing properties in the pH range of 2–12, showing excellent acid and base gas sensing properties. The shikonin-added film showed potent antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria, and the color indicator films exhibited intense antioxidant activities. The CMC/agar-based color indicator films with improved physical and functional properties are likely to be used in active and intelligent food packaging applications.

Advanced properties of gelatin film by incorporating modified kappa-carrageenan and zein nanoparticles for active food packaging

Recently, the improvement of gelatin-based films for usage in food packaging has attracted more attention owing to their non-toxicity, biodegradability, availability, and renewability. In the current study, the improved gelatin-based films were produced using covalent interaction through dialdehyde kappa-carrageenan (DAK-car) and thymol-loaded zein nanoparticle content. The influences of DAK-car into the matrix of gelatin films (GEL) on the structural, total soluble matter (TSM), moisture content (MC), and water vapor permeability (WVP), and mechanical properties were investigated. After the formation of covalent crosslinking amongst the amino groups of GEL and the dialdehyde groups of DAK-car with the blending ratio of 1:2 (GEL 4% w/v): (DAK-car 1% w/v), a remarkably (p < 0.05) reduction was saw in TSM, MC, and WVP of film. The tensile strength of this film (72.26 ± 0.3 MPa) was ~20-fold higher compared with pure GEL film. It should also be noted that the presence of zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) did not have a notably effect on improving the attributes of gelatin-based film. However, the presence of thymol in concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL showed acceptable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. As a result, GEL/DAK-car with blending ratio of 1:2 containing thymol-loaded ZNPs films demonstrated the valuable potential for application in active food packaging.

Chitosan Ternary Bio Nanocomposite Films Incorporated with MMT K10 Nanoclay and Spirulina

It is enviable to develop an environment-friendly packaging material against petroleum-based polymers with enhanced functionality to satisfy sustainable development and to secure and extend the shelf life of food. In this work, biopolymer chitosan was mixed with montmorillonite (MMT K10) nanoclay and spirulina algae to produce a bio nanocomposite film with high strength and barrier properties. Spirulina and MMT K10 was initially incorporated into chitosan to fabricate the chitosan/MMT K10/spirulina bio nanocomposite and the intermolecular interactions between the chitosan, MMT K10 and spirulina was improved by the synergistic effect of covalent and hydrogen bonds. The surface colour and opacity of chitosan bio nanocomposite films were found to be increased by the inclusion of MMT K10 and spirulina. The bio nanocomposite films exhibited good solubility and swelling property. The chitosan bio nanocomposite film with 0.5 g of spirulina revealed the promising features such as high tensile strength of 46.3 MPa, low oxygen and watervapour transmission rate of 996.79 cc/(m2. day.atm) and 7.12 g/m2/day which was better than other various concentration of spirulina based films. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of bio nanocomposite films were determined by colony count method and the results suggested the films had excellent antimicrobial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms and the composite films showed the good biodegradable property. The fabricated chitosan-based MMT K10 and spirulina incorporated bio nanocomposite films could make valuable contributions in active food packaging applications due to its excellent properties.

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.

Development and characterization of alginate-based edible film incorporated with hawthorn berry (Crataegus pinnatifida) extract

In this study, alginate (AG) based edible films incorporated with Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) berry extract (HBE) at the concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% (v/v) were developed and their physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties were investigated. The results showed that the addition of HBE from 0 to 4% (v/v) enhanced the film thickness and water solubility, while reducing the moisture content of the films. The film containing 4% (v/v) HBE exhibited the highest water solubility (77.60%) and the lowest moisture content (14.54%). The colour profile analysis revealed that the presence of HBE increased the opacity, yellow and red intensity of the films. The incorporation of HBE produced films with reduced tensile strength (TS) and enhanced elongation at break (EB%). However, at 4% (v/v) HBE, the EB% of film decreased (from 43.57% to 27.67%) due to the high content of HBE. The inhibition zones against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus increased (p 0.05) in inhibition zones were observed between films containing from 2 to 4% (v/v) HBE against both bacteria. Therefore, the AG-HBE film with 2% (v/v) HBE was considered as the optimal film due to its good TS (14.47 MPa) and EB% (41.13%), as well as its antibacterial properties. In conclusion, the alginate film incorporated with HBE has potential to be used in the active secondary food packaging application.

Chitosan based antioxidant films incorporated with pine needles (Cedrus deodara) extract for active food packaging applications

Pine needles (Cedrus deodara) comprise curcuminoid pigments, which are natural phenolic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pine needle extract (PNE) addition 5, 10, and 20% (v/w) on the antioxidant assay, physical, oxygen, water vapor permeability, color, and microstructures of the films were performed on scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The films containing PNE at the concentration of 10 and 20% showed a high antioxidant assay (total phenolics, DPPH, and radical scavenging assessment by the ABTS). The PNE content increase from 5% to 20% in films decreased the oxygen permeability (0.259 ± 0.01 to 0.08 ± 0.01 cm3 mm m−2 day−1 Pa−1) and water vapor permeability (2.18 ± 0.02 to 1.67 ± 0.11 g mm/m2 h kPa) of all films. In contrast, the thickness of films containing PNE slightly increased from 0.032 ± 0.003 to 0.041 ± 0.009 mm. PNE incorporated films had a greenish color, while neat CH film was somewhat yellowish. The notable alterations in terms of surface microstructure in the CH films containing 10 and 20% PNE were noticed. XRD illustrated the excellent compatibility between CH and PNE. CH films gained a significant antioxidant property and improved their characteristic properties by incorporating PNE, presenting a useful food packaging application.

Fabrication of cellulose nanofiber-based functional color indicator film incorporated with shikonin extracted from Lithospermum erythrorhizon root

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based functional films were prepared by adding shikonin extracted from dried roots of gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) using a solution casting method. The shikonin added CNF film showed distinctive color changes depending on the pH in the range of 2–12. The shikonin was evenly dispersed in the CNF matrix to form a compatible red colored film. The addition of shikonin (10%) improved the mechanical properties of the CNF film without significantly affecting the crystal structure, water vapor barrier, and thermal stability properties of the film. The CNF/shikonin composite film showed remarkable ultraviolet blocking properties without much-sacrificing transparency. Besides, the composite film showed potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The CNF-based color indicator films with improved physical and functional properties have a high potential for active and intelligent food packaging applications.

Electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol) nanofibers incorporating caffeic acid/cyclodextrins through the supramolecular assembly for antibacterial activity

Here, we prepared the solid inclusion complexes between Caffeic acid (CA) and Cyclodextrins (β- and γ-CDs) (CA/CDs) that were effectively embedded into Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) electrospun nanofibers via electrospinning technique to enhanced solubility and antibacterial activity. In tested Cyclodextrins are β-and γ-CDs with CA in the ratio of 1:1 resulting in the formation of CA/CDs by co-precipitation method. The physical properties of CA/CDs were examined by FT-IR, UV, and Raman Spectroscopy. The phase solubility test showed a much higher solubility of CA due to inclusion complexes (ICs). Furthermore, CA/β-CD and CA/γ-CD perfected achieved 0.70:1 and 0.80:1 the molar ratio of ICs, confirmed by NMR studies. The fiber size distribution, average diameter, and morphology features were evaluated by SEM analysis. The dissolution profile of PVA/CA and PVA/CA/CDs were tested within 150 min, resulting in CA dissolved in PVA/CA/CDs slightly higher than PVA/CA nanofibers due to enhanced solubility of ICs. Moreover, PVA/CA/CDs exhibit high antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria of E-Coli and gram-negative bacteria of S. aureus. Finally, these results suggest that PVA/CA/CDs may be promising materials for active food packaging applications.

Advances in green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles and their application in food packaging

SummaryThe past decade has seen nanotechnology progressively being adopted by the food industry. Its wide application in food packaging has redefined conservative food packaging with active and intelligent packaging. Nanomaterials do not only influence food quality and safety but also offer health‐related benefits. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been preferred in recent years because of their high biological activity. However, they are generally synthesised using physicochemical methods which are associated with toxicity. In the past decade, efforts have been directed towards advancement of green synthesis of SeNPs to minimise hazardous by‐products. The antioxidant and biocidal effects of SeNPs are generally investigated by direct contact between the oxidisable matter and/or test organisms. Lately, there is focus on the effect SeNPs incorporated into packaging films. This paper will review developments on SeNPs synthesised via plant extracts from the year 2010 to present and their potential application in active food packaging.

Fabrication and characterization of cinnamaldehyde loaded polysaccharide composite nanofiber film as potential antimicrobial packaging material

In this study, the pullulan/ethyl cellulose-cinnamaldehyde (CA) composite nanofiber films were fabricated via the electrospinning technique. The scanning electron microscopy observation showed that the CA loaded nanofiber films possessed homogenous morphologies, and the average diameter of fibers ranged from 231.9–203.4 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the CA was successfully loaded in the nanofiber films. The water contact angle test suggested that the incorporation of CA at a certain concentration improved the surface hydrophobicity of nanofiber films. The mechanical test showed that the addition of CA increased the flexibility of nanofiber films. Besides, the antibacterial assays indicated that the CA loaded nanofiber films could effectively inhibit the growth of both Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria. This work suggested the potential of the pullulan/ethyl cellulose-CA composite nanofiber films as a desirable material for active food packaging applications.

Fabrication of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles and Limonene Incorporated Pullulan/Carrageenan-Based Film with Improved Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties.

Edible biopolymer (pullulan/carrageenan) based functional composite films were fabricated by the addition of copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNP) and D-limonene (DL). The DL and CuSNP were compatible with the pullulan/carrageenan biopolymer matrix. The addition of CuSNP significantly increased the UV-blocking properties without substantially reducing the transparency of the film. The addition of CuSNP improved the film’s tensile strength by 10%; however, the DL addition did not significantly influence the strength, while the combined addition of CuSNP and DL increased the strength by 15%. The addition of the fillers did not significantly affect the thermal stability of the film, but the water vapor barrier property was slightly improved. There was no significant change in the moisture content and hydrophobicity of the composite film. Besides, the composite film showed some antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The fabricated pullulan/carrageenan-based film with antimicrobial and UV-barrier properties is likely to be used in active food packaging applications.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial poly(vinyl alcohol)-based films incorporated with grapefruit seed extract and curcumin

PVOH-based multifunctional films were fabricated by blending with grapefruit seed extract (GSE) and curcumin using a solvent casting technique. Both fillers (GSE and curcumin) were mixed well and evenly spread in the polymer matrix to form a compatible composite with PVOH. The addition of GSE and curcumin improved the UV-barrier (>95 %) and mechanical properties (30 %) of the PVOH film. Besides, functional properties like antioxidant and antibacterial actions were increased meaningfully by incorporating GSE and curcumin. However, the incorporation of GSE and curcumin slightly reduced the water vapor barrier property of the film without changing the thermal stability. When the combination of GSE and curcumin was used in a composite film, a unique effect was seen on the film properties. The PVOH/GSE/curcumin film with enhanced mechanical and functional properties can be used for active food packaging applications.

Bacterial Nanocellulose-A Biobased Polymer for Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Applications: Recent Advances and Developments.

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent findings related to bacterial cellulose application in bio-packaging industry. This constantly growing sector fulfils a major role by the maintenance of product safety and quality, protection against environmental impacts that affect the shelf life. Conventional petroleum-based plastic packaging are still rarely recyclable and have a number of harmful environmental effects. Herein, we discuss the most recent studies on potential good alternative to plastic packaging—bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), known as an ecological, safe, biodegradable, and chemically pure biopolymer. The limitations of this bio-based packaging material, including relatively poor mechanical properties or lack of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, can be successfully overcome by its modification with a wide variety of bioactive and reinforcing compounds. BNC active and intelligent food packaging offer a new and innovative approach to extend the shelf life and maintain, improve, or monitor product quality and safety. Incorporation of different agents BNC matrices allows to obtain e.g., antioxidant-releasing films, moisture absorbers, antimicrobial membranes or pH, freshness and damage indicators, humidity, and other biosensors. However, further development and implementation of this kind of bio-packaging will highly depend on the final performance and cost-effectiveness for the industry and consumers.