Bionanocomposite Films Research Articles

A hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/hydroxypropyl starch nanocomposite film reinforced with chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating cinnamon essential oil: Preparation and characterization

Active packaging derived from polysaccharides plays an important role in prolonging the shelf life of food. In this study, cinnamon essential oil (CEO)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) were prepared and embedded in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) blends to enhance the physicochemical and biofunctional properties of the formed films. Different concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 μL/mL) of CEOs were encapsulated with CNs to form CEO-CNs, as confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The prepared CEO-CNs were incorporated into the HPMC/HPS film-forming matrix to prepare reinforced nanocomposite films. SEM images showed that the CEO-CNs were dispersed in the HPMC/HPS matrix, thus filling the void space in the composite matrix and significantly improving the mechanical and barrier properties of the bio-nanocomposite films. The elongation at break of the reinforced films improved from 8.54 ± 0.53 MPa to 24.81 ± 0.47 MPa, and the water vapor permeability was reduced by nearly 30 %. FTIR and XRD analyses indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between CEO-CNs and HPMC/HPS polymer molecules. Release studies showed that the nanocomposite film was capable of sustained release of CEO, which imparted antioxidant (radical scavenging activity of 27.66–42.19 %) and antimicrobial properties (inhibition of Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus growth). Therefore, these HPMC/HPS nanocomposite films with enhanced properties may have great potential for food preservation.

Effect of food simulants on stability of copper oxide in bionanocomposite food packaging film

AbstractAddition of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) to poly (butylene‐adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) biopolymer blend produced bionanocomposite films with improved mechanical and oxygen barrier properties, as well as enhanced other benefits including antimicrobial activity. In this study, the PBAT/TPS‐CuO bionanocomposite films with varying CuONPs contents (0.05%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%) were challenged by food simulants (10% ethanol represented to aqueous food and 3% acetic acid represented to acidic food) in accordance with European Regulation 10/2011. CuONPs in the bionanocomposite films demonstrated good stability when exposed to 10% ethanol; however, it was dissolved in 3% acetic acid. The X‐ray diffraction and the energy dispersive spectroscopy results showed that CuONPs in the film were completely lost after acid exposure, whereas CuONPs in the films exposed to 10% EtOH were preserved. The maximum overall migration value was 5.0 mg/dm2. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of Cu in the simulants. The highest soluble Cu value of 12.39 mg/kg was detected from PBAT/TPS‐CuO2%, while migration value decreased as concentration ratio in film decreased. Although both values were within the threshold limits established by current legislation for non‐specific migration limit substances in food contact materials, the properties of bionanocomposite were altered. The mechanical properties of a post‐migrated PBAT‐TPS/CuO films taken from acidic conditions were reduced by 22% in tensile strength and 53% in elongation at break due to holes and microcracks on the film surface observed by scanning electron microscope. The average sealing strength of all bionanocomposite films decreased by about 25% after acid exposure. The oxygen permeability, on the other hand, was significantly improved, with a 16.3% reduction. Because the film had lost all of its active agent, film was unable to inhibit Escherichia coli growth. While 3% acetic acid caused dissolution of CuONPs and significant changes in properties of PBAT/TPS‐CuO film, 10% ethanol caused very minor to no changes in bionanocomposite film properties.

Enhanced properties of PBAT/TPS biopolymer blend with CuO nanoparticles for promising active packaging

Blending poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with thermoplastic starch (TPS) has been extensively investigated for cost reduction and better biodegradability. However, film blend showed poor thermal, mechanical and barrier properties. The feasibility of incorporating copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) at concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 2% to reinforce PBAT/TPS (70:30) films was studied. Melt flow index of the blend increased from 3.52 to 7.24 g/10 min as the CuONPs concentration increased, resulting in a decrease in torque during the blown-film extrusion. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction indicated that CuONPs were located in the TPS phase without modification of the crystalline structure. CuONP addition improved the thermal stability of PBAT/TPS by shifting the degradation temperature at T10% to a higher zone. During heat sealing, high conductivity of Cu promoted interfacial interactions across the film surfaces, resulting in stronger sealing. At 2% CuONPs, tensile strength increased by 29.1%, while Young’s modulus increased by 9.3% compared to PBAT/TPS. The hydrophilicity of TPS significantly reduced oxygen permeability of pristine PBAT by 28.7%, while low CuONP concentrations promoted the gas diffusion rate. Higher CuONP concentrations created more tortuous paths, increasing the oxygen barrier of the bionanocomposites to PBAT/TPS levels. Inclusion of CuONPs also improved the water vapor barrier property of PBAT/TPS films. The bionanocomposite film showed effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (99.7% reduction). These findings suggest that the PBAT/TPS-CuO bionanocomposite film can be feasibly produced and used in food packaging to preserve the food quality and extend the shelf-life of product.

N-succinyl chitosan-cellulose acetate-based bionanocomposite films: Preparation and characterization

N-succinyl chitosan-cellulose acetate-based bionanocomposite films: Preparation and characterization

Biogenic sunflower oil-chitosan decorated fly ash nanocomposite film using white shrimp shell waste: Antibacterial and immunomodulatory potential.

A new sunflower oil-chitosan decorated fly ash (sunflower oil/FA-CSNPs) bionanocomposite film was synthesized using the extract of Litopenaeus vannamei (White shrimp) and evaluated as an antibacterial and immunomodulatory agent. Fly ash-chitosan nanoparticles were produced by using chitosan (CS) isolated from white shrimp extract, glacial acetic acid and sodium tripolyphosphate solution as cross-linkage. The ultrafine polymeric sunflower oil-CS film was fabricated by treating fly ash-chitosan nanoparticles with sunflower oil in glacial acetic acid under continuous stirring for 24 h. The nanostructure of the fabricated polymeric film was confirmed and characterized by different microscopic and spectroscopic approaches. The surface morphology of pre-synthesized bionanocomposite film was found to be homogenous, even and without cracks and pores. The crystallinity of formed bionanocomposite film was noticed at angles (2θ) at 12.65°, 15.21°, 19.04°, 23.26°, 34.82°, and 37.23° in the XRD spectrum. The fabricated film displayed excellent stability up to 380 ⁰C. The formed sunflower oil/FA-CSNPs bionanocomposite film showed promising antibacterial towards Bacillus subtilis with highest zone of inhibition of 34 mm and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with zone of inhibition of 28 nm. The as-synthesized bionanocomposite film exhibited highest cell viability effect (98.95%), followed by FA-CSNPs (83.25%) at 200 μg mL-1 concentrations. The bionanocomposite film exerted notable immunomodulatory effect by promoting phagocytosis and enhancing the production of cytokines (NO, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in macrophage-derived RAW264.7 cell line.

Toughening mechanism of thermoplastic starch nano-biocomposite with the hybrid of nanocellulose/nanobentonite

High flexibility and toughness are key criteria for an effective bioplastic packaging film. However, in most studies, the flexibility of thermoplastic starch (TPS) films is always neglected when targeting their tensile strength improvement. Low film flexibility has limited the development of TPS films in replacing the petrochemical-based plastic packaging films. In this communication, we report a method to produce thermoplastic corn starch (TPCS) films with excellent mechanical strength, high flexibility and high toughness through the hybridization of two natural nanofillers: nanobentonite and nanocellulose. The synergistic effect of the hybrid nanofillers can be observed through the arrangement of alternating nacre structures where the nanobentonite silicate layers are responsible for mechanical strength, while the nanocellulose promotes free volume in the TPCS matrix and triggers high film elongation at break. Structural, morphological, and thermomechanical analysis were conducted, and the detailed strengthening mechanism of the TPCS hybrid nano-biocomposite films was revealed.

Bionanocomposites for active and smart food packaging: A review on its application, safety, and health aspects

AbstractIn recent years, the concept of plastic replacement and its optimal solution has commenced in the food‐packaging sector. In that line, integrating nanotechnology with food packaging to improve material properties, aligned with the concept of active and intelligent packaging, has attracted consumer and industry attention. This review outlines the basics of bionanocomposites (BNCs), processing techniques, and their corresponding functions in innovative packaging techniques. The barrier, thermal, mechanical, and functional properties of film and their application in different food products have been summarized. In addition, the migration properties, safety, and health aspects of the latest findings of various BNC films have been discussed. It has been observed that the addition of fillers in BNC matrix improves the overall physical and functional properties of the film. In addition, BNC is used as a smart indicator to signify the product quality during transportation and storage. However, this review connotes the need for more research on migration and health aspects of the human body and implied the requirement to select BNC for specific food matrices.Practical ApplicationThe effective action of nanotechnology in the field of food packaging was attempted to improve the material properties, aligned with the concept of active and intelligent packaging. The inclusion of nano‐sized particles into the organic matrices widely influenced its barrier, thermal, mechanical, and functional properties of the film. BNCs are also used as a smart indicator to indicate product quality throughout the storage and transportation. This article summarizes the basics of BNC, their processing techniques and functions in innovative packaging techniques, and their application in different food products. In addition, the migration properties, safety, and health aspects of the latest findings of various BNC films have been discussed in detail. This study will help researchers and industry experts to select the BNC for specific food matrices to improve the quality and safety of food product and human health.

Bioactive hybrid membrane-based cellulose acetate/bioactive glass/hydroxyapatite/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite for dental applications

The present work aimed to fabricate a set of hybrid bioactive membrane in the form of bio-nanocomposite films for dental applications using the casting dissolution procedures. The formulation of the targeted materials was consisting of cellulose acetate/bioactive glass/hydroxyapatite/carbon nanotubes with a general abbreviation CA-HAP-BG-SWCNTs. The nanocomposites were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX and Raman spectroscopy. XRD, FTIR and SEM characters confirm the nanocomposites formation with good compatibility. The fabricated materials had a semi crystalline structure. The mechanical and thermal properties, as well as contact angle and bioactivity of the fabricated nanocomposites were investigated. The SEM images for showed beehive-like architectures with a thicker frame for the second material. All fabricated materials showed good thermal behaviors. Furthermore, the agar diffusion antimicrobial study showed that the prepared nanocomposites do not exhibit an antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacterial strains. Additionally, cytotoxicity of a dental nanocomposite filling agent was evaluated. Vero normal cells were incubated with test materials for 72h at 37 °C and 5% CO2. Cell viability was detected using a SRB assay. All nanocomposites were mildly to non-cytotoxic to Vero cells at high concentration in contrast to the inhibitory effect of doxorubicin which was added at 10-fold lower concertation than the nanocomposites. Hence, the proposed nanocomposite is promising candidates for dental applications.

Bio-nanocomposites films based on unmodified and modified thermoplastic starch reinforced with chemically modified nanoclays.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10853-023-08354-1.

Waste Orange Peels as a Source of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Their Use for the Development of Nanocomposite Films.

To date, approximately 30-50% of food is wasted from post-harvesting to consumer usage. Typical examples of food by-products are fruit peels and pomace, seeds, and others. A large part of these matrices is still discarded in landfills, while a small portion is valorized for bioprocessing. In this context, a feasible strategy to valorize food by-products consists of their use for the production of bioactive compounds and nanofillers, which can be further used to functionalize biobased packaging materials. The focus of this research was to create an efficient methodology for the extraction of cellulose from leftover orange peel after juice processing and for its conversion into cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for use in bionanocomposite films for packaging materials. Orange CNCs were characterized by TEM and XRD analyses and added as reinforcing agents into chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (CS/HPMC) films enriched with lauroyl arginate ethyl (LAE®). It was evaluated how CNCs and LAE® affected the technical and functional characteristics of CS/HPMC films. CNCs revealed needle-like shapes with an aspect ratio of 12.5, and average length and width of 500 nm and 40 nm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the high compatibility of the CS/HPMC blend with CNCs and LAE®. The inclusion of CNCs increased the films' tensile strength, light barrier, and water vapor barrier properties while reducing their water solubility. The addition of LAE® improved the films' flexibility and gave them biocidal efficacy against the main bacterial pathogens that cause foodborne illness, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica.

Preparation, characterization, and application of soy protein isolate/Mg–Al layered double hydroxide-based bionanocomposite films

Preparation, characterization, and application of soy protein isolate/Mg–Al layered double hydroxide-based bionanocomposite films

Construction of eco-friendly and biologically active polycaprolactone/silicon dioxide-vitamin B9 bio-nanocomposite films: morphology, thermal, mechanical, and bioactivity investigations

Using bio-safe materials with biodegradable features is a new asset in bone tissue engineering. We modified the silicon dioxide (SiO2) NPs with Vitamin B9 (VB9) to improve their dispersion in the polycaprolactone (PCL) and used them as reinforcement for the fabrication of PCL/SiO2-VB9 bio-nanocomposite (bio-NC) films with 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt% of SiO2-VB9. The PCL/SiO2-VB9 bio-NC films were investigated by various analyses such as thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The TGA results showed about 6 wt% of VB9 on the surface of SiO2. Finally, the bioactive properties of the obtained PCL/SiO2-VB9 bio-NC films were evaluated.

Bionanocomposite films with plasticized WPI-jujube polysaccharide/starch nanocrystal blends for packaging fresh-cut carrots

New nanocomposite films with whey protein isolate (WPI, 5–10%), purified jujube polysaccharide (JPS, 5–15%) with a molecular weight of 1.35 × 105 Da, and ∼67.5 nm spherical-like starch nanocrystal (SNC, 0.32–3.68%) were optimally developed. The use of 10.0% WPI, 12.72% JPS, and 1.31% SNC resulted in the best physical (i.e., thickness: 0.15 mm, density: 0.86 g/cm3, contact angle: 66.9°, moisture content: 21.06%, water solubility: 41.68%, and moisture absorption: 77.56%), and mechanical (i.e., tensile strength: 14.0 MPa, elongation at break: 14.87%, and elastic modulus: 47.80 MPa) properties. Scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopies images proved that the SNC ensures the development of a more continuous and homogeneous surface with lower roughness. The optimal bionanocomposites with favorable water-vapor (0.63 ×10-10 g/m s Pa) and oxygen (9.62 cm3/m2 d atm) permeability better maintained the physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological properties of fresh-cut carrots than polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film during the cold storage.

Mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial properties of PLA/Jackfruit skin composites containing thymol and nanocellulose

Polylactic acid (PLA) and jackfruit waste, particularly jackfruit skin powder (JSP), are promising alternatives to produce active bionanocomposite films. The films were characterized by mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties. The presence of nanocellulose (NC) had more remarkable impacts on the tensile strength of neat PLA, and PLA/JSP, meanwhile addition of thymol EO led to an improvement in flexibility. The thermal degradation profile revealed the maximum degradation temperature of PLA and PLA/JSP with 3% NC shifted to a higher temperature indicating better thermal stability. The PLA/JSP composite with 5% loading of NC showed synergistic antibacterial efficiency since it promoted inhibition against S. Aureus. Therefore, this work may offer good potential for food packaging application, being an alternative to the environmental issue of conventional petroleum-based plastics.

Effect of the combined addition of ultrasonicated kraft lignin and montmorillonite on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose bionanocomposites.

Although hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) has been proposed as renewable substitute for traditional plastic, its barrier and active properties need to be improved. Thus, the combination of an organic residue such as kraft lignin (0-10% w/w) and a natural clay such as montmorillonite (3% w/w) by application of ultrasound can significantly improve HPMC properties. This is most likely due to the close interaction between lignin and montmorillonite, which leads to delamination of the clay and improves its dispersion within the HPMC matrix. Specifically, the addition of kraft lignin to the bionanocomposite films provided them with UV-shielding, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity. The incorporation of 3% montmorillonite resulted in reductions of 65.8% and 11.4% in oxygen (OP) and water vapor permeabilities (WVP), respectively. Moreover, a reduction of 43.8% in WVP was achieved when both lignin (1%) and montmorillonite (3%) were incorporated, observing a synergistic effect. Thus, the HPMC bionanocomposite with 1% lignin and 3% montmorillonite, presented good thermal stability and mechanical strength with significantly improved gas barrier permeability, as well as UV-shielding (maintaining a good transparency), antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Potential mediated electrochemical recycling and sensing of cadmium ions in wastewater over ZnO/SA-g-PPy biocomposite

Potentiometric sensing and electrochemical recycling of cadmium ions have been demonstrated over bio-nanocomposite film of zinc oxide, sodium alginate, and polypyrrole using a laboratory-designed electrochemical setup.

Chitosan based bio-nanocomposites packaging films with unique mechanical and barrier properties

An increased demand for eco-friendly bio-degradable food packaging material is arising to control the worldwide environmental crises due to petroleum derived plastic packaging. In this contribution, bio-nanocomposite films were synthesized by solvent casting. Chitosan was used as a matrix, glycerol as plasticizer and different plant extracts (Cinnamomum tamala, Amomum subulatum and Mentha piperita) served as additives. Two nanofillers i-e nano-keratin (derived from cross linked chicken feather keratin) and cellulose nanocrystals (derived from cellulose) were employed for nano-reinforcement of chitosan. Optimum addition of CNC significantly enhanced the tensile strength whereas nano-keratin addition increased the percent elongation of the prepared films. Interestingly, Synergistic effect of adding both nano fillers and extracts in chitosan matrix displayed 59% increase in tensile strength, 42% decrease in water vapor permeability and almost 2-fold increase in opacity. Bio-nanocomposite films exhibited better viscoelastic properties (higher glass transition temperature) as compared to chitosan control. A delayed melting and thermal degradation temperature of prepared bio-nanocomposite films was achieved that clearly showed significant thermal stability. Our results suggest that combinatorial use of CNC, nano-keratin and extracts in formulation of chitosan films exhibit a synergistic effect with enhanced thermo-mechanical and barrier properties for improved shelf life of packaged food.

High performance and multifunctional Janus bio-nanocomposite film for underwater actuators with excellent sensitivity and controllability

Stimuli-responsive materials have been increasingly explored to construct actuators and develop soft robots. Herein, one strategy via regulating lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) distribution in PVA network followed by alkaline treatment (AT) and pre-stretching to fabricate bio-nanocomposite derived Janus films with stimulus response is proposed. LCNF/PVA-AT film displays obvious asymmetric structure, good mechanical properties, and water-resistance. Based on Janus structure and Hofmeister effect of PVA in salt solution, the applied pre-stretching treatment further enables the as-prepared LCNF/PVA-AT film with an excellently smart and controllable responsiveness to salt solutions. In addition, by adjusting some factors including length–width ratio of the film, salt type and concentration, the deformation degree and response/recovery time of LCNF/PVA-AT film and its based actuators can be controllably designed. The study will enrich the development of green, sustainable and biodegradable polymers derived Janus films, and expand their wide potential applications in multifunctional actuators.

Development and characterization of novel active opopanax gum and gelatin bio-nanocomposite film containing zinc oxide nanoparticles and peppermint essential oil

Development and characterization of novel active opopanax gum and gelatin bio-nanocomposite film containing zinc oxide nanoparticles and peppermint essential oil

Degradation of Plasticised Poly(lactide) Composites with Nanofibrillated Cellulose in Different Hydrothermal Environments

In this study, bionanocomposite films based on poly(lactide) (PLA) plasticised with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (7.5 wt%) and reinforced with various contents of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) (1, 3, 5 wt%) were prepared. The hydrothermal degradation was investigated through immersion in several aqueous environments at temperatures of 8, 23, 58, and 70 °C as a function of time (7, 15, 30, 60, 90 days). The effect of water immersion on the physicochemical properties of the materials was assessed by monitoring the changes in the morphology, thermo-oxidative stability, thermal properties, and molar mass through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The hydrothermal degradation behaviour was not critically affected regardless of the nanofibrillated cellulose content. All the materials revealed certain integrity towards water immersion and hydrolysis effects at low temperatures (8 and 23 °C). The low hydrothermal degradation may be an advantage for using these PLA biocomposites in contact with water at ambient temperatures and limited exposure times. On the other hand, immersion in water at higher temperatures above the glass transition (58 and 70 °C), leads to a drastic deterioration of the properties of these PLA-based materials, in particular to the reduction of the molar mass and the disintegration into small pieces. This hydrothermal degradation behaviour can be considered a feasible option for the waste management of PLA/PEG/NFC bionanocomposites by deposition in hot aqueous environments.