Active Biodegradable Films Research Articles

Application of Antioxidant‐ and Antimicrobial‐Rich Extracts From Hass Avocado Pulp in the Development of Chitosan/Gelatin‐Based Active Packaging Films for Raw Meat Preservation

ABSTRACTIn the present study, the ethanolic extracts derived from Hass avocado pulp were observed to exhibit exceptional bioactive qualities and demonstrate bactericidal efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms, encompassing both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Therefore, this work aimed to develop a biodegradable active film by incorporating the Hass avocado extracts into chitosan/gelatin‐based film (HGCF) for the preservation of beef and pork. The study reveals that the chitosan/gelatin‐based film (GCF) and HGCF exhibit significant water stability and absorption capabilities. HGCF offered the synergy of antimicrobial properties of Hass avocado extracts and high swelling in water of chitosan/gelatin blend to absorb liquid discharged from fresh meat for prolonged storage. HGCF demonstrated a significant effectiveness in controlling microbial density in comparison to uncoated samples and samples coated with plain gelatin/chitosan film. In detail, HGCF was able to partially eliminate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli during storage, resulting in the densities after 14 days that were similar to those of uncoated meat samples after 6 days. These results demonstrate the potential of HGCF as active packaging for food preservation and advance the sustainable production and preservation of meat products.

Biodegradable active films based on Chlorella biomass and cellulose nanocrystals isolated from hemp stalk fibers

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-reinforced biopolymers have emerged as a widely embraced approach for enhancing the characteristics of biopolymers due to their exceptional properties. Biocomposite (Chl-CNC) films were fabricated by blending Chlorella biomass and varying concentrations of CNCs via a solution casting technique. CNCs were effectively isolated from hemp stalk fibers, as confirmed by structural, surface, thermal, and morphological analysis. The crystallinity of films increased by CNC incorporation, which was confirmed by the XRD. The presence of molecular interactions between CNC and protein-rich Chlorella biomass was illustrated with the FTIR analysis. These interactions enhanced the physicochemical properties of the films. Further, films demonstrated a high level of soil biodegradation in the 42 days, while their total phenolic, chlorophyll, carotenoid contents, and antibacterial activity were unaffected by the incorporation of CNCs. The Chl-CNC films, regardless of CNC addition, indicated antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia coli but not Staphylococcus aureus. These results indicate that developed biobased and biodegradable Chl-CNC films could be highly beneficial in active food packaging applications.

Biodegradable active composite film based on pea protein isolate, sage seed gum, and cumin essential oil: Fabrication and characterization

The present study perused the physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, barrier, and optical properties of pea protein isolate (PPI)-Sage seed gum (SG) (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3) composite films incorporated with cuminum essential oil (CEO, 0, 1, and 2 %). Results indicated that the thickness, contact angle (CA), yellowness index (a*), total color differences (∆E), and opacity (OP) significantly enhanced with increasing PPI portion and CEO concentration (p < 0.05), as well as heterogeneous and inconsistent structure were increased in film surface due to protein agglomeration and oil droplets. However, the moisture content (MC), water solubility (WS), and swelling ratio (SR) decreased. Results also indicated that the antioxidant property significantly increased (P < 0.05) following the increase in CEO concentration. The highest tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (EM) and the least elongation at break (EAB) in PPI 3-SG 1–0 % were estimated. The potential antimicrobial property of CEO containing film was confirmed, and the maximum inhibition zone for E.coli, S.aureus, C.albicans, and A.niger were measured in film containing 2 % CEO. The barrier properties of the film against water and oxygen (WVP, OXP) diminished with increases the SG ratios, due to the hydrophilic nature of SG. The FTIR analysis identified the functional groups in film components and the interaction between film components. The DSC thermogram indicated the thermal stability of films and the highest decomposition temperature in PPI 3-SG 1–2 % film. XRD revealed a semi-crystalline structure of biopolymer active films. With the increase of SG portion and CEO concentration, the crystallinity of the films was enhanced. Results also indicated that prepared films were more than 90 % biodegradable.

Effects of starch filling on physicochemical properties, functional activities, and release characteristics of PBAT-based biodegradable active films loaded with tea polyphenols

In this work, the modification of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) was combined with the development of active packaging films. PBAT, starch, plasticizer, and tea polyphenols (TP) were compounded and extrusion-blown into thermoplastic starch (TPS)/PBAT-TP active films. Effects of TPS contents on physicochemical properties, functional activities, biodegradability, and release kinetics of PBAT-based active films were explored. Starch interacted strongly with TP through hydrogen bonding and induced the formation of heterogeneous structures in the films. With the increase in TPS contents, surface hydrophilicity and water vapor permeability of the films increased, while mechanical properties decreased. Blending starch with PBAT greatly accelerated degradation behavior of the films, and the T30P70-TP film achieved complete degradation after 180 days. As TPS contents increased, swelling degree of the films increased and TP release were improved accordingly, resulting in significantly enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This work demonstrated that filling starch into PBAT-based active films could achieve different antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the films by regulating film swelling and release behavior.

Characterization of Cha-Kram leaf extract powder using ultrasound-assisted extraction and its application in gelatin-based film as biodegradable active film

Poor management of plastic waste leads to environmental pollution, a problem that has been tackled by introducing biodegradable plastic containing bioactive compounds, as an alternative to traditional plastics. This research investigated the effects of different solvents (water or ethanol) and ultrasonic extraction conditions (ultrasonic power: 30 %, 60 %, or 90 %; extraction times: 15 or 30 min) on the physical and functional properties of dechlorophylled Cha-Kram leaf extract powder (DCKLEP). The highest antioxidant activities were extracted using 60 % ultrasonic power and 30 min of extraction time (60 % DCKLEP-alc 30 min). In addition, the effects of different concentrations of 60 % DCKLEP-alc 30 min (0, 0.375, 0.75, 1.5, or 3 %) on the attributes of gelatin films were evaluated. The results indicated that increasing the 60 % DCKLEP-alc 30 min concentration significantly (p< 0.05) enhanced the thickness, mechanical and thermal properties, light barrier properties, and antioxidant activities of the film. The structure of the film was modified due to the interactions between gelatin and 60 % DCKLEP-alc 30 min, as confirmed using FTIR analysis. The antioxidant activities and UV–visible light barrier property were improved by increasing the 60 % DCKLEP-alc 30 min concentration in the film. Thus, gelatin film containing 60 % DCKLEP-alc 30 min could potentially serve as an environmental-friendly, active film.

Active biodegradable film with garlic essential oil: From elaboration to cytotoxicity and preliminary assessment of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

The present study focused on the development of sustainable active packaging based on cellulose acetate (CA) incorporated with 0, 1, 2, and 3% of garlic essential oil (GEO), referred to as films F0, F1, F2, and F3, respectively. The investigation aimed to determine whether exposure to these films could affect the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 to GEO and certain antibiotics. For this, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion assays were conducted. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the materials was evaluated using mammalian cell lines (VERO and HEK), and they were tested as active packaging on a food matrix (ricotta cheese). The films exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, with film F3 showing the most significant effect. Moreover, the pre-exposure for 24 h to the films did not alter the MIC of GEO against S. aureus (39 μL.L−1), nor altered the susceptibility of the microorganism to the tested antibiotics. Besides that, the films were not cytotoxic to the VERO and HEK cells. When tested as active packaging on ricotta cheese, for 14 days at 5 °C, the film F3 exhibited the highest activity against molds and yeasts, achieving a reduction of approximately 3-log cycles compared to the control (F0) by the 14th day of analysis. However, the films were ineffective against psychrotrophic bacteria, with their counts exceeding 9-log. Overall, the results seemed promising and highly relevant, as few studies to date have explored the role of active films as a stress factor in microbial resistance.

Development of active biodegradable films based on bacterial cellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol) and antioxidant food complex for application in food packaging

Development of active biodegradable films based on bacterial cellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol) and antioxidant food complex for application in food packaging

Propolis ethanol extract functionalized chitosan/Tenebrio molitor larvae protein film for sustainable active food packaging

The application of novel insect proteins as future food resources in the food field has attracted more and more attention. In this study, a biodegradable antibacterial food packaging material with beneficial mechanical properties was developed using Tenebrio molitor larvae protein (TMP), chitosan (CS) and propolis ethanol extract (PEE) as raw materials. PEE was uniformly dispersed in the film matrix and the composite films showed excellent homogeneity and compatibility. There are strong intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions between CS, TMP, and PEE in the films, which exhibit the structure characteristics of amorphous materials. Compared with CS/TMP film, the addition of 3 % PEE significantly enhanced the elongation at break (34.23 %), water vapor barrier property (22.94 %), thermal stability (45.84 %), surface hydrophobicity (20.25 %), and biodegradability of the composite film. The composite film has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which were enhanced with the increase of PEE content. These biodegradable films offer an eco-friendly end-of-life option when buried in soil. Composite films can effectively delay the spoilage of strawberries and extend the shelf life of strawberries. Biodegradable active packaging film developed with insect protein and chitosan can be used as a substitute for petroleum-based packaging materials, and has broad application prospects in the field of fruits preservation.

Development of active film based on collagen and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose incorporating apple polyphenol for food packaging

Collagen (COL)-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) blended films with apple polyphenol (AP) as cross-linking agent and antioxidant compound were developed to produce biodegradable active packaging film. The effects of AP content on the rheological behavior of the blended solution, the structure, physicochemical and functional properties of the blended film were systematically investigated. The incorporation of AP increased the viscosity and reduced the fluidity of COL-HPMC solution. The results of rheological tests and FTIR analysis manifested the formation of hydrogen bonding interactions between collagen, HPMC and AP, which made the structures of COL-HP-AP films more compact. The mechanical strength, UV-blocking ability, water-resistance performance and thermostability were gradually enhanced as increasing AP content. DPPH free radical scavenging experiment showed that a small amount of AP could efficiently improve the antioxidant activity of COL-HP film, and with increasing AP content to 5 wt%, the scavenging rate was as high as 94.23 %. Active film containing 5 wt% AP showed obvious antibacterial effect on E. coli and S. aureus, and it could effectively prevent the oxidation of vitamin C and reduce the accumulation of MDA on green pepper during the storage. COL-HP-AP films have great potential in food packaging field for extending the shelf life of food.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Extract as a Natural Additive in Food Packaging Biodegradable Films to Improve Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Physicochemical Properties.

In this study, biodegradable active films were prepared from potato starch and polyvinyl alcohol at different proportions, mixed with acetone extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) and using glycerol as a plasticizer. Functional properties, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Potato starch films with a proportion of polyvinyl alcohol up to 50% and HS extract had significant antioxidant capacity and antibacterial effect against most of the analyzed strains. Adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and HS extract improved the mechanical performance and reduced water vapor permeability of the materials. The active biobased films with HS extract presented good physicochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These materials are considered as suitable for food packaging, and the active compounds in the roselle extract are a natural antibacterial option for the food area. The materials based entirely on biodegradable products are an excellent alternative when developing and marketing biobased materials, minimizing the environmental impact of food packaging.

In vitro bioactivity of biodegradable films based on chitosan/quince seed mucilage reinforced with ZnO-nanoparticle

In this study, biodegradable active films were designed by adding ZnO-NPs to the quince seed mucilage/chitosan matrix. The films were investigated for characterization and in vitro bioactivity. According to the results, a significant decrease in moisture content, water holding capacity and light (L*) occurred with the addition of ZnO-NP. (p < 0.05). FT-IR spectra showed the interaction between ZnO-NPs and N-H quince seed mucilage and chitosan groups. Nanocomposite films containing ZnO-NP showed improved thermal stability. The developed bionanocomposite films were easily buried in soil and subjected to degradation. The minimum degradation of the film in soil after 20 days was 62.02%. The maximum cell viability (%) of C/ZnO-NP and C/QSM/ZnO-NP films were determined as 86.81% and 91.22%, respectively, and the films were found to be non-toxic. Moreover, while the quince seed mucilage film did not show antibacterial performance, chitosan and ZnO NPs showed antibacterial effects against the tested bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 7644) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 35,150). In this context, the design bionanocomposite films can be used as an active food packaging material for food preservation by controlling food-borne pathogens. In addition, the developed films do not pose a threat to the environment and therefore have great potential for the sustainable food packaging industry.

Gelatin/sodium alginate-based biodegradable films functionalized by persimmon pectin/ovalbumin-stabilized neem essential oil Pickering emulsion: Application for cherry tomato preservation

This work aims to develop a biodegradable film with enhanced mechanical, water-barrier, and antimicrobial characteristics for the preservation of cherry tomatoes. Here, a persimmon pectin/ovalbumin (PN/OVA) stabilized-neem essential oil Pickering emulsion (NOPE) was added into the gelatin/sodium alginate-based blend matrix (GS). Even the biodegradability and transmittance of NOPE-rich film were decreased as compared to the control film, its flexibility, oxygen-barrier, and water-barrier performances significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 45.23 %, 32.32 %, and 37.02 %, respectively. The NOPE-loaded films destroyed the hyphal structure and reduced spore germination of Botrytis cinerea through slow-releasing neem essential oil (NO), in turn inhibiting the growth of B. cinerea. Finally, the prepared films were applied for cherry tomato preservation. Compared with the control, 2.0 wt%-loaded GS films greatly reduced the weight loss and disease incidence of cherry tomatoes by 57.33 and 72.4 %, respectively, owing to their excellent water resistance and slow-released properties. Thus, the addition of 2.0 wt% NOPE into GS film is of particular interest in the design of active biodegradable packaging films for fruit preservation.

Valorization of agricultural residues in the development of biodegradable active packaging films

The demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging has urged the use of agricultural wastes in food packaging. Agricultural residues are good and cheap sources of biopolymers which are the major materials required for development of biodegradable films. These residues are generally subjected to the extraction of biopolymers which are further utilized for the preparation of biodegradable films. In the present research, orange peels were directly utilized for the development of biodegradable packaging films. Wheat straw and rice husk in different concentrations (i.e. 0%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12%) were used as reinforcement material/filler in orange peel films. The effect of fillers on mechanical (thickness, tensile strength & elongation at break), structural (FTIR, SEM), optical, water barrier (WVP, water solubility, swelling index) active (DPPH antioxidant and antimicrobial activity) and biodegradation properties was evaluated. The results reported a significant increase in thickness, tensile strength and opacity in reinforced films compared to native orange peel films. However, the tensile properties increased upto 6% and decreased above this concentration due to agglomeration of filler particles in film matrix. Moisture contents, swelling index, solubility, WVP, biodegradability and elongation at break decreased with increasing filler concentration. FTIR results showed physical interaction between film components and fillers. SEM results revealed that the films reinforced with wheat straw and rice husk showed rough surface. Moreover, reinforcement also improved the active properties of orange peel films. RH and WS being rich sources of bioactive compounds, significantly enhanced DPPH scavenging activity and TPC. All films showed a clear inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus.

Konjac glucomannan films incorporated pectin-stabilized Mandarin oil emulsions: Structure, properties, and application in fruit preservation

To enhance the water-resistance and antibacterial properties of KGM films, mandarin oil (MO), was directly emulsified by pectin and then dispersed to the KGM matrix. The effect of MO concentration (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2 wt%) on the performance of the film-forming emulsions as well as the emulsion films was investigated. The results revealed that pectin could encapsulate and protect MO, and KGM as film matrix could further contributed to the high stability of the film-forming emulsions. The FT-IR, XRD, and SEM suggested that MO stabilized by pectin was uniformly distributed in the KGM matrix. The compatibility and good interaction between KGM and pectin contributed to highly dense and compact structure. Furthermore, increasing the concentration of MO effectively improved water-resistance, oxygen barrier, and antimicrobial activity of the KGM based films. The 1.5 wt% MO loaded KGM film had the highest tensile strength (72.22 MPa) and water contact angle (θ = 95.73°), reduced the WVP and oxygen permeability by about 25.8 % and 32.8 times, respectively, prolonged the shelf life of strawberries for 8 days. As demonstrated, the 1.5 wt% MO-loaded KGM film has considerable potential for high-performance natural biodegradable active films to ensure food safety and reduce environmental impacts.

Fabrication of biodegradable and antibacterial films of chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone containing Eucalyptus citriodora extracts

The main objective of this work is to develop biodegradable active films through the combination of the extracts with different solvents sourced from Eucalyptus citriodora leaves, with films made of chitosan (Cs) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Chromatographic profiling investigations were carried out to examine the antibacterial characteristics of E. citriodora extracts before their direct incorporation into the polymer films. At this point, the potent antimicrobial properties of the phenol compounds and bioactive components demonstrated an antibacterial activity that was particularly noticeable at a hexane resolution. Different morphological characteristics were seen on films made from these solvent extracts, such as Cs/PVP-AE, Cs/PVP-EAE, and Cs/PVP-HE, when scanning electron microscopy was used. Numerous other outcomes of all the interactions between the extract particles and the film were shown by the pores defined by the Cs/PVP film's porous nature. The addition of the extracts, either alone or in combination, greatly enhanced the Cs/NC/PVP films' mechanical characteristics. It has also been shown that adding plant extracts greatly increased the antibacterial activity of these films. These findings reveal that Cs/PVP films loaded with extract may be utilized as more environmentally acceptable substitutes for possible food packaging application by increasing shelf life of food products.

Enhanced carbohydrate-based plastic performance by incorporating cerium-based metal-organic framework for food packaging application

The development of biodegradable active packaging films with hydrophobic characteristics is vital for extending the shelf life of food and reducing the reliance on petroleum-based plastics. In this study, novel hydrophobic cerium-based metal-organic framework (Ce-MOF) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. The Ce-MOF nanoparticles were then incorporated into the cassava starch matrix at varying concentrations (0.5 %, 1.5 %, 3 %, and 4 % w/w of total solid) to fabricate cassava-based active packaging films via the solution casting technique. The influence of Ce-MOF on the morphology, thermal attributes, and physicochemical properties of the cassava film was subsequently determined through further analyses. Biomedical analysis including antioxidant activity and the cellular morphology evaluation in the presence of the films was also conducted. The results demonstrated that the consistent dispersion of Ce-MOF nanofillers within the cassava matrix led to a significant enhancement in the film's crystallinity, thermal stability, antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, and hydrophobicity. The introduction of Ce-MOF also contributed to the film's reduced water solubility. Considering these outcomes, the developed cassava/Ce-MOF films undoubtedly have significant potential for active food packaging applications.

Application of Active Biodegradable Film from Sago Starch and Garlic Extract in Paneer Packaging to Control Physico-chemical Changes During Storage

Application of Active Biodegradable Film from Sago Starch and Garlic Extract in Paneer Packaging to Control Physico-chemical Changes During Storage

Development and characterization of wheat mill by-product films enriched with commercial rosemary extract

This study aimed to develop and characterize an active film from a wheat mill by-product little explored, named Glue Flour (GF) enriched with a commercial rosemary extract (RE). First, RE was characterized by its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Subsequently, films were elaborated by the casting technique and characterized by the thickness, moisture content, solubility, mechanical and barrier properties, optical characteristics, and their bioactive activities. The RE concentrations tested in films were 1, 5, 10, and 20% (v⋅wwater-1). RE showed antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus brasiliensis; however, it did not inhibit Escherichia coli growth. Film solubility and moisture were approximately 12 and 35%, respectively. The addition of RE weakened the films mechanical and barrier properties. As the color of RE is green, the films tended to this coloration, lost luminosity, and the opacity increase was proportional to the RE concentration. Low luminosity indicates better barrier properties against UV light. From Pearson's correlation test (p &lt; 0.05), the films concentration of RE, antioxidant activity, and inhibition zone (IZ) demonstrated a positive and significant correlation. This study demonstrated a by-product and a commercial RE potential in developing active biodegradable films.

Исследование свойств пищевых пленок на основе агара с добавлением функциональных компонентов

Abstract. In conditions of increasing environmental load from accumulated synthetic packaging materials in environmental objects, there is a need to develop new compositions of biodegradable films that additionally have functional properties to increase the shelf life of products. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the production of new types of biodegradable active films with the addition of protein hydrolyzate as an active component, as well as data on their properties. The purpose of the study is to establish the properties of biodegradable films based on agar with the addition of a suspension of protein hydrolyzate and CMC as active components. Research methods. The control (composed of agar and glycerin) and test samples of films (composed of agar, glycerin and a suspension of MCC and protein hydrolyzate in an amount of 5, 10 and 15 % by weight of the biocomposite) were determined for mechanical properties, microstructure, antioxidant properties, vapor permeability, solubility, and moisture absorption. Results. The introduction of a suspension into the composition of the biocomposite had a negative effect on the mechanical strength of the film – the tensile strength decreased from 9,71 MPa for the control sample to 3,35 MPa for the test sample with 15 % suspension, while the relative elongation was maximum for the sample with 10 % suspension – 54,9 %. The antioxidant properties of the films increased with the addition of the suspension: the antiradical activity of DPPH increased from 57.65 % in the control sample to 63.81 % in the test sample with 15 % suspension, and the phenol content – from 0.253 in the control sample to 0.502 mEq of gallic acid per 1 g for a prototype with 10% suspension. It was noted that the addition of the suspension had a significant effect on vapor permeability and moisture absorption. Thus, the results obtained showed the need for further research into the storage capacity of food products with different humidity levels when packaged in tested films.

Sustainable food packaging: Harnessing biowaste of Terminalia catappa L. for chitosan-based biodegradable active films for shrimp storage

Shrimp, a globally consumed perishable food, faces rapid deterioration during storage and marketing, causing nutritional and economic losses. With a rising environmental consciousness regarding conventional plastic packaging, consumers seek sustainable options. Utilizing natural waste resources for packaging films strengthens the food industry. In this context, we aim to create chitosan-based active films by incorporating Terminalia catappa L. leaves extract (TCE) to enhance barrier properties and extend shrimp shelf life under refrigeration. Incorporation of TCE improves mechanical, microstructural, UV, and moisture barrier properties of the chitosan film due to cross-linking interactions, resulting in robust, foldable packaging film. Active TCE film exhibits high antioxidant property due to polyphenols. These films also exhibited low wettability and showed hydrophobicity than neat CH films which is essential for meat packaging. These biodegradable films offer an eco-friendly end-of-life option when buried in soil. TCE-loaded films effectively control spoilage organisms, prevent biochemical spoilage, and maintain shrimp freshness compared to neat CH films during refrigerated condition. The active TCE film retains sensory attributes better than neat chitosan, aligning with consumer preference. The developed edible and active film from waste sources might offer sustainable, alternative packaging material with a lower carbon footprint than petroleum-based sources.