Biodegradable Packaging Materials Research Articles

Comprehensive review of natural based hydrogels as an upcoming trend for food packing

The overwhelming use of plastic related to food packing is a major concern for governmental institutions around the world that are developing new policies aimed at reducing it and developing innovative and biodegradable food packaging materials. Hydrogels are composed of three-dimensionally cross-linked polymer chains capable of interacting and holding large amounts of water with high malleability and biocompatibility with foodstuff, prompting their application in the food industry as they can control moisture loss, transpiration produced by the food and can even reduce antimicrobial growth. However, under the significance of hydrogels, fresh research horizons are being unfolded as food packaging. The current status of the use of natural hydrogels based on proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and other biodegradable polymers as sustainable materials for food packaging has been reviewed. Moreover, special interest has been paid on their functionalization with bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds. Their incorporations into hydrogel's formulation seem to improve the mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films obtained, as well as extent the shelf-life of foodstuff. Finally, the recent applications of natural-based hydrogels in foodstuff have been compiled in this review. Although current research is still in its infancy, the outcomes obtained so far are promising and represent an interesting, innovative, and sustainable alternative to plastic materials in order to extend shelf-life of food products.

Investigations on mechanical properties of processed banana leaves for sustainable food packaging applications

Food packaging materials are an important aspect of our day-to-day applications. The usage of commercial food packaging materials such as polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and polyvinylchloride were being used to make disposable plates, cups, bowls, tumblers, spoons, sheets, and films. These disposable plastic containers discarded from takeaway orders decompose after many years. However, during the time in landfills, those disposable plastic containers clog the drainage systems, leak into waterways and seas, damaging marine life and causing ecological degradation. To address these issues, the packaging industries are focusing on producing biodegradable packaging materials that are designed to reduce waste. Thus, in this work, healthy, environment-friendly, and organic packing materials based on banana leave for food packing application is developed. The processed dry banana leaves were arranged with different stacking sequences to create multiple samples such as 2-layer, 3-layer, 4-layer, and 5-layers by using corn starch. The tensile strength of 2, 3, 4, and 5-layers are found to be 22.7%, 42.7%, 48%, and 56% higher when compared to 1-layer sample. The processed banana leaves showed enhanced shelf life of banana leaves by six months without the addition of any chemicals, resulting in a sustainable bio-based materials substitute for both plastic and paper.

The effect of polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate on the morphological characteristics and performance of thermoplastic starch/biodegradable polyester blend films

Although thermoplastic starch (TPS) has been developed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and environmental and health-related impacts from plastics, high moisture sensitivity and poor mechanical properties limited its practical applications. Blending TPS with biodegradable polyesters, i.e., poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA), is an alternative approach; however, the compatibility among polymer phases needs to be improved. Here, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate (Tween 60), an amphiphilic surfactant, was proposed to improve the compatibility and performance of the TPS/PLA/PBSA 40/30/30 blend. The concentration of Tween 60 varied in the range of 0.5–2.5 wt%. The blends were fabricated using an extruder through two different melt-mixing routes, i.e., direct mixing and masterbatch mixing, and then converted to film using a blown film extrusion line. Tween 60 could improve compatibility between TPS dispersed phase and PLA/PBSA matrix, resulting in increased tensile strength, extensibility, impact strength, thermal stability, and water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of the ternary blend. In addition, better performance of the blend was obtained from the direct mixing route. Tween 60 could thus be considered a potential compatibilizer for the TPS/PLA/PBSA blend film, which can be further used as a biodegradable packaging material.

Characterization of Biodegradable Food Contact Materials under Gamma-Radiation Treatment.

Radiation is an example of one of the techniques used for pasteurization and sterilization in various packaging systems. There is a high demand for the evaluation of the possible degradation of new composites, especially based on natural raw materials. The results of experimental research that evaluated the impact of radiation technology on biodegradable and compostable packaging materials up to 40 kGy have been presented. Two commercially available flexible composite films based on aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters (AA) were selected for the study, including one film with chitosan and starch (AA-CH-S) and the other with thermoplastic starch (AA-S). The materials were subjected to the influence of ionizing radiation from 10 to 40 kGy and then tests were carried out to check their usability as packaging material for the food industry. The results showed that the mechanical properties of AA-S films improved due to the radiation-induced cross-linking processes, while in the case of AA-CH-S films, a considerable decrease in the elongation at break was observed. The results also showed a decrease in the WVTR in the case of AA-S and no changes in barrier properties in the case of AA-CH-S. Both materials revealed no changes in the odor analyzed by sensory analysis. In the case of the AA-S films, the higher the radiation dose, the faster the biodegradation rate. In the case of the AA-CH-S film, the radiation did not affect biodegradation. The performed research enables the evaluation of the materials intended for direct contact with food. AA-CH-S was associated with unsatisfactory parameters (exceeding the overall migration limit and revealing color change during storage) while AA-S showed compliance at the level of tests carried out. The study showed that the AA-CH-S composite did not show a synergistic effect due to the presence of chitosan.

Polysaccharides for Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Past, Present, and Future (Brief Review).

The ecological problems emerging due to accumulation of non-biodegradable plastics are becoming more and more urgent. This problem can be solved by the development of biodegradable materials which will replace the non-biodegradable ones. Among numerous approaches in this field, there is one proposing the use of polysaccharide-based materials. These polymers are biodegradable, non-toxic, and obtained from renewable resources. This review opens discussion about the application of polysaccharides for the creation of biodegradable packaging materials. There are numerous investigations developing new formulations using cross-linking of polymers, mixing with inorganic (metals, metal oxides, clays) and organic (dyes, essential oils, extracts) compounds. The main emphasis in the present work is made on development of the polymer blends consisting of cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan, pectin, alginate, carrageenan with some synthetic polymers, polymers of natural origin, and essential oils.

Evaluation of the Effect of Castor Oil-Based Experimental Additives on Pla/Starch Foils

Biodegradable packaging materials are attracting more and more interest nowadays, the primary driving force of which is the generation of enormous amounts of plastic packaging waste. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two castor oil-based experimental additives on the properties of foils made from incompatible biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and native starch (10-50 wt%). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements and tensile tests were used. It was found that increasing the starch content affected the crystallization of PLA in the blends. Furthermore, since the additives did not significantly change the glass transition temperatures, the additives did not affect the mobility of PLA chains. Regarding the tensile tests, the tensile strength of the 60:40 PLA:starch longitudinal sample could be increased by approximately 10 and 6 MPa at 25 and -25 °C, respectively, when additives were introduced.

СВІТОВІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗВИТКУ РИНКУ БІОРОЗКЛАДНИХ ПАКУВАЛЬНИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ

In the article, the results of research on the analysis of the current state and forecast of the development of the global market for biodegradable packaging materials are presented. The main attention is paid to the analysis of the prospects for the development of the biodegradable packaging materials industry in the context of global environmental and economic challenges. During the research, modern trends, and forecasts for the growth of production and consumption volumes of biopolymer packaging solutions are discussed in detail, emphasizing their important role in the transition to a circular economy and the reduction of plastic waste. Special attention is given to the analysis of regulatory measures aimed at stimulating the use of sustainable packaging, as well as marketing strategies of leading manufacturing companies. The dynamics and forecasts of global biodegradable packaging production are analyzed. According to forecasts, this segment will reach 22 million tons by 2030 against the backdrop of intensified environmental regulation. The impact of regulatory initiatives aimed at limiting singleuse plastics on stimulating the bio-packaging market is explored. Marketing strategies of leading manufacturers for transitioning to sustainable packaging are analyzed. The structure and forecasts of the growth of bio-packaging consumption by industries are investigated, emphasizing that the food industry accounts for over 42% of demand. Key market barriers hindering the development of biopackaging are identified, including high costs and insufficient functionality of some materials.

СУЧАСНІ АСПЕКТИ ПЕРЕХОДУ ДО ВИКОРИСТАННЯ БІОРОЗКЛАДНИХ ПАКУВАЛЬНИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ

The article presents the results of research on the modern aspects of transitioning to the use of biodegradable packaging materials. The aim of the research is to determine the status and forecast of production of major types of biodegradable materials based on plant raw materials and bioplastics, to investigate their advantages and disadvantages when used as biodegradable packaging materials for various industrial sectors. The study analyzes current trends and prospects for the development of the biodegradable packaging market. Based on scientific sources, a rapid increase in the production volumes of such materials worldwide has been identified, driven by strengthened environmental standards and consumer demand. The main types of biodegradable packaging materials based on plant raw materials and bioplastics are systematized because of the research. Predictive models of their global production dynamics until 2028 have been constructed. A trend towards an increase in the share of third-generation biopolymers derived from renewable sources has been established. The characteristic features and properties of packaging made from plant materials and bioplastics are compared. The advantages and disadvantages of these types of biodegradable packaging are substantiated. The mechanism of biodegradation of such materials during composting with the formation of environmentally neutral compost is disclosed. It is concluded that widespread adoption of biodegradable packaging is an extremely relevant and priority direction of the "green" economy in accordance with the concept of sustainable development. Further scientific developments in this field will have significant practical importance.

Mushroom Mycelium-Based Biodegradable Packaging Material: A Promising Sustainable Solution for Food Industry

It is undeniable that many environments and areas are still full of waste. What’s more, it’s increasing annually. With a growing era, the use of plastic has also increased, especially in online sales that involve plastic as a package protector. With 40% of plastic production going to the packaging sector, an environmentally friendly replacement would be helpful. Furthermore, plastic materials such as styrofoam are considered harmful to both environment and human health. Mycelium is one of the materials that are affordable and easy to obtain. It is a fungus part that can bind and form a strong material with the support of sawdust. With characteristics similar with polystyrene, society, especially MSMEs, is expected to use this material as a substitute.

A Review on Importance of Biodegradable Packaging for Foods and Pharmaceuticals

Abstract:Everything we buy leaves a type of waste, particularly the packaging, which is thrown away when its contents are unpacked. One can hardly ignore the hazard plastic packaging poses to the environment. Plastic is a petroleum-based product that is a long‐term pollutant, it takes a very long time to degrade and is not fully biodegradable. The long-term development goals must incorporate protecting the environment and nonrenewable resources. Different review papers, research papers, books, book chapters, internet sources, and other relevant literature were used for writing this review paper. The finding of this review shows that in recent years, the interest of researchers has been evoked remarkably towards the development of packaging material in a more sustainable way. Biodegradable polymers such as starch, cellulose, Polylactic acid, Polycaprolactone, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, etc., have been modified to produce bio-based plastic films/materials which can replace petroleum-based plastic, thus reducing the environmental burdens associated with non-biodegradable and plastic products. Billions of tons of packaging waste are accumulating across the world and one should look for ways to incorporate materials that make less of an impact on the globe. The use of biodegradable packaging material is the solution to the problem of plastic waste accumulation as it is economically feasible and safe for our environment. Green or sustainable packaging will be possible only when eco-friendly packaging becomes a ‘must-have’ product feature.

Cassava starch-derived aerogels as biodegradable packaging materials

Biodegradable and natural materials can provide transformational solutions to environmental issues, particularly those associated with ubiquitous fossil-resources-derived conventional polymers like polyolefin thermoplastics and polystyrene foam as packaging materials. Herein, a facile approach is presented for preparing biodegradable and biocompatible lightweight structural scaffolds as an alternative to conventional plastic-based packaging materials. A variable dosage of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used along with cassava starch to govern the structural integrity, mechanical properties, and porosity of resultant aerogels. The incorporation of PVA as a strengthening precursor improved the compressive modulus of starch aerogel from 2.0 to 18.2 MPa. Hydrogen-based interactions between the starch and PVA components, as revealed by infrared spectroscopic and differential scanning calorimetric measurements, extended the structural integrity. The high and regulated porosity of these aerogels furnished significantly low density (0.13–0.21 mg mm−3). A 98.5% of the starch-PVA aerogel is converted to CO2 by the microbial consortia within 23 days, signifying excellent biodegradability of these aerogels. Moreover, cassava starch-PVA aerogel is demonstrated as alternative packing material to conventional non-biodegradable black plastic bags for growing, transporting, and transplanting young plants. The improved thermal stability (<270 °C), low density, good compressive modulus (2.0–18.2 MPa), and excellent biodegradability reveal the potential of starch-based aerogels as excellent alternatives to conventional polyolefin thermoplastics and polymer-foam-based packaging materials.

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.

Multifunctional nanocomposite based on polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose nanocrystals, titanium dioxide, and apple peel extract for food packaging

Although polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a potential biodegradable food packaging material, it has several critical limitations: low mechanical strength, poor ultraviolet (UV) and water vapor barrier properties, and lack of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Previous studies have used cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to improve the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of the PVA matrix. In this study, a multifunctional nanocomposite for food packaging applications was developed by incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) and apple peel extract (APE) into a PVA/CNC matrix. The combination of TiO2 and APE in the nanocomposites not only enhanced multifunctionality but also improved mechanical and barrier properties. The mechanical strength and water vapor barrier properties of PVA/CNC/TiO2/APE (5 wt% TiO2 and 20 wt% APE in the PVA/CNC matrix containing 5 wt% of CNCs) increased by 49.9 % and 36.6 % compared to PVA. Furthermore, PVA/CNC/TiO2/APE exhibited an excellent UV barrier (UV-protection factor of 1012.73) and high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In food packaging tests with fresh cherry tomatoes and potatoes, PVA/CNC/TiO2/APE effectively protected samples from external influences and prolonged their self-life, demonstrating the potential use of this nanocomposite as a biodegradable and multifunctional food packaging material.

Developing Self-Assembled Starch Nanoparticles in Starch Nanocomposite Films.

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) are synthesized by different precipitation techniques using corn starch, and SNP films are prepared by the evaporation casting method. The morphological study is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The distribution and sizes of precipitated SNPs after synthesizing are discovered by these methods as well. The crystallinity of the SNPs is studied by the X-ray diffractometry (XRD) method that demonstrates reduction compared to neat starch granules, and it is changed from A-style to VH-style after precipitation. The chemical bonding of different SNPs after the nanoprecipitation is analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrates the decomposition of starch nanoparticles and the starch matrix that is related to the depolymerization of carbon chains in the range of 260 to 350 °C. The mechanical properties of the SNP films versus the temperature changing are discovered by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The water contact angles of SNP films are measured using a goniometer, and the results showed the hydrophobic surfaces of the prepared films. Our study indicates that SNPs have a promising impact on the properties of corn starch films, which would be useful in biodegradable packaging material.

Development and properties of wheat straw nano-holocellulose and reduced graphene oxide composite films for active packaging materials

The nano-holocellulose was obtained from wheat straw, and a series of composite films were prepared from the nano-holocellulose and reduced graphene oxide by vacuum filtration. The properties of the resultant rGO/nano-holocellulose films were researched, including morphology, XRD analysis, mechanical properties, UV-Vis transparency, contact angle, water vapor permeabilities, swelling properties, thermogravimetric analysis, and electrical conductivity. The results demonstrated that the tensile properties of the films were augmented by 639.8 %, as high as 88.70 MPa with the 8 % content of the rGO. The maximum UV transmittances of the 10 % rGO-Film in the far ultraviolet region, the middle ultraviolet region, and the near-ultraviolet region were 0.1 %, 0.4 %, and 2.1 %, respectively, which could blocked the penetration of ultraviolet light to a great extent. In addition, the hydrophilicity, water vapor permeability value, and swelling ratio of the composite films were reduced, and moreover, the composite films were endowed with the ability to conduct electricity. Compared with the 0 % rGO-Film, the contact angle of the 10 % rGO-Film was increased by about twice, and the water vapor permeability value was decreased by 10.7 %. Furthermore, 10 % rGO-Film exhibited an approximately 25-fold in conductivity compared to 1 % rGO-Film. Therefore, the nano-holocellulose based composite films have good application prospects in biodegradable packaging materials. • The composite film was prepared by nano-holocellulose and rGO. • The composite film was obtained by the vacuum filtration. • The tensile and UV resistance properties of the films were greatly enhanced by rGO. • The films were endowed with electrical conductivity by the rGO. • The composite films could be applied in packaging materials.

Preparation and Study of Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Plasticized Chitosan Films

Biodegradable polymer-based packaging materials are a practical replacement for traditional plastic packaging made of fossil fuels. The molecular weight and the kind of plasticizer present in these materials are the two primary variables influencing their usability and performance. This study set out to physically blend chitosan to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of chitosan cast films. A chitosan extract with a molecular weight of 2.702x105 g/mole with an 80% degree of deacetylation level was produced from the shells of local shrimp. Chitosan films plasticized with varied w/w ratios of diethylene glycol and poly(ethylene glycol) with molecular weights of 400 and 1500 g/mole were produced by casting from 2%acetic acid solutions. By using FTIR to analyze them, it was found that their spectra were compared to those of native chitosan, showing that the main backbone of the chitosan structure was unaffected. An examination of the mechanical properties of the films revealed that the results of the tensile strength measurement showed that the combination of diethylene glycol and poly(ethylene glycol) improved the mechanical properties of chitosan as films were obtained with more elasticity than unplasticized chitosan with better solubility.

Jackfruit seed starch/tamarind kernel xyloglucan/zinc oxide nanoparticles-based composite films: Preparation, characterization, and application on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits

Agricultural by-products such as jackfruit seed starch (JSS) and tamarind kernel xyloglucan (XG) were extracted, characterized, and utilized to develop biodegradable food packaging materials. JSS/XG nanocomposite films were prepared by reinforcing with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs). The blending of JSS with XG reduces the hydrophilicity of the composite films and improves the material strength. The rheological tests indicate that ZNPs incorporation improved the apparent viscosity and dynamic moduli of the film-forming solutions. The ZNPs-loaded nanocomposites showed enhanced UV and water vapor barrier properties. The addition of ZNPs effectively transferred the stress to the interface and increased the mechanical properties. The stress relaxation study shows that ZNPs-incorporated films exhibited better resistance to stress relaxation and polymer chain breakage. The FTIR spectra revealed the formation of non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding between polymers and nanoparticles. The XRD results demonstrate that ZNPs incorporation increased the crystallinity of the nanocomposites. The SEM micrographs showed an increase in surface roughness and aggregates with the increase in ZNPs concentration. The increased glass transition and melting temperatures in the ZNPs-loaded films indicate enhanced thermal stability. The nanocomposite films demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . The prepared formulations were used to coat tomato fruits, which resulted in delayed quality loss and extended shelf-life. Therefore, the prepared JSS/XG/ZNPs nanocomposites are promising eco-friendly packaging materials that could be used to extend the shelf-life of food products. • Starch/xyloglucan/zinc oxide nanoparticles-based films were prepared. • The ZNPs incorporation improved the mechanical strength and water vapor barrier. • The ZNPs-loaded films showed increased crystallinity and enhanced thermal stability. • The JSS/XG/ZNP nanocomposites exhibited strong antimicrobial activity. • The nanocomposites-based coating reduced the weight and texture losses of tomatoes.

Green-in-green biohybrids as transient biotriboelectric nanogenerators

Green self-powered devices based on biodegradable materials have attracted widespread attention. Here, we propose the construction of the transient biotriboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using green-in-green bionanocompoites. The green-in-green nanocomposites, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), are prepared with a high-pressure molding method. The CNC promotes the degradation and enhances the dielectric constant of CNC/PHB. It further allows for the significant improvement of the triboelectric output of CNC/PHB-based TENG. The voltage output and current output of CNC/PHB-based TENG are 5.7 and 12.5 times higher than those of pristine PHB-based TENG, respectively. Also, the bio-TENG exhibits admirable signal stability in over 20000 cycles. Despite the high hardness of CNC/PHB, a soft but simple-structured arch sensor is successfully assembled using CNC/PHB-based TENG. It can attain the precise real-time monitoring of various human motions. This study may provide new insights into the design/fabrication of green functional materials, and initiate the next wave of innovations in eco-friendly self-powered devices.

Инновационные технологии переработки комбинированного рыбного и растительного сырья

The article considers the innovative techniques of processing the agro-food raw materials. There has been analyzed a structural scheme of processing plant and animal raw materials using modern technologies. The review of scientific, technical and patent literature was done, which allowed to define the main directions of further research in the field of complex processing of fish and vegetable raw materials. The stages of transition from traditional agro-food technologies to energy-saving ones have been formulated. Methods of enriching fish and vegetable products with protein hydrolysates obtained from low-value fish meat have been described. It is proposed to use CO2 extracts from spicy-aromatic and medicinal herbal raw materials as antioxidant enriching agents. To remove the excess moisture from fish and vegetable raw materials, it is recommended to use heated inert gases as drying agents under the influence of a low-frequency electromagnetic field. High-tech techniques include using the light water products with a reduced deuterium content in formulations, enriching the chemical composition of products with CO2 extracts of spices, processing the raw materials with argon and a low-frequency electromagnetic field, using the biodegradable packaging materials.

Antioxidant poly (lactic acid) films with rice straw extract for food packaging applications

Antioxidant PLA films incorporating 2%, 4% and 6% of phenol-rich extract from rice straw (RS) were obtained by melt blending and compression-moulding. Aqueous RS extract was obtained by a combined ultrasound-reflux heating method and characterised as to its total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity. The effect of the extract ratio on the functional properties of the films was analysed, as well as the release kinetics of antioxidants in food simulants (ethanol 10% and 50%). Extract incorporation slightly reduced the strength of the polymer matrix, stretchability, resistance to break, barrier capacity and thermostability, while films became brownish and gained antioxidant capacity. Phenolic compounds from the extract were effectively released into food simulants, depending on the extract concentration, the food simulant and contact time. The radical scavenging capacity of the films reached asymptotic values from about 150 h contact time, and films with 6% of the extract exhibited similar values for both simulants. So, PLA films with approximately 6% of extract could be used as biodegradable active packaging material with antioxidant capacity in both aqueous foods (simulant A) and more fatty products (simulant D1). Further studies are required to verify the antioxidant efficiency of the films in real foods.