Biodegradable Packaging Materials Research Articles

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Indian Oyster Mushroom Mycelium/Sawdust Composites for Biodegradable Packaging Materials

Mycelium-based composite (MBC) offers an excellent sustainable alternative to hydrocarbon-based materials, especially styrofoam for packaging, due to its abundance of fungal mycelium that grows quickly on agricultural substrates, its biodegradable and its lightweight. The mycelium of a commercial mushroom species, Pleurotus ostreatus (PO), is used to fabricate MBC for packaging materials. Another species, Pleurotus pulmonarius (PP), prefers warmer weather, making it more common in tropical countries. Nevertheless, there is a lack of studies of PP mycelium-based composites and their mechanical and physical properties. This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties of PP mycelium/sawdust composite and compared to PO mycelium/sawdust composite. The results showed that the average density of PP/sawdust and PO/sawdust composites were 292.14 and 272.17 kg/m3, respectively, which fell within the range of low-density polyurethane foam. The final mass gain due to water absorption into PO/sawdust specimens was 144.04%, 1.41 times lower than PP/sawdust specimens. Furthermore, PP/sawdust composite exhibited 7.5 times faster water absorption rate than PO/sawdust composite, indicating that PO/sawdust had better water resistance. The PP/sawdust composite produced an equivalent compressive modulus to the PO/sawdust composite under compression up to 1.34 MPa of maximum value. Thus, the PP/sawdust composite showed excellent potential for substitution of biodegradable packages made from PO/sawdust composite as they contributed the equivalent strength; however, the PO/sawdust composite exhibited superior water resistance to the PP/sawdust composite. Consequently, PO/sawdust should be more advantageous if the biodegradable packaging is required to be of strength as high as the low-density polyurethane foam and of compatible water resistance.

Plant-based chitosan for the development of biodegradable packaging materials

Plant-derived materials and edible films have developed as viable substitutes for standard packaging materials, enabling sustainable and ecologically acceptable alternatives. Chitosan, a cationic carbohydrate polymer derived from animal or marine sources, as well as from agricultural waste such as mushrooms or various fungi possesses excellent properties such as film formation, mechanical strength, non-toxicity, biodegradability, edibility, UV-blocking ability, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial functionality, justifying its potential as packaging/coating material for fresh agricultural products. Chitosan is obtained through the deacetylation of chitin. The quantity of waste generated in a mushroom farm varies from 5%-20% of the total yielding quantity. Filamentous fungi's cellular structure, which is rich in chitin, provides a convenient method for chitin extraction. Fungal-derived chitosan offers the advantage of controllable physicochemical characteristics, including degree of deacetylation and molecular weight, compared to chitosan obtained from crustaceans. This versatility makes fungal chitosan suitable for various utilizations in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical management. It can be utilised for different purposes in these fields. This review primarily emphasizes the extraction of chitin from mushrooms and various fungal sources, comparing different extraction methods and chitosan-based materials fabrication techniques. Additionally, it discusses the crucial characteristics of chitosan that make it convenient for high value-added functions in the food industry. To sum up, plant-based chitosan films have the potential to completely transform the packaging sector by providing environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional materials. Accepting these advances will help build a more resilient and sustainable earth, encourage the circular economy, and reduce the amount of plastic trash produced.

Performance analysis of biodegradable composite using polyvinyl alcohol and pomegranate peel powder for sustainable dry packaging applications

This study focuses on the fabrication of a biodegradable dry packaging material for fruits, vegetables, and flowers, with an emphasis on affordability for street vendors. Approximately 55% of waste originates from packaging materials. To address this issue, a biodegradable Polyvinyl alcohol/Pomegranate peel powder (PVA/PPP) composite film was fabricated. The PVA, a water-soluble synthetic biodegradable polymer, served as the matrix, while PPP, an agro-waste product, was used as the filler. The PVA/PPP films were characterized through optical microscopy, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, moisture absorption analysis, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), water vapour permeability (WVP), and oxygen permeability testing. The inclusion of PPP enhanced the film’s properties via increasing moisture absorption by 85%, reducing PVA crystallinity index from 33.2 to 17.5%, percentage crystallinity reduced from 73.90 to 0.57%, lowering WVTR from 0.063 to 0.042 g/h.m2, low oxygen permeability and improving thermal stability up to 423 °C. Additionally, the pH of PPP (4.5) contributed to microbial resistance. The fabricated PVA/PPP films were fully biodegradable and produced via green synthesis without any hazardous chemicals. The use of PPP as a filler not only improved film performance but also reduced environmental hazard, demonstrating the material’s suitability for sustainable packaging applications.

The Influence of the Type and Concentration of Plasticizer on the Properties of Biopolymer Films based on Wild Flax (Camelina Sativa)

The development of biodegradable packaging materials using naturally occurring, renewable biopolymers has gained attraction due to consumer demand for high-quality products and concerns about environmental waste problems. However, the inferior mechanical properties and low water resistance of packaging materials based on natural polymers pose a significant obstacle to their wider use. One of the ways to improve the properties of biopolymer-based packaging materials is the addition of plasticizers during their synthesis. In this work, the influence of the type and concentration of plasticizer on the properties of new biopolymer films based on wild flax (Camelina sativa) was investigated. Camelina sativa oil cake (CSoC) remains after edible oil cold pressing as a by-product. One of the possibilities for its valorization is the synthesis of biopolymer materials. During the synthesis, different plasticizers - glycerol and polyethylene glycol 400 - were added in different concentrations - 20%-60%. The obtained CSoC-based biopolymer films were analyzed for the following properties: Moisture content, solubility, thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, and water vapor permeability. The results obtained showed significant differences when different plasticizers were applied at different concentrations. The biopolymer film with optimal properties was obtained by adding glycerol at a concentration of 40%.

Designing biodegradable and antibacterial cellulose-based superhydrophobic packaging materials via large-scale self-assembly

Designing biodegradable and antibacterial cellulose-based superhydrophobic packaging materials via large-scale self-assembly

Olive pomace upcycling: Eco-friendly production of cellulose nanofibers by enzymatic hydrolysis and application in starch films.

Olive pomace (OP) waste, produced in large quantities, contains significant amounts of cellulose and fibers, making it a valuable resource for developing reinforcing ingredients in biodegradable packaging materials. This study aimed to produce nanofibers from OP using enzymatic hydrolysis with hemicellulases and cellulases, and to incorporate these nanofibers into starch films as a reinforcing agent. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared by alkaline pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis (with hemicellulases and cellulases) from olive pomace and applied as reinforcement in starch films in concentrations of 0.5%-5% (w/v). The nanofibers were analyzed according to composition, structural, and thermal properties. The nanofibers' suspension presented a cloudy and white color in aqueous suspension, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the increase of crystallinity, and the fibers' range was no wider than 100nm (according to Scherer equation). The composition analysis showed the decrease of carbonyl groups of hemicellulose and lignin. The starch films presented a homogenous surface. The solubility from these biodegradable films significantly reduced after the incorporation of CNF, and the nanomaterial's presence improved the degradation temperature (from 310°C to 322°C) and the mechanical resistance because the tension of rupture increased from 3.79 to 6.21MPa. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The utilization of waste from the olive pomace for cellulose nanofiber production holds promise, given the nanofibers' ability to readily integrate into various materials, including starches used in biodegradable film production. Within these matrices, nanofibers act as structure reinforcers and significantly reduce the solubility of films. Although biodegradable films ensure the shelf life, safety, and quality of food, their properties currently do not match those of traditional petroleum-based materials at an industrial scale, indicating a need for further enhancement.

Super protective effect, ultra-high juice absorption and long-term antibacterial of Ag-2MI@Chitosan biodegradable sponge for fruit preservation and transportation

Plastic foam packaging is often used for the transportation to avoid mechanical damage to the fruit, but it lacks antibacterial properties, water absorption and is non-degradable, leading to fruit decay and safety risks as well as serious environmental pollution. Herein, Ag-2-Methylimidazole@Chitosan (Ag-2MI@CS) was successfully synthesized by in situ synthesis at normal temperature and pressure, and improved the antibacterial performance of Ag-2MI@CS by using green solvent ethanol to adjust the solvent polarity. The results showed that the long-lasting inhibitory performance of Ag-2MI@CS was significantly improved, the long-lasting antibacterial time has been extended from 24 h to 96 h. Furthermore, Ag-2MI@CS can significantly protect fruits and reduce the damage of fruits, even when falling from a height of 60 cm or under extreme transportation conditions. Besides, Ag-2MI@CS had extremely high absorption rates of water and fruit juice, 1447.69 % and 1356.59 %, respectively, which was conducive to absorbing water generated by respiration and juice generated by damage during transportation, so as to avoid the growth of bacteria caused by water and fruit juice. Ag-2MI@CS can achieve fruit preservation in both indoor static and transportation dynamic conditions. This study offers novel insights into new biodegradable packaging material in fruit transportation.

Sustainable Starch-Based Films from Cereals and Tubers: A Comparative Study on Cherry Tomato Preservation

Biodegradable films are sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, particularly in food preservation, where the barrier and mechanical properties are crucial for maintaining the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities of the product. This study evaluated films made from starches of corn, potato, cassava, yam, and wheat to determine their effectiveness in preserving cherry tomatoes. Amylose content, a key factor influencing the crystallinity and properties of the films, varied among the sources, with wheat starch having the highest (28.2%) and cassava the lowest (18.3%). The wheat starch film emerged as the best formulation, exhibiting the highest tensile strength and the lowest water vapor permeability (4.1 ± 0.3 g∙mm∙m−2∙h−1∙KPa−1), contributing to superior barrier performance. When applied to cherry tomatoes, the films based on wheat and corn starch showed the least moisture loss over fifteen days, highlighting their potential in fresh food preservation. These results suggest that starch-based films, specifically those rich in amylose, have significant potential as biodegradable packaging materials for food product conservation.

Sodium alginate edible films incorporating cactus pear extract: antimicrobial, chemical, and mechanical properties

The potential benefits of biodegradable and functional food packaging materials have garnered increasing attention in recent years. Sodium alginate (SA), a commonly utilized polysaccharide, is particularly noteworthy for producing biodegradable films for food packaging. This study aimed to investigate SA-based edible films enriched with various proportions of cactus pear peel extract (CPPE). We assessed the films and extracts for total phenolic content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, as well as mechanical properties. Cactus pear peels powder (CPPP) exhibited higher contents of total polyphenols (1243.82 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids (18.92 mg QE/100 g), and betalains (2.28 mg/100 g). The main constituents detected were catechol, pyrogallol, catechin, and alpha-coumaric acid, with concentrations of 1013.82, 223.45, 148.21, and 101.02 ppm, respectively, contributing about 45.71%, 9.85%, 6.54%, and 4.46% of the total phenolic compounds. The thickness of the SA films increased from 0.220 mm to 0.265 mm. The tensile strength values ranged from 1.98 to 3.12, while the elongation at break values for SA-CPPE films decreased relative to the plain SA film. Moreover, the inclusion of CPPE improved the barrier characteristics (with water vapor permeability values for SA films with 1%, 2%, and 3% CPPE ranging from 0.72 × 10−5 g·h−1·m−1·Pa−1 to 1.68 × 10−5 g·h−1·m−1·Pa−1) and induced variations in flexibility and resistance. The plain SA film did not exhibit any inhibitory activity against bacteria and fungi. However, the inclusion of CPPE in alginate films showed favorable antibacterial properties, which improved progressively with increasing CPPE concentration. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating active alginate-based films in food preservation.

Biodegradable packaging paper derived from chitosan-based composite barrier coating for agricultural products preservation

Development of green packaging materials is essential to replace traditional plastics in fresh agricultural products preservation. Herein, a coated paper was designed by applying chitosan-based composite coating on paper substrate through a facile automatic coating method. The hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) was obtained by direct quaternization via the introduction of hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride into the amino group of chitosan, then mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to prepare the HACC/PVA coating. Accordingly, the key performance of coated paper were improved ascribed to the synergy effect of HACC/PVA coating and paper substrate. In particular, the minimum oxygen permeability of the coated paper could reach to 0.87 × 10−13 cm3·cm/cm2·s·Pa, and the optimum water vapor permeability and tensile strength of HACC/PVA coated paper was 0.75 × 10−12 g·cm/cm2·s·Pa and 6.88 kN/m, respectively. The coated paper used as packaging material not only reduced weight loss ratio of strawberry and greengrocery, but also exhibited lower chromatic aberration and better sensory evaluation, indicating a favorable effect on fruit and vegetable storage. Taken together, the designed eco-friendly coated paper has shown tremendous potential for green and biodegradable packaging material in agricultural products preservation.

Biopolymers as Sustainable and Active Packaging Materials: Fundamentals and Mechanisms of Antifungal Activities.

Developing bio-based and biodegradable materials has become important to meet current market demands, government regulations, and environmental concerns. The packaging industry, particularly for food and beverages, is known to be the world's largest consumer of plastics. Therefore, the demand for sustainable alternatives in this area is needed to meet the industry's requirements. This review presents the most commonly used bio-based and biodegradable packaging materials, bio-polyesters, and polysaccharide-based polymers. At the same time, a major problem in food packaging is presented: fungal growth and, consequently, food spoilage. Different types of antifungal compounds, both natural and synthetic, are explained in terms of structure and mechanism of action. The main uses of these antifungal compounds and their degree of effectiveness are detailed. State-of-the-art studies have shown a clear trend of increasing studies on incorporating antifungals in biodegradable materials since 2000. The bibliometric networks showed studies on active packaging, biodegradable polymers, films, antimicrobial and antifungal activities, essential oils, starch and polysaccharides, nanocomposites, and nanoparticles. The combination of the development of bio-based and biodegradable materials with the ability to control fungal growth promotes both sustainability and the innovative enhancement of the packaging sector.

Multifunctional honeysuckle extract/attapulgite/chitosan composite films containing natural carbon dots for intelligent food packaging

In order to fulfill people's requirements for food quality and safety, it is a promising strategy to develop intelligent biodegradable food packaging materials. Herein, honeysuckle extracts/attapulgite/chitosan composite films containing natural carbon dots were fabricated for intelligent food packaging. Different characterization techniques were employed to study the obtained composite films, while the physicochemical properties, optical properties, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of composite films were determined. The obtained composite films presented good mechanical, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and the antibacterial ratios of composite films against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 99.27 ± 0.18 % and 98.85 ± 0.65 %, respectively. When the added amount of honeysuckle extracts/attapulgite nanocomposites was 4.76 %, the tensile strength and elongation at break of composite films reached 24.9 ± 2.35 MPa and 64.8 ± 2.11 %, respectively, which were obviously higher than that of pure chitosan film. Furthermore, the composite films exhibited excellent UV shielding and blue fluorescence properties, as well as pH-sensitivity due to the presence of caffeoquinic acid-based natural carbon dots derived from honeysuckle extract. Therefore, the composite films indicated a potential application for intelligent food packaging.

Effect of Different Ratios of Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Gum Odina for the Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Composite Films

ABSTRACTThis research investigates the production of biodegradable films using a combination of gum odina (GO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with varied ratio. The study focuses on the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of PVA‐GO composite films, emphasizing how versatile and biodegradable they may be for a range of packaging applications. Solvent‐cast PVA‐GO films with different ratios are subjected to a methodical analytical process to determine several parameters like mechanical qualities, thermal stability, biodegradability in soil, contact angle, transparency, water vapor permeability, moisture content, thickness, density, water solubility, microstructure, and FTIR analysis. The outcomes demonstrate that GO improves UV barrier qualities and water vapor permeability. Additionally, the films showed notable biodegradability, acceptable thermal stability, and mechanical qualities. In short, PVA‐GO films can provide an eco‐friendly packing substitute with adaptable qualities fit for a range of uses. Therefore, this research may further contribute promising information in the field of biodegradable packaging materials in the future.

Advances in Biodegradable Food Packaging Using Wheat-Based Materials: Fabrications and Innovations, Applications, Potentials, and Challenges.

This article explores the advancements in biodegradable food packaging materials derived from wheat. Wheat, a predominant global cereal crop, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional single-use plastics through its starch, gluten, and fiber components. This study highlights the fabrication processes of wheat-based materials, including solvent casting and extrusion, and their applications in enhancing the shelf life and quality of packaged foods. Recent innovations demonstrate effectiveness in maintaining food quality, controlling moisture content, and providing microbiological protection. Despite the promising potential, challenges such as moisture content and interfacial adhesion in composites remain. This review concludes with an emphasis on the environmental benefits and future trends in wheat-based packaging materials.

Poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate-co-glycolate) copolyesters with good degradation and barrier properties

In this work, poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate-co-glycolate) (PBTFGA) copolyesters were synthesized from 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-butanediol and glycolic acid. The influence of the glycolic acid content on thermal properties, mechanical properties and degradation capacity of copolyesters was systematically investigated. The glass transition temperature of copolyesters closely matched that of poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate) (PBTF). While also demonstrating good thermal stability. When the glycolic acid content was low, the copolyesters exhibited some crystallization capability, but they gradually became fully amorphous as the glycolic acid content increased. The tensile tests revealed that the young's modulus of the PBTFGA copolyesters ranged from 69.2 MPa to 221.4 MPa. With elongation at break exceeding 659%, outperforming most biodegradable packaging materials. Copolyesters exhibited excellent gas barrier properties to both oxygen (PO2 = 0.024 barrer) and carbon dioxide (PCO2 = 0.029 barrer), both of which are superior to poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate). The incorporation of glycolic acid significantly reduced the crystalline content of the copolyesters, facilitating the interaction of water molecules with ester bonds in the polymer backbone. The weight of poly(butylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate-co-glycolate) was decreased significantly during enzymatic hydrolysis, indicating excellent degradation performance

Development of a blue innovative antioxidant, biodegradable packaging material with Clitoria ternatea L. flos

Today, the packaging industry, and in particular the plastic packaging industry, are going to experience a number of challenges as a result of the provisions included in the directive on reducing the environmental impact of plastic packaging materials. Therefore, much attention is being paid to bio-based packaging based on natural and biodegradable polymers. Focus is being placed on natural additives with antioxidant properties to materials, eliminating the risks associated with the migration of chemical, often harmful substances into food. Therefore, in the present study, we obtained a blue antioxidant and biodegradable packaging material with flowers of Clitoria ternatea L., which is additionally safe against selected plants and invertebrates. Furthermore, we observed that the addition of blue matcha improved the barrier properties of the tested films. Samples with matcha CM (cellulose/matcha) and CZM (cellulose/gelatin/matcha) showed WVTR values of 14.44 [g/m2ˑd] and 9.34 [g/m2ˑd], respectively. Antioxidant activity testing by both the DPPH radical and FRAP methods showed the activity of the film containing the matcha extract. The extract alone had the highest activity (DPPH IC50 = 1.44 mg/ml; FRAP IT0.5 = 0.64 mg/ml). CM film had stronger antioxidant activity than CZM film. The film samples without matcha were characterised by TS values of 13.54 [MPa] and 22.24 [MPa], respectively. In contrast, their elongation at break was 74.87 [%] and 41.04 [%]. The samples containing matcha additives showed the weakest mechanical properties: CM and CZM. The cellulose/matcha film (CM) had TS and EAB values of 5.11 [MPa] and 5.05 [%], respectively. Whereas the cellulose/gelatin/matcha film (CZM) had TS and EAB values of 6.45 [MPa] and 1.54 [%], respectively. Application of a high concentration of matcha resulted in a separation of the phase leading to a weakening of the mechanical properties of the films. The observed change in the optical performance of matcha-containing films in this study was due to the blue colour of matcha, which is an effect of the presence of dried flowers. Furthermore, the blue colour of the packaging material has a marketing role as it can make the packaging product ‘stand out’ on the shop shelf.

Recovery and characterization of cellulose microfibers from fallen leaves and evaluation of their potential as reinforcement agents for production of new biodegradable packaging materials.

In the present work, cellulose microfibers (CMFs) isolated from fallen autumn leaves of cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera pissardii nigra), white mulberry (Morus alba) and plane (Platanus orientalis) trees were characterized and used as reinforcement agents in sodium alginate-based biodegradable films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) characterization showed that the CMFs were successfully isolated from the leaves with high purity. The extracted CMFs had a particle size ranging from 321.20 nm to 632.26 nm and negative zeta potential values (-27.33 to -21.40). The extraction yield of CMFs ranged from 19.53% to 26.00%. Incorporation of the leaf-derived CMFs into sodium alginate based films (1%, w:w) increased their tensile strength (from 153.73 to 187.78 MPa) and elongation at break values (from 105.97% to 89.90%) and significantly decreased oxygen (from 121.46 to 75.56 meq kg-1) and water vapor permeabilities (from 2.36 to 1.60 g mm h-1 m-2 kPa-1)(p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of CMFs into the biopolymer matrix had no significant effect on the color (L*: 85.35-85.67; a*: -0.75-0.71; b*: 4.23-4.94) and moisture content (44.64-48.42%) of the film samples, although the thickness increased (40.33-94.66 μm). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that CMFs were homogeneously dispersed in the film matrix. Overall, this study confirms that fallen cherry plum, white mulberry, and plane leaves are valuable sources of CMFs which could be used in the manufacturing of biodegradable nanocomposite films as reinforcement agents.

Effects of ethyl maltol on properties of starch-based active packaging: Morphology, volatile release and mold inhibition

Ethyl maltol, known for its caramel-like flavor and antimicrobial properties, blends compatibly with baked goods. In this study, ethyl maltol-incorporated starch films were developed as potential active food packaging materials. Films containing 0–10% ethyl maltol were prepared and characterized for their physicochemical, antimicrobial, and barrier properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed interactions between ethyl maltol and starch, leading to modified thermal properties and enhanced film smoothness. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed a shift in the relaxation temperature with increasing ethyl maltol content, indicating changes in polymer chain mobility. Water vapor permeability decreased with ethyl maltol incorporation, likely due to reduced hydrophilicity, while oxygen permeability increased, suggesting increased hydrophobicity. Ethyl maltol exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, with a maximum inhibition zone of 1.53 mm at 10% loading. When incorporated into starch films, ethyl maltol effectively inhibited fungal growth in butter cake, extending its shelf life by up to three-fold. The controlled release kinetics of ethyl maltol from the films was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing a linear release profile. These results demonstrate the potential of ethyl maltol-incorporated starch films as active, biodegradable food packaging materials with antimicrobial properties and significant shelf-life extension benefits.

Gallic Acid Based Polymers for Food Preservation: A Review.

The extensive usage of nonbiodegradable plastic materials for food packaging is a major environmental concern. To address this, researchers focus on developing biocompatible and biodegradable food packaging from natural biopolymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and polyesters. These biopolymer-based packaging materials extend the shelf life of food due to their inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. An important additive that enhances these beneficial effects is gallic acid (GA), a naturally occurring phenolic compound. GA exhibits potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and excellent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria by disrupting cell membranes. These gallic acid based active packaging solutions have demonstrated remarkable abilities to inhibit lipid oxidation, enzymatic browning, and microbial contamination and even retard the ripening processes in mushrooms, walnuts, strawberries, fresh-cut apples, bananas, fish, pork, and beef. This review focuses on the antioxidant, antibacterial, and food preservation capabilities of GA-incorporated biodegradable food packaging materials as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic packaging.

Fabrication of a versatile and efficient ultraviolet blocking biodegradable composite film consisting of Tara gum/PVA/Riceberry phenolics reinforced with biogenic riceberry phenolic-rich extract-nano‑silver

The demand for UV-protective and biodegradable packaging materials has been increasing with greater awareness about environmental sustainability and human safety. In this work, the effect of incorporating riceberry phenolic extract (RPE) as well as combined RPE and green synthesized biogenic nano‑silver (RPE-NS, into Tara gum/PVA (TP)-based matrix was evaluated on the physical, mechanical, functional, biocompatible and biodegradable attributes of the resultant composite films. Integration of RPE (2 wt%) and RPE-NS (0.8 wt%) resulted in nanocomposite (TP/RPE-NS) film with improved physical properties relative to the plain TP and TP/RPE films. The TP/RPE-NS film displayed a compact structure and homogenous distribution of the nano‑silver. Increased molecular interactions, crystallinity and thickness was also observed for the nanocomposite film. Compared to plain TP film, TP/RPE-NS film exhibited improved water vapor barrier properties and surface hydrophobicity due to the extract and nanoparticles. The tensile strength and elongation-at-break of TP/RPE-NS were markedly higher (41.76 MPa and 37.40 %) compared to that of plain TP film (36.07 MPa and 20.80 %). Whereas TP/RPE film provided good UV protection (UPF value of 31.85) compared to the minimal protection by TP film (UPF value of 2.72), combination of RPE/RPE-NS ensured that TP/RPE-NS availed an excellent UV-barrier performance (UPF value of 61.09). Furthermore, TP/RPE-NS film exhibited significant antioxidant activity relative to TP film. Besides, all TP-based films were found to be compatible with rat erythrocytes and biodegradable. Taken together, these findings indicate that TP/RPE-NS holds good potential for the development of UV-protective and biodegradable packaging material.