Biopolymer Films Research Articles

The role of extracted Patchouli residue microparticle on the mechanical and microbial properties macroalgae biopolymer

AbstractMacroalgae is extensively being used to develop eco‐friendly biopolymer or biodegradable films, but have inferior mechanical strength. This study aims to enhance the mechanical properties of seaweed films by incorporating Patchouli microparticles (PMP) derived from dried Patchouli plants (DP‐PMP) and extracted residue (ER‐PMP) from Patchouli extraction process widely use in the perfume and cosmetic industry. The PMPs, were incorporated into films forming solution at varying concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% wt/wt) respectively. Despite similar thermal properties, the inclusion of ER‐PMP resulted in an increasing ash residue content with an increase in concentration. The optimal tensile strength was achieved with a 3% PMP loading, while higher concentrations resulted in a decline in strength. Notably, the sample containing 1% PMP demonstrated superior elasticity. Moreover, with increasing concentrations of PMPs, all samples displayed elevated surface roughness and enhanced hydrophobicity. All samples display significant antimicrobial activity against E‐coli and Salmonella sp.; however, the sample incorporating ER‐PMP showed less effect. In summary, the study suggests that DP‐PMP and ER‐PMP can serve as effective fillers to enhance the mechanical properties of seaweed biofilms, with an optimal loading of 3%. Their antimicrobial activity renders them suitable biopolymers for active packaging in food applications and other purposes.Highlights Patchouli microparticle (PMP) enhance the properties of seaweed film. Film's surface morphology and hydrophobicity changed with increase in PMP. Introduction of either PMPs increase antimicrobial properties of the film. PMP from extracted residue (ER) provide lower antimicrobial activity. 3% DP‐PMP gave the optimum properties of the film for overall attributes.

Effect of migration on the functionality of zinc oxide nanoparticle in polybutylene adipate terephthalate/thermoplastic starch films: A food simulant study

Active packaging relies on controlled release of antimicrobials for food protection; however, uncontrolled migration due to environmental factors poses safety and functionality challenges. This study investigated the stability of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) in poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate)/thermoplastic starch (PBAT/TPS) biopolymer film for active food packaging applications. While incorporating ZnONP significantly enhanced the properties and active functionalities (UV-light blocking, antimicrobial activity) of PBAT/TPS film, food simulants posed significant stability challenges. Notably, exposure to 3 % acetic acid (acidic food simulant) triggered complete detachment and dissolution of ZnONPs from the film surface, leading to pore formation and subsequent internal ZnO dissolution. This resulted in dramatic alterations to the bionanocomposite films, including increased opacity, water vapor permeability, and decreased thermal stability, mechanical properties, and active functionalities. In contrast, 10 % ethanol (aqueous food simulant) had minimal impact, suggesting higher ZnO stability in neutral environments. Importantly, ZnO migration analysis revealed thresholds for safe application: 1 % ZnONP for acidic food contact and up to 5 % for aqueous foodstuffs. These findings highlight the critical role of environmental factors in ZnONP stability and emphasize the need for strategic optimization of ZnO content for achieving both functionality and safety in active biopolymer packaging.

A natural protein-related biopolymer film and its positive role in pearl brightening

To date, the external micromorphological differences among high-luster pearls and the precise relationship between the organic matrix covered on the external surface of pearl and its luster remain, to a large extent, unknown. Here, using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, we comparatively investigated the multiscale surface characteristics of representative seawater-cultured pearls with different luster grades. The results showed that a natural protein-related biopolymer film of nano-thickness existed on the surface of high-luster pearls. Moreover, the biopolymer film and the microscale tablets self-assembled by aragonite nanoparticles, which serve as a nanoscale organic film and a microscale plane mirror, respectively, together play key roles in producing the excellent luster. In addition, the higher the content of organic matter covering the external surface of pearls, or the thicker the average thickness of the film, the smoother the surface and the better the luster of pearls. The findings substantially enhance our knowledge of the gemological and morphological characteristics of pearls and their corresponding natural brightening mechanism. Most importantly, this study not only provides some key guidelines on the daily maintenance of pearls and the optimization process for pearl brightening but also inspires optical functional material syntheses.

Obtaining the Biopolymer Films from Macroalgae Wastes

An analysis of the resource potential of macroalgae wash-outs onto the Baltic Sea coast has been performed. A critical review of the applications of polysaccharides extracted from Furcellaria lumbricalis macroalgae wastes washed ashore is presented. Optimal extraction conditions have been established to ensure maximum yield of polysaccharides. It is recommended to use alkaline hydrolysis with potassium hydroxide 0.1 M, process time is 60 minutes. Recipes of biopolymer films with the necessary physical, mechanical and antibacterial properties have been determined. It was concluded that the production of biofilms with antibacterial properties with the addition of vegetable oils is promising. Their use with application directly to the product will provide a longer shelf life without significant changes in organoleptic properties.

Rheological, Physicochemical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Biopolymeric Films Incorporated with Micro‐Holocellulose from Coffee Residues

AbstractBiopolymeric materials have increased their uses and applications in the past years since more advanced preparations have been implemented to find the best formulation for a particular application. Holocellulose from spent coffee grounds (HOLO‐SCG) is a unique material with scarcely studied peculiarities. A detailed study of the flow behavior, microscopy, thermal, and local mechanical properties needs to be performed on biopolymeric films to open the understanding of polymer responsiveness, which is essential for the final design of the composites when fitting characteristics on macroscopic and microscopic scales are achieved. This manuscript aims to obtain biopolymer blends and films based on chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and reinforced with micro HOLO‐SCG. It seeks to investigate their compatibility and physicochemical properties in liquid states by rheological measurements and solid states using physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical experiments. The results indicate that the prepared CS : PVA films reinforced with HOLO‐SCG under controlled size provide an excellent biopolymeric structure with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties, which brings a stable product to be used as an alternative plastic due to their noticeable lower wettability. The biopolymeric film could be introduced as a bio‐composite material in food packaging applications in further experiments.

Camelina sativa Oilseed Cake as a Potential Source of Biopolymer Films: A Chemometric Approach to Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization

In this work, the possibility of obtaining biopolymer films from Camelina sativa oilseed cake (CSoC) at different parameters of the synthesis process was investigated. The pH (values 8, 10, and 12), the temperature (60, 80, and 100 °C), and the concentration of the cake in the film-forming suspension (3, 4, and 5%) were varied. The films obtained were characterized by studying the mechanical, barrier, physico-chemical, structural, and biological properties (antioxidant and antimicrobial). The results showed moderate mechanical properties, indicating the application of these biopolymer materials as coatings. Low values of water vapor permeability (5.1–12.26 g/m2h) and very low transmission in the UV range (less than 2%) indicate good barrier properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the films’ composite structures: peaks related to proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and cellulose were detected. The biological activity of the obtained CSoC films was pronounced so that they could be used for active packaging. All films have high antioxidant activity, which is more pronounced in samples synthesized at pH 8. The films possess antibacterial properties against S. aureus, while some had an inhibitory effect on S. typhimurium. Standard score analysis showed that the film sample synthetized at pH = 10, temperature = 100 °C, and concentration = 5% had optimal investigated properties.

Starch biocomposites preparation by incorporating organosolv lignins from potato crop residues

Plastic wastes accumulated due to food packaging pose environmental threats. This study proposes biopolymeric films containing lignins extracted from potato crop residues (PCR) through organosolv treatment as a green alternative to non-degradable food packaging. The isolation process yielded 43.9 wt% lignins with a recovery rate of 73.5 wt% achieved under optimum conditions at 180 °C with 50 % v/v ethanol. The extracted lignins were then incorporated into a starch matrix to create biocomposite films. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed interactions between the starch matrix and extracted lignins, and XRD analysis showed the amorphous structure of lignins, reducing film crystallinity. The addition of 1 wt% of extracted lignins resulted in a 87 % reduction in oxygen permeability, a 25 % increase in the thermal stability of the film, and a 78 % enhancement in antioxidant. Furthermore, introducing 3 wt% lignins led to the lowest water vapor transmission rate, measuring 9.3 × 10−7 kg/s·m2. Morphological studies of the films demonstrated a homogeneous and continuous structure on both the surface and cross-sectional areas when the lignins content was below 7 wt%. These findings highlight the potential of using organosolv lignins derived from potato crop residues as a promising additive for developing eco-friendly films designed for sustainable food packaging.

Bionanocomposite Based on Cassava Waste Starch, Locust Bean Galactomannan, and Cassava Waste Cellulose Nanofibers.

Natural polysaccharides are among the renewable sources with great potential for replacing petroleum-derived chemicals as precursors to produce biodegradable films. This study aimed to prepare biopolymeric films using starch extracted from the periderm and cortex of cassava roots (waste from cassava root processing), locust bean galactomannan, and cellulose nanofibers also obtained from cassava waste. The films were prepared by casting, and their physicochemical, mechanical, and biodegradability properties were evaluated. The content of cellulose nanofibers varied from 0.5 to 2.5%. Although the addition of cellulose nanofibers did not alter the mechanical properties of the films, it significantly enhanced the vapor barrier of the films (0.055 g mm/m2 h kPa-2.5% nanofibers) and their respective stabilities in aqueous acidic and alkaline media. All prepared films were biodegradable, with complete degradation occurring within five days. The prepared films were deemed promising alternatives for minimizing environmental impacts caused by the disposal of petroleum-derived materials.

Uticaj etarskih ulja na osobine biopolimernih filmova na bazi divljeg lana (Camelina sativa L.)

The aim of this work was the activation of biopolymer material based on wild flax cake (Camelina Sativa) with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils added in different concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 2%). The wild flax cake, left over after the cold pressing of the oil, was used to obtain biopolymer films. To obtain active packaging, essential oils were added to this biopolymer material and the influence of the addition of essential oils on the physico-chemical, mechanical, barrier and biological properties of biopolymer films based on wild flax cake was examined. The obtained results showed the most significant influence on water vapor permeability. The control sample had a water vapor permeability value of 5.43 g/m 2 h, while in the sample with 2% added eucalyptus essential oil, this value was 3.14 g/m 2 h. Antioxidant activity was also confirmed in the control sample without added essential oils (60.10%), but with the addition of 2% eucalyptus essential oil, this value increased to 78.54%. Eucalyptus essential oil proved to be more effective than rosemary oil on the investigated properties of the films. The addition of essential oils to biopolymer films broadens the spectrum of functional properties, including the improvement of mechanical, barrier and biological properties.

Extraction of Bioactive Compounds From Centella asiatica and Enlightenment of Its Utilization Into Food Packaging: A Review.

Centella asiatica is a medicinal herb, well known for its phytochemical activities because of the presence of terpenoids and polyphenols, which contribute to the bioactivity of herb extract that can be effectively utilized in the packaging industry. Biopolymers infused with C. asiatica extract could be a promising solution in the food sector. The antibacterial and antioxidant qualities of C. asiatica can help preserve the quality and lengthen the freshness of food products, thereby preventing food loss. Selection of a suitable extraction method is essential to retain the yield and properties of the bioactive compounds of C. asiatica extract. Many research has been conducted on the separation of C. asiatica by using conventional and novel extraction techniques and its execution in packaging as a functional component. This review provides an overview of the extraction of phytochemicals from C. asiatica and its utilization in biopolymer film as an active component to modify the packaging film characteristics.

Validade de espargos verdes usando revestimento de mistura de mandioca e quitosana

Abstract Polysaccharide coating is a biodegradable alternative to conventional packings used for delaying senescence in vegetables. This work investigated the properties of cassava and chitosan biopolymeric film and its use as edible coatings to preserve the shelf-life (7 °C and 70% relative humidity (RH)) of green asparagus, with previous cold storage (1 °C and 90% RH) for 7 days. Based on a previous assessment of the films obtained from a) cassava (2.5%), b) chitosan (0.5%), and c) a blend of cassava-chitosan (Cassava+) (2.5 + 0.5%), it could be verified that cassava-chitosan blend films showed improved barrier property (water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 38.06 g/(m2.h)) and mechanical properties, with tensile strength of 0.021 MPa, elongation at break of 1.93% and Young’s module of 0.011 MPa. Cassava+ based coating resulted in a lower weight loss and colour L* parameter and minimized textural changes in basal-section of commercial green asparagus spears during a shelf-life of seven days (7 °C and 70% RH), with previous cold storage. All coated spears maintained overall higher carbohydrate levels than the control, except to sucrose which gradually decreased in basal sections and increased in the apical sections of asparagus spears, irrespective of treatment. Edible coating did not affect asparagine concentrations which steadily increased throughout the shelf-life of the spears. The blend (Cassava+) kept for a longer the green asparagus quality. However, spears under a shelf-life of seven days (7 °C and 70% RH), with previous cold storage under 1 °C and 90% RH conditions, developed tip-rot physiological disorder.

Tropical Fruit Waste Management: Developing Pectin-based Biopolymer from Durian Rind (Durio zibethinus)

Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a popular native tropical fruit and is largely produced in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, 1.71 million metric tons of durian were produced in 2022. However, this high production may lead to organic waste issues due to the large amount of durian rind generation. About 60 – 75% of the durian is the rind, which is mostly discarded, hard to be decomposed, and not utilized optimally. Meanwhile, the durian rind poses as a potential reservoir containing high concentrations of cellulose and pectin. Therefore, this research aimed to (1) extract pectin content from durian rind and (2) synthesize and characterize pectin-based biopolymer films. First, the pectin was extracted from dried durian rind powder using acid extraction and alcoholic precipitation methods. Then, biopolymer synthesis was done by mixing formulations of pectin, chitosan, ethylene glycol, and glycerol solutions to form thin films. About 0.13 – 0.71 g of pectin (0.46% of the pectin yield) was extracted per 100 g of dried durian rind powder. The FTIR spectroscopy results of the extracted pectin confirmed the presence of the O - H groups at 3327.83 cm-1, which indicated the pyranose ring, the main characteristic of pectin. Pectin-based biopolymer films were produced with thickness, transparency, and tensile strength of 0.01 – 0.07 mm, 7.40 - 40.50, and 1.26 – 2.69 MPa, respectively. The findings of the soil burial degradation test for biodegradability showed that the biopolymer experienced weight loss of up to 62% in 14 days. Considering the potential utilization of the durian rind for developing biopolymers as value-added bioproducts from agricultural biomass, tropical fruit waste management should be done properly in the future. This also can be offered as one of the alternative solutions for plastic substitution with proper development in the future.

Sulfonyldibenzoate coordination polymers as bioactive dopants for polysaccharide films with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties

Silver(i) and copper(ii) sulfonyldibenzoate coordination polymers were assembled and applied as bioactive dopants for hybrid biopolymer films with remarkable antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activity.

Influence of Epilobium parviflorum Herbal Extract on Physicochemical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch Films.

In this study, for the first time, Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (E, hoary willowherb) aqueous extract was introduced into edible biopolymer films and its influence on physicochemical properties of the final products were investigated. Potato starch was gelatinized in the herbal tea to obtain thermoplastic starch (TPS) films via the casting method. The characterization of the films included mechanical, antioxidative, water (WVTR, contact angle, swelling degree) and UV radiation barrier properties as well as microstructure analysis (SEM). Obtained results indicated that the presence of the extract (rich in phenolic compounds) in the films acted as a co-plasticizer for starch and led to a higher elongation at break, up to 70%, with a parallel increase in tensile strength up to ca. 9 MPa. Moreover, TPS films with E exhibited lower WVTR values and absorption of UV light in comparison with the control TPS film. DPPH scavenging activity of TPS E films immersed in methanol was ca. 92%, and it was related to the release of the extract into liquid media. Novel TPS E films are characterized by multifunctional properties that can be used, e.g., in the active packaging sector.

Liposomal and Liposomes-Film Systems as Carriers for Bioactives from Paeonia tenuifolia L. Petals: Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Potential.

Paeonia tenuifolia L. (steppe peony) petal extract was proficiently encapsulated into liposomes and biopolymer films in the current work, both times utilizing a single-step procedure. The encapsulation efficiency, size of the particles, and index of polydispersity (PDI), as well as the ζ potential of the obtained liposomes were determined, whereas in the case of films, the test included moisture content and mechanical property assessment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to evaluate the chemical composition and existence of numerous interactions in the systems. All the obtained encapsulates were subjected to antibacterial, antifungal and antibiofilm activity testing of the pathogens associated with human skin. The results indicated that the liposomes prepared using Phospholipon had the highest encapsulation efficiency (72.04%), making them the most favorable ones in the release study as well. The biological assays also revealed that Phospholipon was the most beneficial phospholipid mixture for the preparation of liposomes, whereas the film containing these liposomes did not have the ability to inhibit pathogen growth, making the double encapsulation of P. tenuifolia L. petal extract needless. These findings may be a first step toward the potential use of steppe peony extract-loaded films and liposomes in pharmaceutical and cosmetical industries.

Effects of cactus pear clone harvest seasons and times on the physicochemical and technological properties of resulting mucilage and biopolymeric films

Cactus pear cladodes, clones ‘Miúda’ (MIU) and ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ (OEM) were harvested at 6 am and 8 pm during the rainy-dry, dry and rainy seasons to evaluate the effect of type of clone and harvest seasons on the physicochemical and technological properties of mucilage as well as the optical, physicochemical, mechanical, thermal and microstructural characteristics of the films obtained. The mucilage of the OEM clone presented a higher content of phenolic compounds, compared to the Nopalea genus, regardless of the season and time of harvest. Furthermore, the dry period resulted in higher carbohydrate levels, regardless of the harvest time. The biopolymeric films produced from the OEM clone harvested in the rainy season and rainy-dry transition showed darker color, better mechanical properties, water barrier, compact microstructure and thermal stability when compared to the MIU clone. Furthermore, harvesting at 6 am provided improvements in the mechanical conditions, permeability and thermal stability of the films of both types of clones studied. These results showed strong environmental modulation, naturally incorporating important macromolecules such as carbohydrates and phenolic compounds, used in the industry in the production of nutraceutical foods, into the mucilage. Furthermore, harvesting cladodes at 6 am in the rainy and transitional (rainy-dry) periods provided better quality biopolymeric films and/or coatings.

Coupling effect of cement-stabilization and biopolymer-modification on the mechanical behavior of dredged sediment

Nowadays, biopolymer stabilization as a promising eco-friendly approach in soft ground improvement has attracted wide attentions. However, the feasibility of using biopolymer as a green additive of cement-stabilized dredged sediment (CDS) with high water content is still unknown. In this study, guar gum (GG) and xanthan gum (XG) were adopted as typical biopolymers, and a series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), splitting tensile strength (STS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical and microstructural properties of XG- and GG-modified CDSs considering several factors including biopolymer modification, binder–soil ratio and water–solid ratio. Furthermore, the micro-mechanisms revealing the evolutions of mechanical properties of biopolymer-modified CDS were analyzed. The results indicate that the addition of XG can effectively improve the strength of CDS, while the GG has a side effect. The XG content of 9% was recommended, which can improve the 7 d- and 28 d-UCSs by 196% and 51.8%, together with the 7 d- and 28 d-STSs by 118.3% and 42.2%, respectively. Increasing the binder–soil ratio or decreasing the water–solid ratio significantly improved the strength gaining but aggravated the brittleness characteristics of CDS. Adding XG to CDS contributed to the formation of microstructure with more compactness and higher cementation degrees of ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-XG-stabilized DS (CXDS). The micro-mechanism models revealing the interactions of multiple media including OPC cementation, biopolymer film bonding and bridging effects inside CXDS were proposed. The key findings confirm the feasibility of XG modification as a green and high-efficiency mean for improving the mechanical properties of CDS.

Development of ternary polymeric films based on cassava starch, pea flour and green banana flour for food packaging

The development of alternative materials to replace plastics used in food packaging is an important approach to reducing environmental pollution and minimizing harmful impacts on ecosystems. In this study, biopolymeric films were formulated using cassava starch (Manihot esculenta Crantz), pea flour (Pisum sativum) and green banana flour (Musa sp.) to obtain a material for application in food packaging. The influence of a plasticizer on the optical and physicochemical properties of the films was analyzed and the synergy between higher concentrations of starch and plasticizer resulted in films with low opacity. In addition, the morphology, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties were examined. The film with the best formulation (p < 0.05) contained 12 g cassava starch, 3.6 g pea flour and 30 % glycerol (the maximum levels of the experiment). This film presented average values of thickness, moisture, solubility, opacity, maximum strength (F), maximum tensile stress (σ), elongation at break (ε) and elasticity (E) of 0.47 mm, 19.95 %, 87.45 %, 20.93 %, 9.30 N, 1.75 MPa, 30.10 % and 5.93 %, respectively. This research demonstrates the potential application of films obtained by combining starches from different sources. The sustainable production of environmentally-friendly packaging provides an alternative to fossil-based plastics, which have well-documented adverse effects on the environment.

Influence of Epoxidized Natural Rubber of the thermoformability of Poly(Lactic Acid) biopolymer films using elevated temperature ball burst tests

In this paper, we investigated the thermoformability of Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR)-filled Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) films using elevated temperature tensile and ball burst tests. Three different d-Lactide contents of PLA were used to be able to analyze the effect of crystallization and crystallinity. We observed that the ENR acted as a nucleating agent in PLA when the blend was cooled from melt or cold crystallized, but it retarded the drawing-induced crystallization of PLA at elevated temperature tensile testing since ENR droplets acted as obstacles. The effect of NR on PLA crystallization was also found to be dependent on d-Lactide content. In the ball burst test, different behaviors were observed for PLA with the lowest d-Lactide content, which was caused by the complex stress state that even more induced crystallization of PLA and then a single-axis tensile test.

Mechanical Strength, Solubility, and Functional Studies of Developed Composite Biopolymeric Film

The study evaluated the use of corn, quinoa, and tapioca starches with glycerol to develop biopolymer films. The water binding and oil binding capacities of the starches were determined, and tapioca starch was found to have good film-forming properties and produce transparent films. During the study, starches and glycerol with concentrations of 6% w / v and 3% w / v respectively, were used to develop the biopolymer films. These starches were evaluated for water binding and oil binding, with capacities that ranged from 182.62 to 199.60% and 159.02 to 193.33%, respectively. Quinoa starch presented the highest final viscosity (3584.00 cP), followed by corn starch (3058.00 cP) and tapioca starch (2547.00 cP), which indicate that these starches possess an intermediate range of viscosities required for the development of biopolymeric films. Comparative studies of the properties of starches were done with the intention of developing better quality films among corn, quinoa, and tapioca starch as base raw materials. Tapioca starch exhibits a good film-forming property and produces transparent films. Further, based on the evaluation of physical and mechanical properties, tapioca starch (6% w / v ) with glycerol (3% w / v ) was found suitable as a base ingredient to develop the composite biopolymeric films. Results showed that the functional properties of tapioca starch-based films were significantly enhanced after the incorporation of whey protein isolate (WPI). Particularly, the solubility of different films prepared from tapioca with WPI as the base material was measured at three different temperatures, i.e., 5, 25, and 50°C, and significant differences in solubility at different temperature values were observed. An increase in the tensile strength (TS) after the incorporation of WPI in tapioca starch is an indication of the establishment of a strong starch-protein matrix network in developed biopolymeric films. Also, TGA analysis was performed to determine the percentage degradation in weight of the film samples. The SEM micrographs of the optimized composite biopolymeric film showed a smooth surface without surface cracks.