Packaging Films Research Articles

Development of Biodegradable Films from Carrot, Guava, and Banana Peel Fibers for Environmental Packaging Applications

Polymeric materials, known for their lightweight and strength, are widely used today. However, their non-biodegradable nature poses significant environmental challenges. This research aimed to develop biodegradable films from fruits and vegetables, using alginate as a binding agent. Using a completely randomized design, seven experimental sets were prepared with carrots, Kimju guava, and Namwa banana peel fibers as the primary materials and alginate as the secondary material at three levels: 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 by weight. The solution technique was employed to create the samples. Upon testing mechanical and physical properties, experimental set 3, consisting of 60% guava and 1.8% alginate, emerged as the optimal ratio. This combination exhibited favorable physical properties, including a thickness of 0.26 ± 0.02 mm, meeting the standards for food packaging films. Additionally, the tensile strength was 0.50 ± 0.01 N/m², and the elongation at break was 55.60 ± 0.44%. Regarding chemical properties, the moisture content of 5.64 ± 0.03% fell within the acceptable range for dried food. Furthermore, a 30-day soil burial test revealed that the sample from experimental set 3 exhibited the highest degradation rate. In conclusion, these findings suggest that guava can be a promising raw material for producing biodegradable plastics suitable for packaging applications.

Active Polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) Films Loaded with Olive Leaf Extract for Food Packaging—Antibacterial Activity, Surface, Thermal and Mechanical Evaluation

As the demand for sustainable and innovative solutions in food packaging continues to grow, this study endeavors to introduce a comprehensive exploration of novel active materials. Specifically, we focus on characterizing polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) films filled with olive leaf extract (OLE; Olea europaea) obtained via solvent evaporation. Examined properties include surface structure, thermal degradation and mechanical attributes, as well as antibacterial activity. The results indicated a significant impact of the incorporation of OLE into this polymeric matrix, increasing hydrophobicity, decreasing surface free energy, and enhancing surface roughness, albeit with slight reductions in mechanical properties. Notably, these modified materials exhibited significant bacteriostatic, bactericidal and anti-adhesive activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Consequently, PLA/PEG/OLE films demonstrated considerable potential for advanced food packaging, facilitating interactions between products and their environment. This capability ensures the preservation and extension of food shelf life, safeguards against microbial contamination, and maintains the overall quality, safety, and integrity of the packaged food. These findings suggest potential pathways for developing more sustainable and effective food packaging films.

Extending the Shelf Life of Apples After Harvest Using Edible Coatings as Active Packaging—A Review

Extending the shelf life of perishable food, such as apples, and storing them in cold conditions and/or controlled atmospheres have been of great interest in the last decades. Apples are very valuable fruits with many health benefits, but during storage at ambient conditions, they ripen quickly and lose moisture, causing lower crispness or other negative effects, resulting in waste problems. There has been growing attention to protective edible coatings or active packaging films based on biopolymers and natural bioactive substances. Edible coatings and films allow for combination with functional ingredients or compounds, affecting the maintenance of the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables. They also ensure the preservation of the sensory characteristics of food, and they can have antimicrobial or antioxidant properties. All these aspects play a significant role in the storage of apples, which can also help prevent waste, which is in line with the circular economy approach. The functionality of coatings and films is closely related to the type, content, and composition of active compounds, as well as their interaction with biopolymers. Active coatings with the addition of different functional compounds, such as plant extracts, phenolic acids, and nanoparticles, can be an alternative solution affecting the postharvest quality of apples during storage, maintaining the fruit’s stability, and thus minimising their waste. The most important issues related to the latest reports on improving the postharvest quality of apples using edible coatings incorporated with various active substances were evaluated. Agricultural conditions and factors that affect the postharvest quality of apples were described. The requirements for protective coatings for apples should be focused on low-cost materials, including waste-based resources, good miscibility, and compatibility of components. Those factors combined with the storage conditions may result in shelf life extension or retention of the postharvest quality of apples, regardless of the variety or cultivation techniques.

Multivariate Optimization of Chitosan/Starch/Aloe Vera Packaging Film for Beef Fillet Preservation: Insights into Interaction Mechanisms and Evaluation of Sustainability Metrics

Multivariate Optimization of Chitosan/Starch/Aloe Vera Packaging Film for Beef Fillet Preservation: Insights into Interaction Mechanisms and Evaluation of Sustainability Metrics

Unlocking the potential of palm tree starch: A review on Modification techniques and its application

Abstract Palm starch is an underutilised and unconventional resource gaining popularity globally due to its health-promoting properties. However, native starch often falls short in areas such as retrogradation during gelatinisation, instability at high temperatures, and acidic conditions, limiting its functionality in the food industry. Modifications are necessary to enhance the performance of native starch and broaden its applications across food and other industries. The technological implications of its underutilisation remain under investigation. This review offers a comprehensive summary of starch modifications across different palm varieties within the same family, utilising various techniques, including chemical, thermal, and non-thermal methods. It examines the resulting changes in physicochemical properties, granular and molecular structures, and the applications of these starches. Additionally, the impact of these modification techniques on starch-rich food systems such as Palmyra sprout, kithul starch, talipot starch, and sago starch is reviewed. The use of modified starches in developing biodegradable packaging film is also discussed. This review thoroughly explores the physicochemical, morphological, and rheological traits of both native and modified palm starch.

Preparation of a biodegradable packaging film by konjac glucomannan/sodium alginate reinforced with nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots from crayfish shell for crayfish meat preservation.

The development of biomass material is an important approach to alleviating the excessive using of plastic packaging, by which the product could be more environmentally friendly and lower toxicity. In this study, we developed a biodegradable photodynamic antibacterial food packaging film using nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) synthesized from crayfish shells, combined with konjac glucomannan (KGM) and sodium alginate (SA). Casting method was used to prepare the composite film and results indicated that incorporation of N-CQDs significantly enhanced the mechanical and barrier properties of the film by reducing the number of micropores. The N-CQDs endowed the film with strong antioxidant activity and UV resistance. The DPPH scavenging rate of the composite film reached 77.92 %, while the transmittance of ultraviolet (300 nm) was reduced to 16.97 %. Furthermore, under blue light irradiation, the film exhibited excellent photodynamic antibacterial effects against Shewanella putrefaciens and Staphylococcus aureus, achieving inhibition rates of 99.2 % and 98.99 %, respectively. The film solution demonstrated no cytotoxicity, and the composite film preserved crayfish meat for up to 8 days at 4 °C. Furthermore, the film almost completely degrading in soil within 14 days. These findings suggest that the KGM/SA/N-CQD film is a promising degradable antimicrobial material for food packaging applications.

Enhancing Barrier and Antioxidant Properties of Nanocellulose Films for Coatings and Active Packaging: A Review

Enhancing Barrier and Antioxidant Properties of Nanocellulose Films for Coatings and Active Packaging: A Review

Development of sustainable and active food packaging films based on alginate enriched with plant polyphenol carbon dots and layered clay.

Natural polymer based food packaging has attracted more and more attention, but the lack of active functions of natural polymer hinders its application in the field of active packaging. In this study, chlorogenic acid carbon dots (CGA-CDs) was synthesized mildly using natural plant polyphenol CGA as carbon source, and CGA functionalized layered clays (LDHs@CGA) was introduced as reinforcing agent. Alg active films were fabricated by solution casting method using natural polysaccharide-alginate (Alg), CGA-CDs and LDHs@CGA. The results showed that the average particle size of the synthesized CGA-CDs was ~2.0 nm, with obvious graphitized structure inside and active groups (-OH and -NH2, etc.) outside, showing obvious UV absorption and antibacterial activity. With the addition of CGA-CDs, UV barrier, antibacterial, thermal stability, hydrophobicity and flexibility of Alg active films were significantly improved. When the amount of CGA-CDs reached 2 %, UV transmission (280 nm) and of Alg active films was only 2.66 %, which was reduced by 88.1 % compared with pure Alg film. The highest antibacterial rate against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reached 86.0 % and 91.6 %, respectively. Freshness preservation experiment of fresh-cut apples indicated that Alg active coating incorporating CGA-CDs maintained the lowest browning index and mildew. These results indicate that the excellent active functions of CGA-CDs can promote the application of Alg matrix in the field of natural polymer active packaging.

Formulation of sustainable, biodegradable chitosan films enriched with Origanum majorana extract as an eco-friendly antimicrobial food packaging for possible food preservation.

In this work, chitosan (Cs) was blended with different concentrations of Origanum majorana extract (OmE) for the formation of food packaging films. Based on the utilized volumes of OmE (2.5, 5, and 7.5 mL) that were mixed with 27.5, 25, and 22.5 mL of Cs, there different film samples (2.5 % OmE loaded Cs film, 5 % OmE loaded Cs film and 7.5 % OmE loaded Cs film) were obtained and compared with the film of pure Cs. The extraction yields of OmE were found to be 13 g and 10.4 g % when using ethyl acetate and methanol, respectively, with total phenolic content measured at 889.30 μg GAE/g for the ethyl acetate extract and 810.21 μg GAE/g for the methanol extract, indicating a substantial amount of bioactive compounds available for formulation. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against various foodborne pathogens, with the 7.5 % OmE-loaded Cs film demonstrating the highest efficacy, achieving inhibition zones of 27 mm against E. coli and 25 mm against S. aureus. This research underscores the potential of Cs-based films enriched with O. majorana extract as a viable solution for active food packaging, addressing environmental concerns and food safety.

Predicting 2D Crystal Packing in Thin Films of Small Molecule Organic Materials

Predicting 2D Crystal Packing in Thin Films of Small Molecule Organic Materials

Facile Formation of Durable SiO2-TiO2 Coatings on Plastic Films for Self-Cleaning and Antifogging.

Surface fogging affects the light transmittance of various transparent materials and poses potential safety hazards. Superhydrophilic TiO2 surfaces can effectively prevent fogging by promoting continuous water film formation; however, they often struggle to maintain stable hydrophilicity and adhesion on plastic films. Self-cleaning and antifogging coatings on plastic substrates are crucial for applications requiring long-term clarity and minimal maintenance costs. Herein, we present a nanostructured SiO2-TiO2 coating, developed using sol-gel and spray coating methods, specifically designed for plastic films. The coated plastic films exhibit a high optical transmittance of 89.8% and superhydrophilicity with an optimal thickness of 70 nm. Notably, these coated films maintain their superhydrophilicity without the need for ultraviolet irradiation, providing continuous fogging prevention and effective degradation of adsorbed organic matter for self-cleaning. Furthermore, the SiO2-TiO2 coating can adhere stably to substrates and resist solution soaking, showing great mechanical stability. This straightforward method of creating self-cleaning superhydrophilic coatings on plastic substrates underscores its critical role in large-scale applications, where maintaining clarity and cleanliness is paramount. These applications span packaging films, greenhouse covers, and resin lenses, where durability and ease of upkeep are of the utmost importance.

Construction of Linear Tetramer-Type Acceptors for High-Efficiency and High-Stability Organic Solar Cells.

Thanks to the development of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) materials, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) has exceeded 20 %, which has met the requirements for commercialisation. In the current stage, the main focus is to balance the performance and stability. It has been shown that all-polymer formulation can improve device stability, however, PCE is not in satifsfaction, and the batch-to-batch variation leads to quality control issues. In this work, we constructed monodispersed tetramer NFA materials named G-1 and G-2, to best integrate the merits of small molecule and polymer. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental results showed that different connecting units at the centre could significantly affect the molecular planarity and thin film morphology. The alkene-bonded tetramer G-1 had a more regioregular structure, which leads to better molecular planarity, and more ordered packing in thin film. More importantly, the oligomeration induced a favourable face-on orientation, achieved a lower binding energy and exhibited a higher photoluminescence yield. As a result, the exciton and charge carrier kinetics was optimized with reduced non-radiative energy loss. The OSC based on PM6 : G-1 achieved a PCE of 19.6 %, which is the highest PCE reported so far for oligomer-based binary OSC. In addition, the device stability was largely improved, showing a lifetime over 10000 hours in the inverted OSC device.

Recent advances in research on biomass-based food packaging film materials.

Although traditional petroleum-based packaging materials pose environmental problems, biodegradable packaging materials have attracted extensive attention from research and industry for their environmentally friendly properties. Bio-based films, as an alternative to petroleum-based packaging films, demonstrate their significant advantages in terms of environmental friendliness and resource sustainability. This paper provides an insight into the development of biomass food packaging films such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, and gelatine, including their properties, methods of preparation (e.g., solution casting, extrusion blow molding, layer-by-layer assembly, and electrostatic spinning), and applications in food packaging. Through these preparation methods, the paper analyzes how the properties of the films can be effectively tuned and optimized to meet specific packaging needs. It was found that biomass film materials for food packaging not only possess functional properties such as antimicrobial, preservation, and indication, but also that their continued material innovation and technological improvements offer promising prospects for their use in commercial applications. These advances could help advance the global sustainable development goals, while showing great potential for improving food safety and extending shelf life. Future research will further explore new functions and applications of biomass films, providing additional solutions for environmental protection and sustainability.

Resveratrol-derived carbon dots integrated into gelatin/chitosan multifunctional films for intelligent packaging

Resveratrol-derived carbon dots integrated into gelatin/chitosan multifunctional films for intelligent packaging

Enhancement of chitosan-based films for blueberries packaging- by modification with ellagic acid and cinnamic acid

Enhancement of chitosan-based films for blueberries packaging- by modification with ellagic acid and cinnamic acid

Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) from Pangasius bone side streams and its application as a reinforcing agent in biodegradable food packaging films

The bone side streams from catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) were used to produce nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) by a calcination method.

Higroscopicidade de filmes de pectina-própolis: isotermas de sorção e propriedades termodinâmicas

ABSTRACT: Bio-based materials from proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids have been studied as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics, as well as matrices for incorporation of bioactive substances. In this context, pectin is a polysaccharide used to produce flexible food packaging films. Propolis is a complex mixture of resinous substances with antimicrobial and other biological properties that can be used to generate active food packaging. However, the application of such materials is still limited due to their hydrophilic nature. Thus, this experimentally evaluated the sorption isotherms and isothermal heat of sorption of pectin-propolis films at temperatures of 15, 25, 30, and 35 °C, and determined the mathematical model that best fits the experimental data obtained. The pectin was extracted from pequi mesocarp, a widely consumed fruit in the Brazilian cerrado biome that generates large amounts of peels (exocarp and mesocarp) which are discarded. Among the mathematical models studied, the Sigma Copace model was found to best represent the hygroscopic behavior of the pectin-propolis films. The isothermal heat of sorption decreased with increasing water content, and the films presented similar behavior to agricultural products. The understanding of such film’s behavior contributed to the application of pectin-propolis films produced using pequi mesocarp as a pectin source.

Contributing factors to the migration of antimicrobials in active packaging films

Contributing factors to the migration of antimicrobials in active packaging films

Food packaging films from natural polysaccharides and protein hydrogels: A comprehensive review

Food packaging films from natural polysaccharides and protein hydrogels: A comprehensive review

Self-enhancement of food packaging film based on regulable microstructure evolution via circumfluent synergistic blow molding

Self-enhancement of food packaging film based on regulable microstructure evolution via circumfluent synergistic blow molding