Food Packaging Research Articles

Functional composite films incorporating triphala-derived carbon dots for extending chicken preservation

Triphala-based carbon dots (T-CDs) were successfully prepared using a simple one-step hydrothermal method. T-CDs were characterized by absorbance, fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. T-CDs showed bright blue fluorescence at 434 nm upon excitation at 360 nm. Functional composite films were prepared using poly(vinyl alcohol) and gelatin mixture by incorporating T-CDs and applied as a packaging film to extend the shelf life of chicken. The antibacterial activity of T-CDs against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using well diffusion and colony count methods. T-CDs were evenly dispersed throughout the PVA/Gel solution to form a dense and uninterrupted film. They also formed strong bonds with polymer chains, which improved the tensile strength of the film from 32.44 to 42.70 MPa. Furthermore, the presence of T-CDs significantly enhanced the UV-blocking ability of the PVA/Gel films, achieving 99.7 % for UV-B and 97.2 % for UV-A. In addition, the PVA/Gel/T-CDs composite films showed excellent antioxidant, antimicrobial and UV-barrier properties, extending the shelf life of chicken. Therefore, the PVA/Gel/T-CDs composite films showed great potential as an active food packaging material to extend the shelf life and preserve the visual quality of packaged meat.

Pineapple stem starch-based films incorporated with pineapple leaf carbon dots as functional filler for active food packaging applications

Pineapple leaf waste, a byproduct of agricultural processes, was used as a novel raw material to synthesize carbon dots (CDs) through a simple hydrothermal method. The CDs were subsequently incorporated into pineapple stem starch (PSS)-based active food packaging films. The characterization of the CDs and PSS-CDs films was conducted using various techniques, including UV-light spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the CDs measured 2.36 ± 0.33 nm and exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The addition of the CDs led to notable enhancements in both mechanical strength and UV-barrier properties. Thus, PSS-CDs packaging film was successfully prepared, with the incorporation of CDs enhancing the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the film, thereby extending the shelf-life of fresh pork.

Fuzzy Logic Based Qualitative Indicators for Promoting Extended Producer Responsibility and Sustainable Food Packaging Waste Management

Fuzzy Logic Based Qualitative Indicators for Promoting Extended Producer Responsibility and Sustainable Food Packaging Waste Management

Incorporating functional colorants in whey protein isolate–cellulose nanocrystal-blended edible films for pork freshness prediction

In this study, intelligent pH- and ammonia-sensing edible films are designed based on whey protein isolate (WPI)–cellulose nanocrystal-based biopolymers by incorporating different functional colorants (curcumin, phycocyanin, and modified lycopene), alone and paired, to promote food freshness and monitoring efforts. Incorporating the colorants endowed the films were endowed with pH- and ammonia-responsiveness and enhanced UV-blocking, antioxidant, and antibacterial capabilities. Phycocyanin induces WPI unfolding, increasing the accessibility of curcumin; hence, combining curcumin with phycocyanin promotes the sensitivity of films to pH and NH3 compared with those containing a single colorant. In the pork freshness monitoring analysis, the combined-colorants film underwent a noticeable color change as the meat spoiled. Moreover, the meat packaged with the combined film exhibited lower levels of lipid oxidation than those packaged in single-colorant films. These results suggest that curcumin–phycocyanin-containing films have multifunctional potential in intelligent food packaging.

Preparation and characterization of dextran-modified ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO nanohybrid material for enhanced antimicrobial delivery and activity

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are widely used in various applications, particularly in antimicrobial products. Efforts to enhance their performance and efficacy, including copper (Cu) doping and incorporating natural polymers. In this study, dextran-modified ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO nanohybrids were synthesized and characterized using exodextran isolated from Leuconostoc mesenteroides TISTR 473. Characterization results showed that dextran binds to the surface of ZnO particles through CO⋯Zn and C-OH⋯O interactions, particularly at oxygen vacancy sites. The incorporation of dextran improved the antibacterial efficacy of ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles against bacteria related to fruit and vegetable spoilage, including gram-positive Bacillus altitudinis and gram-negative Achromobacter mucicolens. These findings highlight the potential of dextran-modified ZnO nanomaterials in enhancing antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility for biomedical applications, as well as their use in food packaging to extend shelf life.

Multifunctional and novelty green composite film containing sodium alginate, chitosan, rice husk and curcumin

Foodborne diseases are a global public health issue, with their causes often originating from lapses in food production or transportation leading to food contamination. Therefore, food packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the safety and quality of food. In pursuit of sustainable development, this study aims to utilize agricultural waste-derived functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles in combination with biodegradable molecules to create food packaging films. Through recycling and the use of environmentally friendly green films, the goal is to achieve sustainability and the objectives of green chemistry. The study anticipates the production of biodegradable films and the testing of their antibacterial capabilities, antioxidant properties, biocompatibility, and film stress coefficients. This research will provide robust support for advancing green packaging technology to address the challenges of global food safety and environmental sustainability.The experiment is divided into two parts. The first part involves the synthesis of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles with antibacterial properties derived from rice husk (Rice husk mesoporous silica nanoparticles, rMSN) as nano-fillers. These nanoparticles are surface modified with a biodegradable polymer, chitosan (Chi), that interacts with the material. Natural extract curcumin (Cur), known for its antioxidant capabilities, is loaded into the pores, and the material's inherent antibacterial properties are utilized. The second part involves blending the material with the natural polymer sodium alginate (SA) to form a film (rMSN-Chi@Cur/Alg film). The film's thickness, stress strength, antibacterial, and antioxidant capabilities are tested to ensure the material possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Food service safety and hygiene factors: a longitudinal study on the Brazilian consumer perception

The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of consumers toward food service safety and hygiene when purchasing ready-to-eat food. Data were collected at three time points: before (T0) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (T1 and T2). Among the 333 participants, 45.9% reported fear of contracting COVID-19 when purchasing off-site meals, and 78.4% for on-site meals in T1, compared to 21.0 and 52.0% in T2, respectively (p < 0.001). Hygiene and cleanliness of the establishment became less important for participants when selecting food services throughout the pandemic (T0: 42.6%; T1: 41.1%; T2: 0.0%; p < 0.01). Security protocols during off-site and on-site purchases were considered important by more participants in T1 (47.7 and 27.6%, respectively) than in T0 (28.8 and 9.0%, respectively), with a decrease in T2 (0 and 16.5%, respectively; p < 0.01). Regarding food delivery services, concerns about hygiene decreased in T1 (44%) compared to T0 (63.7%) but increased again in T2 (76%; p < 0.01). Precautions with the food packaging was less prevalent at least during one point in the pandemic compared to T0 (p < 0.01), while heating food before consumption was more common at the onset of the pandemic (T1) but declined by T2 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the use of cash decreased while contactless payment methods increased during the pandemic. In conclusion, different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced consumer behavior and attitudes toward purchasing ready-to-eat food.

Characterization Bio-Based Edible Film from Mango Seed Starch and Semi-Refined Carrageenan (Euchema cottonii) Using Sorbitol Plasticizer for Potential Food Contact Materials

Meanwhile, Semi-Refined Carrageenan (SRC) could be combined with starch as the base material for edible film fabrication to increase its tensile strength. This study aimed to identify edible film by synthesizing SRC and mango seed starch with plasticizer sorbitol, which could be safe for consumption in food packaging. The process of making edible film consists of three steps: extracting Eucheuma cottonii seaweed, making starch from mango seeds, and making edible film. The method used was the solution casting method, with a ratio of SRC: starch of mango seeds, namely 1: 0; 0.7: 0.3; and 0: 1 (w / w) and sorbitol concentrations of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% (w/w). This research shows that increasing sorbitol could decrease the tensile strength but increase the elongation and solubility of the edible film. As well as the combination of SRC and mango seed starch can produce edible films with higher characteristics than edible films based only on SRC or mango seed starch. The results of selecting the best conditions for an edible film based on the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) are the concentration ratio of SRC: mango seed starch (0.7: 0.3) and 30% sorbitol concentration with a thickness value of 0.22 mm, tensile strength 4.81 MPa, 28.50% elongation and 68.44% solubility

Preparation and evaluation of an active modified oxygen/ carbon dioxide preservative for packaged fresh-cut durian

In this study, a series of chitosan/copper nanocomposites (CS/Cu-NCs) served as catalyzers for VC to remove O2 in food packages were successfully synthesized, characterized, and further utilized to prepare an active modified O2/CO2 preservative. Transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet-visible, and infrared spectra confirmed CS/Cu-NCs #1–3 were successfully synthesized. Three components of the preservative were optimized, and the best formulation was: CS/Cu-NCs #2: VC: NaHCO3=0.5:1.5:0.15. It maintained relatively stable O2/CO2 in the package at 10℃. Fresh-cut durian treated with 0 g (CK), 1.15 g (T1), 2.3 g (T2), and 3.45 g (T3) preservatives were stored at 10℃. Results showed that T1 group exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher firmness and VC content compared with CK at 12 d, indicating the best qualities. Key respiratory enzyme analyses verified that decreasing SDH, increasing G-6-PDH and 6-PGDH contributed mostly to the superior qualities of T1 group. This study could provide a prospective solution for packaged fresh-cut durian.

Dewatering and drying of Kombucha Bacterial Cellulose for preparation of biodegradable film for food packaging

Kombucha Bacterial Cellulose (KBC), obtained from waste products of kombucha fermentation, has potential applications in diverse fields. The present study used tea waste as a raw material for producing kombucha-like beverages and bacterial cellulose (BC). The in-situ dewatering and drying operations were performed to remove the high-water content from fermented KBC. Herein, the performance of BC in pressure-driven separation has been investigated as a function of dewatering pressure, drying temperature, and drying time in a multifunctional filtration cell. The Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to optimize the dewatering and drying parameters. The optimum conditions were found to be 4 bar pressure, 99 °C drying temperature, and 5 min drying time with a desirability value of 0.921. The predicted response values agreed with actual responses within 2.3–2.7 %. The dried films were prepared at optimized conditions and used to investigate thickness, density, mechanical properties, Fourier transform infrared, and scanning electron microscopy. The properties of KBC film varied as fermentation days increased. The KBC films' transparency decreased as thickness and density increased. The KBC film exhibits excellent mechanical properties such as tensile strength, maximum load, extension at the break, load at the break, and Young's modulus. The KBC films have been reported to be biodegradable and non-toxic and may be used for food packaging. Moreover, the present study successfully demonstrated that KBC packaging material could extend the shelf life of tomatoes by 13–15 days under accelerated conditions.

Utilisation of gambir tannins as a Freshness Indicator in smart food packaging

Gambir is one of the extracts from the Uncaria gambir plant that is segmented, dried, and then can be molded into various shapes. The components used for gambir extract come from the leaves and twigs of the plant, which contain high amounts of catechins and tannins. These tannins can be used as medicine and dyes and are also used in industry as wood adhesives. This tannin dye made from gambir can be used as a colour indicator that shows the condition of foodstuffs on an intelligent packaging indicator. The colour indicators used from tannins can provide information on discolourations that occur in foodstuffs; these changes are used as a means of detecting and indicating the shelf life of foodstuffs and whether these foods are still safe to eat. This study investigates the use of gambir tannin in an indicator strip by analysis of FTIR spectroscopy, pH, storage testing, and colour measurement using the RGB method. This was applied to tuna fish fillet foodstuffs which were evaluated through Total Volatile Base Nitrogen (TVBN) and pH analysis. This study showed that the total tannins were 27.52 % and phenols were 178.7 mg GAE/g. For Colour indicators with tannin concentrations of 1 %, 3 % and 5 %, there is a bend of the aromatic CC functional group at wave number 1521.84 cm-1, which indicates the presence of tannin compounds in the colour indicator. After dipping the strip indicators into solutions with pHs of 3, 5, 7, and 9, the indicators darken in colour to show a higher pH. Indicators with a tannin concentration of 1 % are better because they undergo discolouration and are more stable than indicators with tannin concentrations of 3 % and 5 %. Storage of fish fillets for five days at a temperature of 5–7 °C showed that the pH value decreased while the TVBN level increased, and the colour indicator became darker.

Creation of Composite Aerogels Consisting of Activated Carbon and Nanocellulose Blended with Cross-Linked Biopolymers: Application as Ethylene Scavengers

This study involved producing aerogels using activated carbon (AC) and nanocellulose (NC). Two distinct structured composites, AC composite aerogel (ACCA) and NC composite aerogel (NCCA), were developed by separately mixing AC and NC with identical proportions of cross-linked biopolymers: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), and chitosan (C). These aerogels were evaluated for their capability to adsorb ethylene gas through batch experiments, while the physical and chemical characteristics were thoroughly examined to determine their feasibility of removing ethylene. The resulting ACCA and NCCA aerogels exhibited low densities of 0.094 g cm−3 and 0.077 g cm−3, respectively, coupled with high porosity ranging between 95 and 96%. During the ethylene adsorption test, NCCA exhibited superior ethylene removal rates (~14.88–16.77 mL kg−1) compared to ACCA (~13.57–14.97 mL kg−1). Specifically, NCCA achieved a removal efficiency of 83.86% compared to 74.64% for ACCA. Kinetic model fitting yielded high R2 values ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 with the Lagergren kinetic model. These findings suggest the potential of composite aerogels to be incorporated into food packaging materials for dynamic ethylene capture, independent of environmental conditions, thereby providing promising routes for further development.

Recent Progress in Nanomaterial-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Food Safety Detection.

Food safety has recently become a widespread concern among consumers. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a rapidly developing novel spectroscopic analysis technique with high sensitivity, an ability to provide molecular fingerprint spectra, and resistance to photobleaching, offering broad application prospects in rapid trace detection. With the interdisciplinary development of nanomaterials and biotechnology, the detection performance of SERS biosensors has improved significantly. This review describes the advantages of nanomaterial-based SERS detection technology and SERS's latest applications in the detection of biological and chemical contaminants, the identification of foodborne pathogens, the authentication and quality control of food, and the safety assessment of food packaging materials. Finally, the challenges and prospects of constructing and applying nanomaterial-based SERS sensing platforms in the field of food safety detection are discussed with the aim of early detection and ultimate control of foodborne diseases.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Pharmaceutical Applications of Biocompatible Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Heliotropium rariflorum Stocks

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles are safe, non-toxic, and biocompatible. These NPs are used in food packaging materials, self-cleaning glass, ceramics, deodorants, sunscreens, paints, coatings, ointments, lotions, and as preservatives. This study explored the biological potential of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using H. rariflorum. Methods: In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus solani were determined. Antioxidant activity was explored using the DPPH radical scavenging method. In vivo analgesic, antipyretic and sedative potential of synthesized nanoparticles was investigated using a mouse model. Results: SEM with various magnification powers showed that some particles were spherical while some were aggregated, flake-shaped, and hexagonal with rough and irregular surfaces. The EDX analysis revealed Zn (12.63%), O (22.83%) and C (63.11%) with trace quantities of Si (0.40%), Ca (0.54%) and P (0.49%). The XRD pattern indicated an amorphous state, with no peaks observed throughout the spectrum. The UV–visible spectrophotometry revealed a characteristic absorption peak at 375 nm, indicating the presence of ZnO nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) displayed several small peaks between 1793 and 2370 cm−1, providing evidence of the presence of different kinds of organic compounds with different functional groups. ZnO-NPs showed dose-dependent antibacterial and antifungal potential against all strains. Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were the most susceptible strains. The nanoparticles exhibited a maximum antioxidant effect of 85.28% at 100 μg/mL. In this study, the acute toxicity test showed no mortality, and normal behavior was observed in mice at ZnO-NP doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg. For analgesic and antipyretic activities, a two-way ANOVA revealed that dose, time, and the interaction between dose and time were significant. In contrast, the samples had a non-significant effect on sedative activity. Conclusions: This innovative study suggests a potential use of plant resources for managing microbes and treating various diseases, providing a scientific basis for the traditional use of H. rariflorum.

A Fluorescent Polyvinyl Alcohol Film with Efficient Photodynamic Antimicrobial Performance Enabled by Berberine/Phytic Acid Salt for Food Preservation

AbstractFood packaging that impedes microbial growth and can be safely used is critical to attenuate food spoilage. Herein, a green berberine/phytate salt (BPA) is successfully synthesized and aggregated in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film to impart fluorescent and photodynamic antimicrobial properties. Compared to berberine hydrochloride (BHL), BPA exhibited stronger fluorescence because intramolecular motions and intermolecular π–π accumulation of BHL are restricted by phytic acid (PA). Molecular dynamics simulation indicate that aggregation of BHL and PA formed through electrostatic interactions in the PVA matrix due to the change of the binding energy during the drying process. With increasing BPA content, the films exhibited increased ultraviolet, water vapor, and oxygen barriers and fluorescent properties, but reduced tensile strength and elongation at break. After radiated, PVA‐BPA9 film showed the highest antimicrobial rates against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, P. citrinum, and Aspergillus niger reached 100%, 100%, 86.14%, and 66.24%, respectively, due to the increased reactive oxygen species production. The total number of microbial colonies in cooked chicken and oranges packaged by PVA‐BPA9 film with irradiation ARE 87.54% and 29.21% of those by PVA film. The findings indicate a new and feasible strategy to obtain a green photodynamic‐mediated film for safe and effective food packaging.

Upcycling Industrial Biomass Wastes Into Aerogels Using Zinc Chloride Salt Hydrates

AbstractEnd‐of‐life paper products, including food packages and rejected fibers from the paper industry, are unrecyclable biomass wastes and thus generally landfilled or incinerated. One of the major obstacles to their recycling is the existence of impurities besides cellulose fiber in the biomass wastes. In this study, a fabrication method is investigated to upcycle biomass wastes directly into high‐performance aerogels without separation of impurities. Surprisingly, this study observes that residual impurities participate in cross‐linking reactions for the aerogel formation. In this study, zinc chloride salt hydrate is applied to convert biomass wastes to aerogel via a dissolution‐regeneration process. The fabricated aerogels exhibited high water absorption capacity (15 times its weight), as well as comparable mechanical strength and thermal insulation performance to the reported cellulose aerogels. In addition, the impurities (i.e., calcium‐based inorganic salt) assisted in the cross‐linking of the cellulose network for the aerogel formation. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the aerogel generated from the rejected fibers showed a honeycomb inner structure. The rejected fiber aerogels also demonstrated a high compressive modulus of 51 MPa and a low thermal conductivity of 0.029 W m−1 K−1. The results for water absorption and thermal insulation suggest excellent potential across various application domains.

Processing and Properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoate/ZnO Nanocomposites: A Review of Their Potential as Sustainable Packaging Materials

The escalating environmental concerns associated with conventional plastic packaging have accelerated the development of sustainable alternatives, making food packaging a focus area for innovation. Bioplastics, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have emerged as potential candidates due to their biobased origin, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. PHAs stand out for their good mechanical and medium gas permeability properties, making them promising materials for food packaging applications. In parallel, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have gained attention for their antimicrobial properties and ability to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of (bio)polymers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the research on PHA/ZnO nanocomposites. It starts with the importance and current challenges of food packaging, followed by a discussion on the opportunities of bioplastics and PHAs. Next, the synthesis, properties, and application areas of ZnO NPs are discussed to introduce their potential use in (bio)plastic food packaging. Early research on PHA/ZnO nanocomposites has focused on solvent-assisted production methods, whereas novel technologies can offer additional possibilities with regard to industrial upscaling, safer or cheaper processing, or more specific incorporation of ZnO NPs in the matrix or on the surface of PHA films or fibers. Here, the use of solvent casting, melt processing, electrospinning, centrifugal fiber spinning, miniemulsion encapsulation, and ultrasonic spray coating to produce PHA/ZnO nanocomposites is explained. Finally, an overview is given of the reported effects of ZnO NP incorporation on thermal, mechanical, gas barrier, UV barrier, and antimicrobial properties in ZnO nanocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate). We conclude that the functionality of PHA materials can be improved by optimizing the ZnO incorporation process and the complex interplay between intrinsic ZnO NP properties, dispersion quality, matrix–filler interactions, and crystallinity. Further research regarding the antimicrobial efficiency and potential migration of ZnO NPs in food (simulants) and the End-of-Life will determine the market potential of PHA/ZnO nanocomposites as active packaging material.

Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of antibacterial properties of silver/ carboxymethyl cellulose/ bacterial cellulose/ Clitoria ternatea extract aerogel composites

Food packaging for meat, processed food, and fresh food is often equipped with adsorbent pads to regulate moisture. However, most adsorbents are derived from synthetic polymer materials. There has been increasing demand for functional packaging materials that are not only durable, cost-effective, and well-designed, but also capable of extending the product shelf-life. Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) flowers and silver nanoparticles have been reported to exhibit antibacterial activity in several studies. This study aimed to synthesize novel aerogel composites made of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), bacterial cellulose (BC), and C. ternatea flower extracts as adsorbent material in food packaging. BC was used as a reinforcing agent. The composites were synthesized by reacting silver solution and carboxymethyl cellulose, and then adding bacterial cellulose and C. ternatea extracts. Three different ratios of C. ternatea extract i.e. 0.5 %, 1 % and 2 % were used in this study (AT1, AT2, AT3). These aerogel composites were tested against four pathogenic bacteria i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Eschericia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella Typhimurium using disk diffusion and microdilution methods. The aerogel composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and color analysis. The results showed that AT3 had good antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, S. Typhimurium, and S. aureus with inhibition zones of 10.14 mm, 11.63 mm, and 7.69 mm, respectively, while composite AT2 had good inhibition against E. coli with the value of 9.82 mm. Equipped with good antibacterial activity, these aerogel composites have excellent potential to be used as adsorbent pads in food packaging to prolong the food shelf-life.

NFC Tag Awareness and Its Visual Implementation on Food Packaging: Case Study in Slovenia

Many companies are using smart packaging to provide consumers with more information about their products. The goal of our case study is to access the Near Field Communication (NFC) tag knowledge, as well as getting insights into tag positioning in food package design for better visibility in order to develop some guidelines for future tag implementations. A preliminary survey of professionals provided an overview of NFC tag usage, followed by an online survey that assessed knowledge and visibility of tag placements. These findings were further discussed in focus groups and measured using eye-tracking technology. For placement visibility assessments, well-known and fictitious packaging designs of milk were used. The results show that, due to the NFC tag’s low market penetration, consumer recognition is low, with only generations Y and Z being familiar with the NFC tag. Knowledge of the NFC tag does not significantly vary based on education level. When considering the use of NFC tags, it is crucial to define and understand the target market. If the target is younger generations, the potential to increase engagement with the product can be achieved. Additionally, to boost consumer interaction, NFC tags or other smart elements should include an activation prompt, positioned on the central right section of the packaging and distinguished by a distinct color. The influence of the design on tag visibility is essential to ensure its effectiveness.

Using natural starch granules to disperse solid beeswax into micron-sized droplets in emulsion

Use of beeswax together with starch to manufacture emulsion for fruit preservation has attracted wide attention in food packaging. In this paper, esterified starch (M-PS) granules prepared from natural potato starch were used to replace nanocrystals to prepare beeswax emulsion. The swelling property of M-PS granules was used to solve the problem of uneven dispersion of beeswax. Atomic force microscope (AFM) images showed that the network gel structure formed by M-PS granules limited the movement of beeswax droplets, and the droplet size was <1.0 μm. When the beeswax emulsion was added to the starch paste, the resulting starch-beeswax composite emulsion had a stable gel structure. Bananas were coated with the composite emulsion. After 7 days of storage, compared with the test data of bare bananas, the weight loss rate decreased by 42 %, the titratable acidity increased by 21 %, and the vitamin C was higher by 20 % of coated bananas. The formed coating effectively inhibited the decline of banana quality.