Background/Objectives: One-dose packaging is beneficial for older adults and those on multiple medications because it ensures that no doses are missed and supports medication adherence. However, conventional one-dose packaging materials have high moisture permeability, making them unsuitable for the storage of hygroscopic medications. We evaluated the barrier performance of food packaging materials against moisture and oxygen and investigated their potential to enhance the physical stability of the highly hygroscopic sodium valproate, under stressed storage conditions. Methods: Barrier performance was evaluated by measuring the water vapor transmission (WVTR) and oxygen transmission rates of each packaging material. Then, we evaluated the stability of sodium valproate tablets in different food packaging films by measuring weight change, breaking force, and visual appearance over 14 days under stressed storage conditions (35 °C and 75% relative humidity). Conventional cellophane-laminated polyethylene was used as the reference. Results: The WVTR of the food packaging films were below 2 g/m2/day, less than that of the conventional material. Tablets stored in Materials A and B showed weight increases of no more than 1.2% after 3 days, whereas the maximum increase among all food films was 3.7% (Material C). For Materials A and B, the breaking force remained measurable and the visual appearance unchanged throughout the 14-day period, whereas Material C became unmeasurable by day 14. Tablets packaged in cellophane-laminated polyethylene exhibited deliquescence, with visible deformation and stickiness within 3 days, rendering them unmeasurable. Conclusions: Food packaging materials with high barrier performance offer a practical, safe, and effective solution for one-dose packaging of hygroscopic medications, potentially expanding their clinical use and improving adherence.

Abstract While production and consumption of plastics occur at a global, transboundary scale, cities are at the frontlines of waste management and pollution. This study applies the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP), to comprehensively assess plastic waste management and circularity in Athens-Clarke County (ACC), Georgia. By integrating data from desktop research, stakeholder interviews, and systematic field surveys, we identified three priority litter items and characterized plastic material flows and leakage patterns throughout the community. We found that plastics accounted for 71% of litter items by count, with cigarettes (28%), plastic fragments (16%), food wrappers (9.0%), and plastic film (6.7%) as the predominant items. We analyzed three of these items—cigarettes, food wrappers, and plastic film—across multiple CAP components to identify context-specific barriers and offer short- and long-term intervention strategies across the waste hierarchy. This case study demonstrates how a city-scale circular economy framework can identify evidence-based, context-sensitive interventions that address specific local challenges while contributing to broader sustainability goals.

Photocatalytic carbon dots for food-borne hazards: Antimicrobial and degradation mechanisms and applications in the food industry.

Two years of daily monitoring of floating macro-litter at the River-Sea interface: Aarhus River, Denmark.

Casein-caffeic acid-cellulose nanocrystals composite edible films for microwave food packaging application.

Biomimetic CaCO3-chitosan hybrid pigments inspired by sea urchin spines biomineralization: a photostable colored additive for UV-protective self-supported chitosan films.

Xanthan Gum Production from Sugarcane Bagasse and Its Potential for Biodegradable Food Packaging Films

Circular bioeconomy in packaging: Banana by-products as multifunctional food packaging film components

Sugarcane bagasse (SB), a globally abundant agricultural residue, is often discarded through landfilling or open burning, though it holds significant potential for conversion into value-added phosphorylated gels and films.

Exploring composites of alternative flour sources and marine biomass residues for sustainable degradable food packaging films

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to develop a novel bioactive biobased packaging film combining gelatin (G) and ethyl cellulose (EC), cardanol and glycerol as plasticizers, trans‐cinnamaldehyde (TCA) as a crosslinker/bioactive compound, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as bioactive agents. The degree of crosslinking, mechanical and thermal properties, water solubility (WS), and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films were analyzed. Molecular interactions within the film matrix were determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The G‐EC film, in a 1:2 weight ratio, exhibited improved physicochemical properties compared to the pure G film, with a low WS (7.8%). The incorporation of TCA and AgNPs—to form bioactive nanocomposite films—improved the barrier and mechanical properties of the film (WS 0.33%, WVP 2.39 g·mm·m−2·day−1·kPa−1, tensile strength 9.6 MPa) with a 57% degree of crosslinking. Thermal analyses (TGA/DSC) revealed improved thermal stability of these films, with an increase in the maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax up to 370°C–380°C) and the glass transition temperature (Tg 29.5°C) after incorporation of TCA and AgNPs. FTIR analysis confirmed the amide/imine covalent crosslinking reaction between TCA and G, and polymer network stabilization by hydrogen bonding between G and EC. The nanocomposite films demonstrated effective in vitro antibacterial activity against pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, with an inhibition spectrum of 27%–54%. An in situ test performed on chilled sliced meat packaged in nanocomposite films showed a significant extension of its shelf‐life, up to 9 days. These results highlight the potential of G‐EC‐TCA‐AgNPs films as a sustainable packaging solution for improved meat preservation.Practical ApplicationsG‐EC‐TCA‐AgNPs films developed in this study could be applied as bioactive and biobased food packaging films to extend the shelf‐life of meat products. Films are made of biopolymers and address the challenges of sustainability and circular economy. TCA and AgNPs could be used as a synergic antimicrobial combination encapsulated in films to prevent the growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in meat.

Fabrication of antimicrobial food packaging film composed of poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol) and vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles for fresh-cut apples freshness

Ultraviolet shielding and antibacterial dialdehyde cellulose-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite packaging film for strawberry preservation.

Aggregation-induced potentiation of photodynamic inactivation and its application in food preservation.

Green fabrication of high-performance chitosan-nanocellulose composite films using wood vinegar as a bio-based solvent and functionalizer.

Water pollution causedbyfloatinggarbagehasemergedasapressingenvironmentalchallengeaffectinglakesandponds through out the nation. Manual removal ofthisdebris remains labor-intensive,unpleasant,and largelyimpracticalfor widespread implementation.Thisrealitypromptedourteamtoinvestigatewhetherautomationcouldprovideamoresustainablesolutiontothis persistent problem. Our research and development journey involved extensive experimentation with various electrical motors, photovoltaic panels, programmable microcontrollers, and waterproof housing materials. The outcome was an autonomous floating vessel capable of independentnavigation whilecollectingsurfacewaste through anintegratedconveyorbelt mechanism.Theentiresystemoperates exclusively on solar energy, eliminating dependency on conventional power sources. Comprehensive field testing evaluated performance using diverse waste materials including plastic bottles, food wrappers, fallen leaves,andstyrofoamcups.Thedevice successfullycapturedandcontainedmostdebristypeswithout significantdifficulty.Energy performanceexceededinitialexpectations,withsufficientsunlightenablingnearlycontinuousoperationthroughoutdaylighthours without battery depletion concerns. However, development was not without challenges. Heavier debris occasionally caused mechanical jams within the conveyor system, requiring design modifications. Additionally, strong wind conditions sometimes pushed the vessel away from intended navigation paths, highlighting the need for improved stabilization features. Despite these obstacles, this academic project evolved into something with genuine real-world applicability. We believe that with continuedrefinement,thissolar-poweredwastecollectionrobotcouldserveasaneffectivetoolforrestoringcleanlinessto polluted water bodies across the country, offering an environmentally friendly approach to aquatic ecosystem preservation

PVA /Tea Leaf–Derived Carbon Quantum Dots Nanocomposites for Enhanced Barrier and Antimicrobial Food Packaging Films

Recent progress in chitosan/gelatin-based film in food packaging applications: A comprehensive review.

This study explored the upcycling of lignosulfonate, a by-product of the pulp and paper industry, into polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-based films for sustainable food packaging applications. Glycerol and lignosulfonate were incorporated to enhance film flexibility, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties, addressing the growing demand for functional and eco-friendly packaging materials. Glycerol increased film thickness and water vapor permeability but reduced tensile strength, confirming its plasticizing effect. The incorporation of lignosulfonate improved barrier and functional properties by reducing water uptake, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and inhibiting Staphylococcus sp. When applied to choux cream, the optimized lignosulfonate-PHB film (245 g kg-1 glycerol, 120 g kg-1 lignosulfonate) markedly suppressed microbial proliferation, showing the lowest growth rates (μ = 0.56 log CFU g-1 d-1 for total plate count and 0.35 log CFU g-1 d-1 for yeast and mold count at 30 °C) and temperature coefficients (Q₁₀ = 2.16 and 1.78, respectively). This indicates strong thermal stability and effective control of microbial spoilage across 10-30 °C storage. Lignosulfonate-based PHB films demonstrate high potential as biodegradable and functional food packaging materials. Their ability to extend shelf life and maintain microbial stability supports the transition toward sustainable, clean-label, and low-emission packaging solutions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quinoa, the antient crop used by the Andean and Inca civilizations, contains a diverse blend of bioactive phytochemicals that have found roles in the mitigation or treatment for a multitude of diseases such as hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia, multiple types of cancer, celiac disease, diabetes mellitus, anemia, fatty liver disease, osteoporosis, celiac disease, diabetes mellitus, microbial infections, dysbiosis, hyperthyroidism, and ulcerative colitis. Being rich in macro- and micro- nutrients, it is used in a variety of culinary dishes including cereals, Indian kheer, Egyptian kishk, soups, cereals, and many bakery items including bread, cupcakes, and cookies. It is also an effective alternative for patients that cannot digest gluten or individuals on vegetarian diet. Quinoa can be cultivated in harsh environments due to its tolerance to abiotic stresses such as high heat temperature, high salt content in soil, low water conditions, and presence of heavy metals in soil. Novel approaches for using quinoa include treating water contaminated with heavy metals like chromium, cadmium, nickel, arsenic, lead, and wastewater treatment. It has been used to prepare biodegradable films for food packaging, ready-to-eat protein hydrolysates, functional foods and drug delivery systems like composite micelles, microspheres, and nanoparticles. Quinoa can prevent the rancidity of lipids and microbial contamination in packaged food. In future, study on the genetic variants of quinoa, further expansion into its natural constituents, and research or clinical trials for treatment of many diseases can be done.