A Review on Biodegradable Packaging Films from Vegetative and Food Waste

Enset starch-based biocomposite film reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay: Improved mechanical and barrier properties

Improper disposal of traditional plastics leads to the generation of microplastics, resulting in severe pollution of land and oceans and posing a threat to human health and marine ecosystems. Hence, adopting eco-friendly bioplastics, particularly in food packaging, is essential. In this study, Enset starch-based biocomposite films, reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay at various ratios (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 % w/w) were prepared using solvent casting method. The effect of bentonite clay on biocomposite films on structural, physicochemical, and morphological properties were analyzed. Characterization tests confirmed the even distribution of bentonite, strengthening of bonds, and enhancement of the biocomposite film properties. The biocomposite film with 5 wt% bentonite clay incorporation into enset starch exhibits optimal performance; maximum strength (increased by 132 %), less water solubility (reduction in 33 %), reduction in water vapor permeability (decreased by 42 %), and better compatibility in the morphologies attributed by the intercalated silicate layer. This study highlights the effectiveness of bentonite clay in enhancing enset starch biocomposite properties, offering a promising eco-friendly solution for biodegradable food packaging and promoting sustainable resource utilization.

Advances in biomaterials based food packaging systems: Current status and the way forward

World hunger is getting worse, while one-third of food produced around the globe is wasted and never consumed. It is vital to reduce food waste to promote the sustainability of food systems, and improved food packaging solutions can augment this effort. The utilization of biomaterials in smart food packaging not only enhances food preservation and safety but also aligns with current demands for eco-friendly technologies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the developments in the field of food packaging based on the innovative use of biomaterials. It emphasizes the potential use of biomaterials derived from nature including cellulose, chitosan, keratin, etc. for this purpose. Various smart food packaging technologies such as active and intelligent packaging are discussed in detail including scavenging additives, colour-changing environment indicators, sensors, RFID tags, etc. The article also delves into the utilization of edible films and coatings, nanoparticle fillers and 2D materials in food packaging systems. Furthermore, it outlines the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic domain, emphasizing the ongoing need for research and innovation to shape the future of sustainable and smart food packaging solutions to enhance and monitor the shelf-life of food products.

Properties and application of antioxidant and antibacterial composite films based on methylcellulose and spine grape pomace fabricated by thermos-compression molding

Methylcellulose (MC)/grape pomace (GP) films, plasticized with either glycerol (GLY) or cinnamon essential oil (CEO), were prepared by thermo-compression molding and characterized. Compared to the GLY-plasticized MC50/GP50 films, a considerable increase in TS and YM values of CEO-plasticized films was observed, rising from 9.66 to 30.05 MPa, 762 to 1631 MPa, respectively. Moreover, the water vapor barrier, surface hydrophobic properties, and antioxidant/antibacterial activities of CEO-plasticized films remarkedly improved with increasing CEO content from 5 to 15% w/w. From scanning electron microscopy, phase separation between GP and the MC/GLY mixture were evident for GLY-plasticized MC/GP films. On the other hand, the CEO-plasticized films showed compact morphologies, attributable to the formation of hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interaction. Preliminary shelf-life study on showed that fresh chicken wrapped with the CEO-plasticized MC/GP films exhibited lower TVB-N, TBARS, and TVC values than the unwrapped control samples, during 7 d storage at 4 °C.

Advances and recent trends in plant-based materials and edible films: a mini-review

Plant-based materials and edible films have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional packaging materials, offering sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. This mini-review highlights the significance of plant-based materials derived from polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, showcasing their renewable and biodegradable nature. The properties of edible films, including mechanical strength, barrier properties, optical characteristics, thermal stability, and shelf-life extension, are explored, showcasing their suitability for food packaging and other applications. Moreover, the application of 3D printing technology allows for customized designs and complex geometries, paving the way for personalized nutrition. Functionalization strategies, such as active and intelligent packaging, incorporation of bioactive compounds, and antimicrobial properties, are also discussed, offering additional functionalities and benefits. Challenges and future directions are identified, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, scalability, regulation, and performance optimization. The potential impact of plant-based materials and edible films is highlighted, ranging from reducing reliance on fossil fuels to mitigating plastic waste and promoting a circular economy. In conclusion, plant-based materials and edible films hold great potential in revolutionizing the packaging industry, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. Embracing these innovations will contribute to reducing plastic waste, promoting a circular economy, and creating a sustainable and resilient planet.

A comprehensive review on starch-based sustainable edible films loaded with bioactive components for food packaging

Biopolymers like starch, a renewable and widely available resource, are increasingly being used to fabricate the films for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Starch-based edible films offer significant advantages for food packaging, including biodegradability and the ability to extend shelf life. However, they also present challenges such as moisture sensitivity and limited barrier properties compared to synthetic materials. These limitations can be mitigated by incorporating bioactive components, such as antimicrobial agents or antioxidants, which enhance the film's resistance to moisture and improve its barrier properties, making it a more viable option for food packaging. This review explores the emerging field of starch-based sustainable edible films enhanced with bioactive components for food packaging applications. It delves into fabrication techniques, structural properties, and functional attributes, highlighting the potential of these innovative films to reduce environmental impact and preserve food quality. Key topics discussed include sustainability issues, processing methods, performance characteristics, and potential applications in the food industry. The review provides a comprehensive overview of current research and developments in starch-based edible films, presenting them as promising alternatives to conventional food packaging that can help reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.

Effect of Degradation of Polylactic Acid (PLA) on Dynamic Mechanical Response of 3D Printed Lattice Structures

Material-extrusion-based 3D printing with polylactic acid (PLA) has transformed the production of lightweight lattice structures with a high strength-to-weight ratio for various industries. While PLA offers advantages such as eco-friendliness, affordability, and printability, its mechanical properties degrade due to environmental factors. This study investigated the impact resistance of PLA lattice structures subjected to material degradation under room temperature, humidity, and natural light exposure. Four lattice core types (auxetic, negative-to-positive (NTP) gradient in terms of Poisson's ratio, positive-to-negative (PTN) gradient in terms of Poisson's ratio, and honeycomb) were analyzed for variations in mechanical properties due to declines in yield stress and failure strain. Mechanical testing and numerical simulations at various yield stress and failure strain levels evaluated the degradation effect, using undegraded material as a reference. The results showed that structures with a negative Poisson's ratio exhibited superior resistance to local crushing despite material weakening. Reducing the material's brittleness (failure strain) had a greater impact on impact response compared to reducing its yield stress. This study also revealed the potential of gradient cores, which exhibited a balance between strength (maintaining similar peak force to auxetic cores around 800 N) and energy absorption (up to 40% higher than auxetic cores) under moderate degradation (yield strength and failure strain at 60% and 80% of reference values). These findings suggest that gradient structures with varying Poisson's ratios employing auxetic designs are valuable choices for AM parts requiring both strength and resilience in variable environmental conditions.

The application of film based on gelatin/hydroxymethyl cellulose and red beetroot betalain in smart food packaging

Edible films containing anthocyanin and betacyanin as indicators of freshness are promising systems for food smart packaging. This research aimed to develop a smart color film for food packaging using gelatin/hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and red beet betalain. In this study, edible films with different ratios of gelatin to HPMC were prepared successfully, and the ratio of 3:1 was determined as optimal samples based on water vapor permeability (WVP) and mechanical properties. Betalain with different concentrations was then added to the optimal film, and the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting films were evaluated. Also, TVB-N test to assess their ability to detect beef meat and shrimp spoilage was studied. The addition of betalain improved the solubility, WVP, mechanical properties, and 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity of the film. As a final point, the incorporation of betalain into the gelatin/HPMC films can be used to indicate the freshness of food.

Assessing the vulnerability of food supply chains to climate change-induced disruptions

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges worldwide. There is strong evidence from research that climate change will impact several food chain-related elements such as agricultural output, incomes, prices, food access, food quality, and food safety. This scoping review seeks to outline the state of knowledge of the food supply chain's vulnerability to climate change and to identify existing literature that may guide future research, policy, and decision-making aimed at enhancing the resilience of the food supply chain. A total of 1526 publications were identified using the SCOPUS database, of which 67 were selected for the present study. The vulnerability assessment methods as well as the adaptation and resilience measures that have been employed to alleviate the impact of climate change in the food supply chain were discussed. The results revealed a growing number of publications providing evidence of the weakening of the food supply chain due to climate change and extreme weather events. Our assessment demonstrated the need to broaden research into the entire food supply chain and various forms of climatic variability because most studies have concentrated on the relationships between climatic fluctuations (especially extreme rainfall, temperatures, and drought) and production. A lack of knowledge about the effects of climate change on the food supply chain and the underlying socio-economic consequences could result in underperformance or failure of the food supply chain.

Tiny but mighty: metal nanoparticles as effective antimicrobial agents for plant pathogen control

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential use as effective antimicrobial agents for controlling plant pathogens. This review article summarizes the recent advances in the role of MNPs in the control of plant pathogens, focusing on their mechanisms of action, applications, and limitations. MNPs can act as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent against various plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Different types of MNPs, such as silver, copper, zinc, iron, and gold, have been studied for their antimicrobial properties. The unique physicochemical properties of MNPs, such as their small size, large surface area, and high reactivity, allow them to interact with plant pathogens at the molecular level, leading to disruption of the cell membrane, inhibition of cellular respiration, and generation of reactive oxygen species. The use of MNPs in plant pathogen control has several advantages, including their low toxicity, selectivity, and biodegradability. However, their effectiveness can be influenced by several factors, including the type of MNP, concentration, and mode of application. This review highlights the current state of knowledge on the use of MNPs in plant pathogen control and discusses the future prospects and challenges in the field. Overall, the review provides insight into the potential of MNPs as a promising alternative to conventional chemical agents for controlling plant pathogens.

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.

Recent advances in the production of bionanomaterials for development of sustainable food packaging: A comprehensive review

Polymers originating from natural macromolecule based polymeric materials have gained popularity due to the demand for green resources to develop unique, eco-friendly, and high-quality biopolymers. The objective of this review is to address the utilization of bionanomaterials to improve food quality, safety, security, and shelf life. Bionanomaterials are synthesized by integrating biological molecules with synthetic materials at the nanoscale. Nanostructured materials derived from biopolymers such as cellulose, chitin, or collagen can be employed for the development of sustainable food packaging. Green materials are cost-effective, biocompatible, biodegradable, and renewable. The interaction of nanoparticles with biological macromolecules must be analyzed to determine the properties of the packaging film. The nanoparticles control the growth of bacteria that cause food spoiling by releasing distinctive chemicals. Bio-nanocomposites and nanoencapsulation systems have been used in antimicrobial bio-based packaging solutions to improve the efficiency of synergism. Nanomaterials can regulate gas and moisture permeability, screen UV radiation, and limit microbial contamination, keeping the freshness and flavor of the food. Food packaging based on nanoparticles embedded biopolymers can alleviate environmental concerns by lowering the amount of packaging materials required and enhancing packaging recyclability. This results in less waste and a more eco-sustainable approach to food packaging. The study on current advances in the production of bionanomaterials for development of sustainable food packaging involves a detailed investigation of the available data from existing literature, as well as the compilation and analysis of relevant research results using statistical approaches.

Computational Design and Manufacturing of Sustainable Materials through First-Principles and Materiomics

Engineered materials are ubiquitous throughout society and are critical to the development of modern technology, yet many current material systems are inexorably tied to widespread deterioration of ecological processes. Next-generation material systems can address goals of environmental sustainability by providing alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials and by reducing destructive extraction processes, energy costs, and accumulation of solid waste. However, development of sustainable materials faces several key challenges including investigation, processing, and architecting of new feedstocks that are often relatively mechanically weak, complex, and difficult to characterize or standardize. In this review paper, we outline a framework for examining sustainability in material systems and discuss how recent developments in modeling, machine learning, and other computational tools can aid the discovery of novel sustainable materials. We consider these through the lens of materiomics, an approach that considers material systems holistically by incorporating perspectives of all relevant scales, beginning with first-principles approaches and extending through the macroscale to consider sustainable material design from the bottom-up. We follow with an examination of how computational methods are currently applied to select examples of sustainable material development, with particular emphasis on bioinspired and biobased materials, and conclude with perspectives on opportunities and open challenges.

Effect of Flaxseed on TGF-Β, IL-6, and MMP9 Genes Expression during Wound Healing Process in Rabbits

BACKGROUND: Wound healing is a natural restorative response to tissue injury, and it involves regulated order of cellular and biochemical actions to reinstate tissue after injury, which involves resurfacing reconstitution, and restoration of tensile strength of injured skin. Normal and impaired wound healing post-significant problems related to healthcare and expenditure. Most of the chemical medications which widely used for wound healing might cause unwanted side effects with prolonged use such as hyper scarring, thus studies using natural products are now deemed important. Flaxseed is a natural product that enhances the immune system functioning against different diseases. Nevertheless, limited studies have been done looking into the response triggered by immune cells and the wound-healing-related genes with the use of flaxseed extract onto the wounded skin for the healing process. AIM: The main objective of this study is to analyze the expression of wound healing-related genes during different stages of the wound healing process induced by flaxseed in vivo. METHODS: The effect of flaxseed oil in the early stages (day 4 and 7) and late stages (day 14) of wound healing was explored on New Zealand white rabbits by creating a longitudinal full thickness wound on their back. The gene expression profiles of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), IL-6, and metalloproteinase (MMP9) genes which have roles in wound healing through inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling were studied by polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: Flaxseed extract has significant effects in up-regulating anti-inflammatory marker TGF-β in wounds. Flaxseed oil also reduces the expression level of MMP9 on day 14 of wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that flaxseed extract has the potential to promote wound healing through the regulation of TGF-β and MMP9 in vivo.

The fourth industrial revolution in the food industry-part II: Emerging food trends

The food industry has recently been under unprecedented pressure due to major global challenges, such as climate change, exponential increase in world population and urbanization, and the worldwide spread of new diseases and pandemics, such as the COVID-19. The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) has been gaining momentum since 2015 and has revolutionized the way in which food is produced, transported, stored, perceived, and consumed worldwide, leading to the emergence of new food trends. After reviewing Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, smart sensors, robotics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things) in Part I of this work (Hassoun, Aït-Kaddour, et al. 2022. The fourth industrial revolution in the food industry-Part I: Industry 4.0 technologies. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1-17.), this complimentary review will focus on emerging food trends (such as fortified and functional foods, additive manufacturing technologies, cultured meat, precision fermentation, and personalized food) and their connection with Industry 4.0 innovations. Implementation of new food trends has been associated with recent advances in Industry 4.0 technologies, enabling a range of new possibilities. The results show several positive food trends that reflect increased awareness of food chain actors of the food-related health and environmental impacts of food systems. Emergence of other food trends and higher consumer interest and engagement in the transition toward sustainable food development and innovative green strategies are expected in the future.