Development of bacterial cellulose/chitin multi-nanofibers based smart films containing natural active microspheres and nanoparticles formed in situ

Application of Natural Functional Additives for Improving Bioactivity and Structure of Biopolymer-Based Films for Food Packaging: A Review

The global trend towards conscious consumption plays an important role in consumer preferences regarding both the composition and quality of food and packaging materials, including sustainable ones. The development of biodegradable active packaging materials could reduce both the negative impact on the environment due to a decrease in the use of oil-based plastics and the amount of synthetic preservatives. This review discusses relevant functional additives for improving the bioactivity of biopolymer-based films. Addition of plant, microbial, animal and organic nanoparticles into bio-based films is discussed. Changes in mechanical, transparency, water and oxygen barrier properties are reviewed. Since microbial and oxidative deterioration are the main causes of food spoilage, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of natural additives are discussed, including perspective ones for the development of biodegradable active packaging.

Biogenesis of bacterial cellulose/xanthan/CeO2NPs composite films for active food packaging

The increasing significance of biopolymer-based food packaging can be attributed to its biodegradability and independence from petroleum-derived materials. Concurrently, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have gained prominence as effective antimicrobial agents against both wild-type and antibiotic-resistant microbes. In this study, cerium oxide or ceria, CeO2, nanoparticles with an average diameter of 50 nm were synthesized via a green method utilizing Vibrio sp. VLC cell lysate supernatant. The synthesized CeO2 NPs displayed remarkable antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by 93.7 % and 98 %, respectively. To enhance the potential of bacterial cellulose (BC) for advanced applications, we developed a BC/xanthan/CeO2 nanocomposite using both ex situ and in situ techniques. The integration of CeO2 NPs within the nanocomposite structure not only improved the inherent properties of BC, but also rendered it suitable for use in active food packaging systems. The nanocomposite exhibited no significant cytotoxicity on the human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells, confirming its safety. Nanocomposites containing biogenically synthesized CeO2 NPs demonstrated exceptional efficacy for reducing microbial contamination. Bread samples coated with nanocomposite films displayed no signs of microbial growth. These results support the application of BC/xanthan/CeO2 nanocomposites as suitable and effective coating materials for antimicrobial food packaging applications.

Electrospun Photodynamic Antibacterial Konjac Glucomannan/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanofibers Incorporated with Lignin-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Curcumin for Food Packaging

Due to the growing concerns surrounding microbial contamination and food safety, there has been a surge of interest in fabricating novel food packaging with highly efficient antibacterial activity. Herein, we describe novel photodynamic antibacterial konjac glucomannan (KGM)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers incorporated with lignin-zinc oxide composite nanoparticles (L-ZnONPs) and curcumin (Cur) via electrospinning technology. The resulting KGM/PVP/Cur/L-ZnONPs nanofibers exhibited favorable hydrophobic properties (water contact angle: 118.1°), thermal stability, and flexibility (elongation at break: 241.9%). Notably, the inclusion of L-ZnONPs and Cur endowed the nanofibers with remarkable antioxidant (ABTS radical scavenging activity: 98.1%) and photodynamic antimicrobial properties, demonstrating enhanced inhibitory effect against both Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition: 12.4 mm) and Escherichia coli (12.1 mm). As a proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the feasibility of applying nanofibers to fresh strawberries, and the findings demonstrated that our nanofibers could delay strawberry spoilage and inhibit microbial growth. This photodynamic antimicrobial approach holds promise for design of highly efficient antibacterial food packaging, thereby contributing to enhanced food safety and quality assurance.

Polysaccharide- and protein-based edible films combined with microwave technology for meat preservation

To reduce food-borne bacterial infection caused by food spoilage, developing highly efficient food packing film is still an urgent need for food preservation. Herein, microwave-assisted antibacterial nanocomposite films CaO2@PVP/EA/CMC-Na (CP/EC) were synthesized using waste eggshell as precursor, egg albumen (EA) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) as matrix by casting method. The size of CaO2@PVP (CP) nanoparticles with monodisperse spherical structures was 100-240 nm. When microwave and CP nanoparticles (0.05 mg/mL) were treated for 5 min, the mortality of E. coli and S. aureus could reach >97 %. Under microwave irradiation (6 min), the bactericidal rate of 2.5 % CP/EC film against E. coli and S. aureus reached 98.6 % and 97.2 %, respectively. After adding CP nanoparticles, the highest tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) of CP/EC film reached 19.59 MPa and 583.43 %, respectively. At 18 °C, the proliferation of bacterial colonies on meat can be significantly inhibited by 2.5 % CP/EC film. Detailed characterization showed that the excellent meat preservation activity was due to the synergistic effect of dynamic effect generated by ROS and thermal effect of microwave. This study provides a promising approach for the packaging application of polysaccharide- and protein-based biomass nanocomposite antibacterial edible films.

Nanochitin for sustainable and advanced manufacturing

Presently, the rapid depletion of resources and drastic climate change highlight the importance of sustainable development. In this case, nanochitin derived from chitin, the second most abundant renewable polymer in the world, possesses numerous advantages, including toughness, easy processability and biodegradability. Furthermore, it exhibits better dispersibility in various solvents and higher reactivity than chitin owing to its increased surface area to volume ratio. Additionally, it is the only natural polysaccharide that contains nitrogen. Therefore, it is valuable to further develop this innovative technology. This review summarizes the recent developments in nanochitin and specifically identifies sustainable strategies for its preparation. Additionally, the different biomass sources that can be exploited for the extraction of nanochitin are highlighted. More importantly, the life cycle assessment of nanochitin preparation is discussed, followed by its applications in advanced manufacturing and perspectives on the valorization of chitin waste.

Smart antibacterial nanocellulose packaging film based on pH-stimulate responsive microcapsules synthesized by Pickering emulsion template

Spoilage results in food waste and endangers consumer health, and the smart antibacterial packaging can effectively inhibit bacterial growth and reduce food spoilage. In this study, the smart antibacterial nanocellulose packaging films were developed by adding the pH-stimulated responsive microcapsules into cellulose nanofibril (CNF) film-forming. The microcapsules were synthesized by interfacial polymerization of Pickering emulsion. Carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals as solid particles stabilized the composited oil phase to prepare the oil-in-water Pickering emulsion. The emulsion with the particle concentration of 1.25 wt% and the oil phase mass fraction of 7.5 % processes excellent stability and uniform particle size, was chosen to synthesize microcapsules. The cinnamaldehyde in the film with the addition amount of microcapsules 0.6 g burst released in the first 1 h and then slowly, and the cumulative release at pH 2.0, 4.0, 5.5 and 7.2 was 28.43 μg/cm2, 18.84 μg/cm2, 16.52 μg/cm2 and 12.89 μg/cm2, respectively. The inhibitory rate of film against both E. coli and L. monocytogenes reached 99 % at pH 4.0. The shelf life of pork packed by the film prolonged to nearly 9 d at room temperature. The developed films have the potential to be used in food packaging.

Development of antibacterial nanocomposites by combination of bacterial cellulose/chitin nanofibrils and all-natural bioactive nanoparticles

In this study, a functional composite membrane was facilely fabricated by using a dual nanofibril system of bacterial cellulose (BC) and chitin (CH) nanofibrils as bio-based building blocks. The BC-CH membranes with enhanced antibacterial activity were constructed by incorporation of all-natural bioactive nanoparticles (GBTPs), which were formed by spontaneous molecular interactions of three naturally occurring active small molecules, i.e., glycyrrhizic acid (GA), berberine (BR), and tannic acid (TA). The microstructure, physicochemical properties, and antibacterial behaviors of the resulting BC-CH-GBTPs nanocomposites were then characterized. The obtained results showed that the GBTPs with a diameter of around 50-100 nm and membrane matrix were bound by non-covalent interactions, and the addition of GBTPs did not compromise the structural integrity and thermal stability of the composites, which retained good mechanical properties. Furthermore, the addition of GBTPs led to a rougher surface structure and increased the water contact angle of the membrane surfaces from 48.13° to 59.80°. The antimicrobial tests indicate that the BC-CH-GBTPs nanocomposites exhibited significant inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, showing a satisfactory antibacterial ability. These results suggest that the BC-CH-GBTPs nanocomposites based on all-natural, plant-based building blocks, hold promising potentials as active packaging materials for sustainable applications.

The use of essential oils in chitosan or cellulose-based materials for the production of active food packaging solutions: a review

In recent decades, interest in sustainable food packaging systems with additional functionality, able to increase the shelf life of products, has grown steadily. Following this trend, the present review analyzes the state of the art of this active renewable packaging. The focus is on antimicrobial systems containing nanocellulose and chitosan, as support for the incorporation of essential oils. These are the most sustainable and readily available options to produce completely natural active packaging materials. After a brief overview of the different active packaging technologies, the main features of nanocellulose, chitosan, and of the different essential oils used in the field of active packaging are introduced and described. The latest findings about the nanocellulose- and chitosan-based active packaging are then presented. The antimicrobial effectiveness of the different solutions is discussed, focusing on their effect on other material properties. The effect of the different inclusion strategies is also reviewed considering both in vivo and in vitro studies, in an attempt to understand more promising solutions and possible pathways for further development. In general, essential oils are very successful in exerting antimicrobial effects against the most diffused gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and affecting other material properties (tensile strength, water vapor transmission rate) positively. Due to the wide variety of biopolymer matrices and essential oils available, it is difficult to create general guidelines for the development of active packaging systems. However, more attention should be dedicated to sensory analysis, release kinetics, and synergetic action of different essential oils to optimize the active packaging on different food products. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Development and characterization of chitosan/bacterial cellulose/pullulan bilayer film with sustained release curcumin

A natural biopolymer bilayer film based on chitosan and bacterial cellulose with a protective layer of pullulan was developed by a two-step solution casting method. Curcumin was incorporated as an active antioxidant and antibacterial agent into the inner layer. The films with different curcumin concentrations were systematically characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses showed high compatibility between curcumin and the polysaccharide matrix through intermolecular interactions, which was verified by enhanced mechanical and barrier properties. The curcumin incorporation improved the thermal stability by >35.4 %, along with lower visible and ultraviolet light transmittance (< 8.6 %) and water solubility (< 25.1 %). The film had both antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and the sustained release of curcumin was largest (> 58.8 %) in the fatty food simulant lasting for over 155 h. The results suggested that the film containing 0.2 % curcumin had ideal physical and functional properties, suggesting its potential as a novel packaging material for the preservation of high-fat food.

The strategic applications of natural polymer nanocomposites in food packaging and agriculture: Chances, challenges, and consumers' perception

Natural polymer-based nanocomposites have received significant attention in both scientific and industrial research in recent years. They can help to eliminate the consequences of application of petroleum-derived polymeric materials and related environmental concerns. Such nanocomposites consist of natural biopolymers (e.g., chitosan, starch, cellulose, alginate and many more) derived from plants, microbes and animals that are abundantly available in nature, biodegradable and thus eco-friendly, and can be used for developing nanocomposites for agriculture and food industry applications. Biopolymer-based nanocomposites can act as slow-release nanocarriers for delivering agrochemicals (fertilizers/nutrients) or pesticides to crop plants to increase yields. Similarly, biopolymer-based nanofilms or hydrogels may be used as direct product coating to extend product shelf life or improve seed germination or protection from pathogens and pests. Biopolymers have huge potential in food-packaging. However, their packaging properties, such as mechanical strength or gas, water or microbial barriers can be remarkably improved when combined with nanofillers such as nanoparticles. This article provides an overview of the strategic applications of natural polymer nanocomposites in food and agriculture as nanocarriers of active compounds, polymer-based hydrogels, nanocoatings and nanofilms. However, the risk, challenges, chances, and consumers' perceptions of nanotechnology applications in agriculture and food production and packaging have been also discussed.

Advances in Stimuli-responsive Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Applications: A Review Towards Improving Structural Design for 3D Printing

The physicochemical properties of polymeric hydrogels render them attractive for the development of 3D printed prototypes for tissue engineering in regenerative medicine. Significant effort has been made to design hydrogels with desirable attributes that facilitate 3D printability. In addition, there is significant interest in exploring stimuli-responsive hydrogels to support automated 3D printing into more structurally organised prototypes such as customizable bio-scaffolds for regenerative medicine applications. Synthesizing stimuli-responsive hydrogels is dependent on the type of design and modulation of various polymeric materials to open novel opportunities for applications in biomedicine and bio-engineering. In this review, the salient advances made in the design of stimuli-responsive polymeric hydrogels for 3D printing in tissue engineering are discussed with a specific focus on the different methods of manipulation to develop 3D printed stimuli-responsive polymeric hydrogels. Polymeric functionalisation, nano-enabling and crosslinking are amongst the most common manipulative attributes that affect the assembly and structure of 3D printed bio-scaffolds and their stimuli- responsiveness. The review also provides a concise incursion into the various applications of stimuli to enhance the automated production of structurally organized 3D printed medical prototypes.

Antibacterial Films Made of Bacterial Cellulose

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is naturally degradable, highly biocompatible, hydrophilic, and essentially non-toxic, making it potentially useful as a base for creating more sophisticated bio-based materials. BC is similar to plant-derived cellulose in terms of chemical composition and structure but has a number of important differences in microstructure that could provide some unique opportunities for use as a scaffold for other functions. In this study, bacterial cellulose was alkylated and then esterified to produce a carboxymethyl bacterial cellulose (CMBC) that was then used to produce six different composite films with potential antibacterial properties. The films were assessed for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, pyrolysis characteristics using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microstructure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties. The addition of nano-silver (nano-Ag) markedly improved the antimicrobial activity of the films while also enhancing the physical and mechanical properties. The results indicate that the three-dimensional reticulated structure of the bacterial cellulose provides an excellent substrate for scaffolding other bioactive materials. Thus, the nano-BC was added into the CMBC/nano-Ag composites furthermore, and then the antibacterial and mechanical properties were improved 44% for E. coli, 59% for S. aureus, and 20% for tensile strength, respectively.

Incorporation of gelatin and Fe2+ increases the pH-sensitivity of zein-anthocyanin complex films used for milk spoilage detection

In this study, blueberry anthocyanins, gelatin and Fe²⁺ were incorporated into zein matrix via electrospinning method to prepare colorimetric indicator films for monitoring milk freshness. Gelatin and Fe²⁺ were incorporated into the film to improve visual discrimination of indicator films' color changes in milk with different freshness degrees and in solution with pH 3-7. Results of SEM, FT-IR and XRD showed that there were intermolecular hydrogen bonds among components, which associated with the larger color difference of indicator films. UV-vis spectral analysis showed that blueberry anthocyanin solutions containing both gelatin and Fe²⁺ displayed the highest intensity absorption peaks. The optimal ability to distinguish the pH (3-7) of solutions was presented by the indicator film incorporating gelatin (1% (w/v)) and Fe²⁺ (0.07 mg/mL). Gelatin and Fe²⁺ increased the color-responsive sensitivity of the indicator film to pH. The film could be successfully used to detect the freshness of milk, whose color changes were visually perceivable: from purple black (fresh milk) to royal purple (spoiling milk) and then to violet red (spoiled milk). The color parameters (L*, a*, R, G and B) of the film revealed a high correlation with the pH/acidity of the milk during storage. The successful application of the indicator film embedding gelatin and Fe²⁺ for monitoring milk quality changes indicated that the addition of special substances could provide great potential for monitoring freshness and preparing intelligent packaging of food.

A Comprehensive Review of the Development of Carbohydrate Macromolecules and Copper Oxide Nanocomposite Films in Food Nanopackaging

Background. Food nanopackaging helps maintain food quality against physical, chemical, and storage instability factors. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) can improve biopolymers’ mechanical features and barrier properties. This will lead to antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in food packaging to extend the shelf life. Scope and Approach. Edible coatings based on carbohydrate biopolymers have improved the quality of packaging. Several studies have addressed the role of carbohydrate biopolymers and incorporated nanoparticles to enhance food packets’ quality as active nanopackaging. Combined with nanoparticles, these biopolymers create film coatings with an excellent barrier property against transmissions of gases such as O2 and CO2. Key Findings and Conclusions. This review describes the CuO-biopolymer composites, including chitosan, agar, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose nanowhiskers, carrageenan, alginate, starch, and polylactic acid, as food packaging films. Here, we reviewed different fabrication techniques of CuO biocomposites and the impact of CuONPs on the physical, mechanical, barrier, thermal stability, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of carbohydrate-based films.

Preparation and characterization of sodium cellulose sulfate/chitosan composite films loaded with curcumin for monitoring pork freshness

Colorimetric films were prepared by incorporating curcumin into a sodium cellulose sulfate/chitosan composite. The morphology mechanical, and water vapor properties of the films were investigated, and their practical use in pork preservation was evaluated. The formula with the same charge ratio of sodium cellulose sulfate and chitosan had the highest tensile strength (TS). After the addition of curcumin, the tensile strength increased, whereas the water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased. The colorimetric film showed distinguishable color changes between the pH ranges of 3–10. The colorimetric film packaging extended the shelf life of the pork samples by 4 days. Moreover, the composite films were able to effectively monitor pork freshness. In conclusion, curcumin incorporated into sodium cellulose sulfate/chitosan composite films may have great potential in food packaging.

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Sodium cellulose sulfate/chitosan/curcumin films were produced for food packaging.

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The properties of composite films were enhanced due to electrostatic interaction.

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The composite films changed their colors in response to the change of pH.

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The composite films could monitor the freshness and extend shelf life of pork.

Cellulose laurate films containing curcumin as photoinduced antibacterial agent for meat preservation

Hydrophobic cellulose laurate (CL) with high degree of substitution has been successfully synthesized. The mechanical property, water-resistance, antimicrobial activity, barrier properties and food decontamination of cellulose-laurate-curcumin films (CL-Cu_x, x = 0.1, 0.5, and 1) were investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties of CL-Cu_x hardly change after soaking in water for 24 h, probably due to the strong hydrophobicity of cellulose laurate. CL-Cu₁ represented a good photoinduced antibacterial effect against S. aureus. After irradiation of white light at 60 mW·cm^-2 for 20 min, the inhibition efficiency reached to 95 ± 2.02%, probably owing to the generated active ¹O₂. In comparison with CL-Cu₁ stored in natural light, the bacteriostatic effect of CL-Cu₁ in dark storage was better, and the inhibition rate of CL-Cu₁ remained 80 ± 1.22 at 60th day. The stabler excited state of curcumin in hydrophobic cellulose laurate was probably assigned to inhibition of tautomerism or conformational transition, which was beneficial to the generation of singlet oxygen. CL-Cu₁ can significantly inhibit the growth of TVBN and TVC values of chilled meat upon white light irradiation, indicating the potential application of cellulose-laurate-curcumin films in food decontamination.

Synthesis and characterization of bacterial cellulose-based composites for drug delivery

Bacterial cellulose (BC) was produced via the static fermentation process using G. xylinus. Cellulose and diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEAEC) were converted to carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carboxymethylated diethylaminoethyl cellulose (CMDEAEC) while to prepare the composites, two different methods were used: by either direct addition of the materials to the fermentation medium or addition of the materials after the fermentation process. Structural characteristics of composites were determined using instrumental techniques. Potential application of BC, BC/CMC, and BC/CMDEAEC in drug delivery system was examined using methylene blue (MB) as a model drug where the loading capacity and swelling ratio for the samples were as follows: BC/CMC > BC/CMDEAEC > BC. The result of the in-vitro study was in favor of the release behavior of BC/CMDEAEC composite. The MB loading data were fitted using Langmuir and Freundlich equations and kinetic behavior of the release was described by Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models.

Preparation, characterization, and antibacterial properties of hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds for cutaneous tissue engineering

Since polymeric nanofibrous scaffolds have been widely used in tissue regeneration, the risk of bacterial infections should not be neglected. In the present work, poly-caprolactone-silk fibroin-soluble eggshell membrane-silver nanoparticles (PCL-SF-SESM-AgNPs) and caprolactone-silk fibroin-soluble eggshell membrane-chitosan (PCL-SF-SESM-CS) scaffolds were fabricated via the electrospinning method for cutaneous regeneration. The composition, morphology, hydrophilicity, and mechanical features of prepared scaffolds were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), tensile, and water contact angle tests. The existence of AgNPs in PCL/SF/SESM/AgNPs nanofibers was confirmed by UV-visible, Transmission electron microscopes (TEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns. Besides, cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation process of cutaneous progenitor cells, namely basal cell carcinoma (BCCs), toward keratinocyte-like cells were evaluated using MTT analysis, DAPI, Immunofluorescence imaging (IF), and Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (QRT-PCR) assay. The results indicated that prepared nanofibrous mats are appropriate candidates for cutaneous regeneration and in advanced in vivo applications could be used. Lastly, the antimicrobial potential of prepared nanofibers against microorganisms such as E. coli, S. aureus, and C. Albicans was analyzed using the disc diffusion method. Results revealed that chitosan-containing nanofibrous scaffolds indicate inhibition against S. aureus, but PCL-SF-SESM as control group not. In addition, against C. albicans any antifungal activity was not observed.

Antimicrobial Activity of Curcumin in Nanoformulations: A Comprehensive Review

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural substance extracted from turmeric that has antimicrobial properties. Due to its ability to absorb light in the blue spectrum, CUR is also used as a photosensitizer (PS) in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). However, CUR is hydrophobic, unstable in solutions, and has low bioavailability, which hinders its clinical use. To circumvent these drawbacks, drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been used. In this review, we summarize the DDSs used to carry CUR and their antimicrobial effect against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, including drug-resistant strains and emergent pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The reviewed DDSs include colloidal (micelles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, cyclodextrins, chitosan, and other polymeric nanoparticles), metallic, and mesoporous particles, as well as graphene, quantum dots, and hybrid nanosystems such as films and hydrogels. Free (non-encapsulated) CUR and CUR loaded in DDSs have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action when used alone or as a PS in aPDT. They also show low cytotoxicity, in vivo biocompatibility, and improved wound healing. Although there are several in vitro and some in vivo investigations describing the nanotechnological aspects and the potential antimicrobial application of CUR-loaded DDSs, clinical trials are not reported and further studies should translate this evidence to the clinical scenarios of infections.

Current Trends in Drug Delivery System of Curcumin and its Therapeutic Applications

Curcumin is a poly phenolic compound extracted from turmeric. Over the past years, it has acquired significant interest among researchers due to its numerous pharmacological activities like anti- cancer, anti-alzheimer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and so on. However, the clinical use of curcumin is still obstructed due to tremendously poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, lower gastrointestinal absorption, and low permeability through cell that makes its pharmacology thrilling. These issues have led to enormous surge of investigation to develop curcumin nano formulations which can overcome these restrictive causes. The scientists all across the universe are working on designing several drug delivery systems viz. liposomes, micelles, magnetic nano carriers, etc. for curcumin and its composites which not only improve its physiochemical properties but also enhanced its therapeutic applications. The review aims to systematically examine the treasure of information about the medicinal use of curcumin. This article delivers a general idea of the current study piloted to overwhelm the complications with the bioavailability of curcumin which have exhibited an enhanced biological activity than curcumin. This article explains the latest and detailed study of curcumin and its conjugates, its phytochemistry and biological perspectives and also proved curcumin as an efficient drug candidate for the treatment of numerous diseases. Recent advancements and futuristic viewpoints are also deliberated, which shall help researchers and foster commercial translations of improved nanosized curcumin combination for the treatment of various diseases.

Development and properties of bacterial cellulose, curcumin, and chitosan composite biodegradable films for active packaging materials

To deal with serious environmental damage resulting from plastic packaging materials, biodegradable films using natural products have gained considerable attention. Here, we provide a simple, fast, and environmentally-friendly route to construct a biodegradable film using chitosan (CS), bacterial cellulose (BC), and curcumin (Cur). Composite films (CSn-BC-Cur) using CS with different molecular weights were investigated, and their water moisture content (MC), water solubility (WS), contact angle (CA), mechanical properties, barrier properties, and antioxidant properties were compared. The obtained films were characterized by SEM, XRD, and TGA. The results showed that chitosan with a higher molecular weight presented higher contact angles and mechanical properties, along with a lower moisture content, water vapor transmission rate, and oxygen transmission rate. Furthermore, when the composite film was placed in 95 % ethanol, it released active substances. The results suggest that these composite films can be used as promising materials for food packaging.

Bacterial Nanocellulose-A Biobased Polymer for Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Applications: Recent Advances and Developments

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent findings related to bacterial cellulose application in bio-packaging industry. This constantly growing sector fulfils a major role by the maintenance of product safety and quality, protection against environmental impacts that affect the shelf life. Conventional petroleum-based plastic packaging are still rarely recyclable and have a number of harmful environmental effects. Herein, we discuss the most recent studies on potential good alternative to plastic packaging-bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), known as an ecological, safe, biodegradable, and chemically pure biopolymer. The limitations of this bio-based packaging material, including relatively poor mechanical properties or lack of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, can be successfully overcome by its modification with a wide variety of bioactive and reinforcing compounds. BNC active and intelligent food packaging offer a new and innovative approach to extend the shelf life and maintain, improve, or monitor product quality and safety. Incorporation of different agents BNC matrices allows to obtain e.g., antioxidant-releasing films, moisture absorbers, antimicrobial membranes or pH, freshness and damage indicators, humidity, and other biosensors. However, further development and implementation of this kind of bio-packaging will highly depend on the final performance and cost-effectiveness for the industry and consumers.

A smart and active film with tunable drug release and color change abilities for detection and inhibition of bacterial growth

Antimicrobial resistance has become a global issue and thus the development of natural products/biomedical materials composites with antibacterial activities is urgently needed. When acute wounds develop into chronic wounds, the wound environments become alkaline. As long as infections occur, the wound pH further increases, making the wounds difficult to heal. Besides, bacterial growth in poultry, meat, fish and seafood products is usually reflected in a marked increase of pH values. Herein, smart, stimuli responsive self-assembled multilayer and complex film were constructed through the formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), thereby greatly reducing the hydrophilicity of HPMC and offering enhanced mechanical strength, superior free radical scavenging capability, and improved water vapor and light barrier properties. The EGCG/HPMC complex film was able to control EGCG release by tuning pH or temperature of the release medium. Furthermore, incorporation of CuS nanoparticles into the film allowed it to triggers EGCG release in an on-demand fashion under near-infrared (NIR) exposure. Bacterial growth in glucose-free nutrient broth medium caused pH to rise (near pH 8.0), leading to transformation of EGCG from phenol type to phenolate ion and then quinone, allowing for spontaneous generation of H₂O₂ to kill bacteria. The complex films changed their color in response to bacterial growth because EGCG transformed from phenol type to quinone type under alkaline condition. The green synthesized EGCG/HPMC complex films can be used as a colorimetric pH indicator and an antibacterial material for wound dressing and food packaging applications.

Smart Food Packaging Designed by Nanotechnological and Drug Delivery Approaches

This paper offers a general view of the solutions that are able to confer bioactivity to the packaging materials, especially antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. These properties can be induced by the nature of the polymers blend or due to the addition of ternary components from natural agents (essential oils or other extracts) to synthetic organic and inorganic agents, including nanoparticles with a broad antimicrobial activity such as metals (e.g., Ag, Au, Cu) or metal oxide (e.g., TiO2, ZnO) nanoparticles, and even bacterial cells such as probiotics. Many times, these components are synergistically used, each of them assuring a specific role or potentiating the role of the other components. The antimicrobial activity can be induced due to the applied coatings or due to the whole bulk material. Along with an increasing food stability which means a longer shelf-life some smart packaging can be exploited in order to highlight the freshness of the food. These act as a sensor (usually pH sensitive but also other mechanisms can be exploited such as aggregation/agglomeration of AuNPs leading to color change or even aldehyde-specific reactions such as the Cannizzaro reaction), and thus, consumers can be confident about the freshness of the food, especially perishable food such as seafood or fish.

Maria H, Gopi S, Volova T, C. M. Fernandes S, Thomas S. Extraction of Nanochitin from Marine Resources and Fabrication of Polymer Nanocomposites: Recent Advances

Industrial sea food residues, mainly crab and shrimp shells, are considered to be the most promising and abundant source of chitin. In-depth understanding of the biological properties of chitin and scientific advancements in the field of nanotechnology have enabled the development of high-performance chitin nanomaterials. Nanoscale chitin is of great economic value as an efficient functional and reinforcement material for a wide range of applications ranging from water purification to tissue engineering. The use of polymers and nanochitin to produce (bio) nanocomposites offers a good opportunity to prepare bioplastic materials with enhanced functional and structural properties. Most processes for nanochitin isolation rely on the use of chemical, physical or mechanical methods. Chitin-based nanocomposites are fabricated by various methods, involving electrospinning, freeze drying, etc. This review discusses the progress and new developments in the isolation and physico-chemical characterization of chitin; it also highlights the processing of nanochitin in various composite and functional materials.

Recent Advances on Magnetic Sensitive Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering is a promising strategy for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues or organs. Biomaterials are one of the most important components in tissue engineering. Recently, magnetic hydrogels, which are fabricated using iron oxide-based particles and different types of hydrogel matrices, are becoming more and more attractive in biomedical applications by taking advantage of their biocompatibility, controlled architectures, and smart response to magnetic field remotely. In this literature review, the aim is to summarize the current development of magnetically sensitive smart hydrogels in tissue engineering, which is of great importance but has not yet been comprehensively viewed.