Hake proteins edible films incorporated with essential oils: Physical, mechanical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Application of chitosan-based edible films reinforced with nanofibers to improve the shelf life of rapeseed oil: Release kinetics of essential oils and biodegradability

In the present study, the production of an active chitosan (CH) based films reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNF) was used to the control release of Carum copticum (CEO)/Origanum vulgare ssp. gracile essential oil (GEO) compounds from packaging materials into food. The biodegradability of produced films was studied for 12 months at 25 °C. The effect of temperature and film structure on the release kinetics of essential oils (EOs) from the active films into different food simulants was investigated. The rate of degradation and decrease in molecular weight of pure CH increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all storage period, so that the amount of weight loss was reached to 61.25 % for the control film after 12 months of burying. In general, the rate of migration of EOs from active films at all three temperatures is higher than that of active nanofibers. In general, the peroxide content of all oil samples increased significantly (p < 0.05) during 2 months of storage at 25 °C. In general, it can be stated that nanofibers containing 5 % EO are significantly able to maintain the freshness of the Rapeseed oil (RSO) during storage at ambient temperature and delay oil oxidation.

Isolation of taro peel cellulose nanofibers and its application in improving functional properties of taro starch nanocomposites films

The current work focuses on developing nanocomposite films using taro starch and cellulose nanofibers extracted from the root's peel. Films were prepared using mixtures of starch, cellulose nanofibers (0 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % w/w), glycerol, and water. Results showed that the addition of cellulose nanofibers increased film thickness, opacity, UV-light barrier capacity, and water swelling percentage. All films showed a typical B-type X-ray diffraction pattern characteristic of semicrystalline materials. FTIR analysis confirmed chemical interactions between the starch chains and the nanofibers, which probably interact through hydrogen bonds. Nanocomposite films exhibited increased tensile strength and reduced strain at break compared to control materials. Films with cellulose nanofibers showed an increase in Young's modulus compared to control ones, with no differences observed between films with cellulose nanofibers at 10 % and 15 %. Furthermore, films with cellulose nanofibers at 5 % and 10 % exhibited lower water vapor permeability than control samples, while those with cellulose nanofibers at 15 % showed an increase in this parameter compared to other materials. These results suggest that incorporating taro cellulose nanofibers is a promising alternative for obtaining taro starch nanocomposites films with improved properties.

Lipid incorporated biopolymer based edible films and coatings in food packaging: A review

In the evolving landscape of food packaging, lipid-based edible films and coatings are emerging as a sustainable and effective solution for enhancing food quality and prolonging shelf life. This critical review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the functional properties, roles, and fabrication techniques associated with lipid-based materials in food packaging. It explores the unique advantages of lipids, including waxes, resins, and fatty acids, in providing effective water vapor, gas, and microbial barriers. When integrated with other biopolymers, such as proteins and polysaccharides, lipid-based composite films demonstrate superior thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties. The review also covers the application of these innovative coatings in preserving a wide range of fruits and vegetables, highlighting their role in reducing moisture loss, controlling respiration rates, and maintaining firmness. Furthermore, the safety aspects of lipid-based coatings are discussed to address consumer and regulatory concerns.

Incorporation of Prosopis cineraria Extract Improved the Mechanical, Barrier and Antioxidant Properties but Not the Antibacterial Activity of Tigertooth croaker Fish Scale Gelatin Film

Scale gelatin films derived from croaker fish and infused with Prosopis (Prosopis cineraria) extract (PE) at concentrations of 0.3% and 0.7% were produced. A control film, void of extract, was employed for comparative purposes. The thickness of each film was found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). The results show that the highest solubility (78.57 ± 3.57%) was found for the glycerol film, and the least permeability was found for the water vapor (0.74 ± 0.09 ×10-10g s-1m-1Pa-1); however, the water vapor permeability (WVP) and water solubility (WS) of the films that contained PE were considerably lower than those of the control film (p < 0.05). In contrast to the control film, those infused with 0.7% PE exhibited exceptional UV-barrier properties (>99%) and favorable thermal characteristics. The highest and lowest antioxidant activities were found for the 7% Prosopis cineraria extract (56.96 ± 2.6%) and the glycerol film (40.66 ± 2.46%), respectively. No antibacterial activity was observed in these films. Microscopic pictures showed that all three films had a uniform and plain surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analysis revealed distinct amide bands and protein-polyphenol interactions within the films that contained the extract.

Fabrication, Characterization, and Antioxidant Potential of Sodium Alginate/Acacia Gum Hydrogel-Based Films Loaded with Cinnamon Essential Oil

Several studies have reported the advantages of incorporating essential oils in hydrogel-based films for improving their physiochemical and antioxidant attributes. Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has great potential in industrial and medicinal applications as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. The present study aimed to develop sodium alginate (SA) and acacia gum (AG) hydrogel-based films loaded with CEO. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and texture analysis (TA) were performed to analyze the structural, crystalline, chemical, thermal, and mechanical behaviour of the edible films that were loaded with CEO. Moreover, the transparency, thickness, barrier, thermal, and color parameters of the prepared hydrogel-based films loaded with CEO were also assessed. The study revealed that as the concentration of oil in the films was raised, the thickness and elongation at break (EAB) increased, while transparency, tensile strength (TS), water vapor permeability (WVP), and moisture content (MC) decreased. As the concentration of CEO increased, the hydrogel-based films demonstrated a significant improvement in their antioxidant properties. Incorporating CEO into the SA-AG composite edible films presents a promising strategy for producing hydrogel-based films with the potential to serve as food packaging materials.

Fabrication and characterization of natural polyphenol and ZnO nanoparticles loaded protein-based biopolymer multifunction electrospun nanofiber films, and application in fruit preservation

To extend the shelf life of sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) and considering the environmental problems caused by traditional packaging materials, novel Zein/Gelatin-proanthocyanidins-zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZE/GE-PC-ZnO) and Zein/Gelatin-gallic acid-zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZE/GE-GA-ZnO) protein-based composite nanofiber films were prepared by electrospinning. According to the results, ZE/GE-PC-ZnO and ZE/GE-GA-ZnO films' contact angles were higher than those of Zein/Gelatin film by 28.91% and 21.27%, and their antioxidant activities were 5 and 9 times higher, respectively. Moreover, ZE/GE-PC-ZnO film showed good inhibitory activity against B. cinerea. On the eleventh day of the cherry packaging test, compared to unwrapped cherries, the losses of weight and firmness of wrapped fruit were reduced by more than 20% and 60%, respectively. Respiration time was delayed by 5 days, and the peak of ethylene release was decreased by nearly half. In conclusion, these two nanofiber films were viable packaging materials that fulfilled global strategies for green development.

A Review of Regulatory Standards and Advances in Essential Oils as Antimicrobials in Foods

As essential oils (EOs) possess GRAS status, there is a strong interest in their application to food preservation. Trends in the food industry suggest consumers are drawn to environmentally friendly alternatives and less synthetic chemical preservatives. Although the use of EOs has increased over the years, adverse effects have limited their use. This review aims to address the regulatory standards for EO usage in food, techniques for delivery of EOs, essential oils commonly used to control pathogens and molds, and advances with new active compounds that overcome sensory effects for meat products, fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, seafood, dairy products, and other products. This review will show adverse sensory effects can be overcome in various products by the use of edible coatings containing encapsulated EOs to facilitate the controlled release of EOs. Depending on the method of cooking, the food product has been shown to mask flavors associated with EOs. In addition, using active packaging materials can decrease the diffusion rate of the EOs, thus controlling undesirable flavor characteristics while still preserving or prolonging the shelf life of food. The use of encapsulation in packaging film can control the release of volatile or active ingredients. Further, use of EOs in the vapor phase allows for contact indirectly, and use of nanoemulsion, coating, and film wrap allows for the controlled release of the EOs. Research has also shown that combining EOs can prevent adverse sensory effects. Essential oils continue to serve as a very beneficial way of controlling undesirable microorganisms in food systems.

Active edible films with plant extracts: a updated review of their types, preparations, reinforcing properties, and applications in muscle foods packaging and preservation

Currently, edible films have been increasingly explored to solve muscle food spoilage during storage, especially through the incorporation of plant extracts to develop edible packaging materials. Natural polymers matrices with plant extracts are befitting for fabricating edible films by casting methods. In the films system, the structure and physicochemical properties were strengthened via chemical interactions between active molecules in plant extracts and the reactive groups in the polymer chain. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties were dramatically reinforced through both physical and chemical actions of the plant extracts. Additionally, edible films imbedded with color-rich plant extracts could be considered as potential sensitive indicators to monitor the spoilage degree of muscle foods in response to change in gas or temperature. Furthermore, these films could increase sensory acceptability, improve quality and prolong the shelf life of muscle foods. In this article, the types, preparation methods and reinforcing properties of the edible films with plant extracts were discussed. Also, the applications of these films were summarized on quality maintenance and shelf-life extension and intelligent monitoring in muscle foods. Finally, a novel technology for film preparation achieving high-stability and sustained release of active compounds will become an underlying trend for application in muscle food packaging.

Mung bean protein films incorporated with cumin essential oil: development and characterization

Biodegradable films based on mung bean protein (1, 3 and 5%) incorporated with cumin essential oil (EO) (0, 0.25 and 0.5 ml/g protein) were developed. Adding cumin oil and increasing the protein content enhanced the thickness, tensile strength and yellowness. Films incorporated with EO exhibited less water vapor permeability and water solubility, as compared to the control films. A higher antioxidant activity was also obtained by increasing the EO and protein ratios. Films with higher levels of protein displayed lower thermal stability with a lower degradation temperature, as suggested by thermo-gravimetric analyses. In addition, the incorporation of EO reduced thermal stability, as confirmed by the higher weight loss and lower degradation temperature. Furthermore, mung bean protein films containing 0.5 ml cumin oil/g protein had suitable physical characteristics, antioxidant activities, water barrier properties and thermal stability; thus, they can be used as appropriate biodegradable packaging materials for food preservation.

Current Trends in the Utilization of Essential Oils for Polysaccharide- and Protein-Derived Food Packaging Materials

Essential oils (EOs) have received attention in the food industry for developing biopolymer-derived food packaging materials. EOs are an excellent choice to replace petroleum-derived additives in food packaging materials due to their abundance in nature, eco-friendliness, and superior antimicrobial and antioxidant attributes. Thus far, EOs have been used in cellulose-, starch-, chitosan-, and protein-based food packaging materials. Biopolymer-based materials have lower antioxidant and antibacterial properties in comparison with their counterparts, and are not suitable for food packaging applications. Various synthetic-based compounds are being used to improve the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of biopolymers. However, natural essential oils are sustainable and non-harmful alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant agents for use in biopolymer-derived food packaging materials. The incorporation of EOs into the polymeric matrix affects their physicochemical properties, particularly improving their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. EOs in the food packaging materials increase the shelf life of the packaged food, inhibit the growth of microorganisms, and provide protection against oxidation. Essential oils also influence other properties, such as tensile, barrier, and optical properties of the biopolymers. This review article gives a detailed overview of the use of EOs in biopolymer-derived food packaging materials. The innovative ways of incorporating of EOs into food packaging materials are also highlighted, and future perspectives are discussed.

Effect of mung bean protein isolate/pullulan films containing marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) essential oil on chemical and microbial properties of minced beef meat

In this study, the effect of marjoram essential oil (MEO) on the mechanical, barrier, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of mung bean protein isolate (MPI)/pullulan (PU) composite films and its influence on the quality of minced beef meat during 14 days storage at 4 °C was studied. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results confirmed the compatibility between components. Also, depend on the different ratios of combination of MEO and MPI/PU, tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) were varied. The results showed that an increase in the level of the MPI led to a significant increment in TS and water-proof properties of the composite films. Also, with addition of MEO, the EAB of the antimicrobial blend-films was decreased, while TS and water-proof properties were increased. In addition, enrichment of the films with MEO led to a considerable positive effect on DPPH radical scavenging and antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). Based on the bacterial and chemical analyses of the minced meat samples, MEO-incorporation in MPI/PU films enhanced oxidative stability of minced beef samples, and also showed effective antimicrobial activity against all of the tested bacteria.

Antimicrobial PLA-PVA multilayer films containing phenolic compounds

Multilayer materials with good interlayer-adhesion were obtained by thermocompression for laminating an internal poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) layer with two external poly (lactic acid) (PLA) layers. Carvacrol or ferulic acid were incorporated into the PVA sheet to obtain active materials. The multilayer films were characterised as to their microstructure, thermal behaviour, tensile and barrier properties. Furthermore, the antimicrobial capacity of the materials was analysed in packaged beef meat samples for 17 days at 5 °C. The laminates exhibited tensile properties close to those of the PLA films, but with enhanced stretchability. Compared to the monolayers, the barrier capacity of multilayers was much improved by combining polyester and PVA layers, which provide the laminate with water vapour and oxygen barrier capacity, respectively. Active multilayers were effective at controlling microbial growth in beef meat during cold storage. Therefore, the materials developed were functionally adequate for food packaging purposes and successfully promoted the meat preservation.

The impact of essential oils on the qualitative properties, release profile, and stimuli-responsiveness of active food packaging nanocomposites

Food industries attempt to introduce a new food packaging by blending essential oils (EOs) into the polymeric matrix as an active packaging, which has great ability to preserve the quality of food and increase its shelf life by releasing active compounds within storage. The main point in designing the active packaging is controlled-release of active substances for their enhanced activity. Biopolymers are functional substances, which suggest structural integrity to sense external stimuli like temperature, pH, or ionic strength. The controlled release of EOs from active packaging and their stimuli-responsive properties can be very important for practical applications of these novel biocomposites. EOs can affect the uniformity of the polymeric matrix and physical and structural characteristics of the composites, such as moisture content, solubility in water, water vapor transmission rate, elongation at break, and tensile strength. To measure the ingredients of EOs and their migration from food packaging, chromatographic methods can be used. A head-space-solid phase micro-extraction coupled to gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC-MS) technique is as a good process for evaluating the release of Eos. Therefore, the aims of this review were to evaluate the qualitative characteristics, release profile, and stimuli-responsiveness of active and smart food packaging nanocomposites loaded with essential oils and developing such multi-faceted packaging for advanced applications.

Edible packaging: Sustainable solutions and novel trends in food packaging

Novel food packaging techniques are an important area of research to promote food quality and safety. There is a trend towards environmentally sustainable and edible forms of packaging. Edible packaging typically uses sustainable, biodegradable material that is applied as a consumable wrapping or coating around the food, which generates no waste. Numerous studies have recently investigated the importance of edible materials as an added value to packaged foods. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising method to provide use of bioactives, antimicrobials, vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients to potentially increase the functionality of edible packaging. It can act as edible dispensers of food ingredients as encapsulants, nanofibers, nanoparticles and nanoemulsions. In this way, edible packaging serves as an active form of packaging. It plays an important role in packaged foods by desirably interacting with the food and providing technological functions such as releasing scavenging compounds (antimicrobials and antioxidants), and removing harmful gasses such as oxygen and water vapour which all can decrease products quality and shelf life. Active packaging can also contribute to maintaining the nutritive profile of packaged foods. In this review, authors present the latest information on new technological advances in edible food packaging, their novel applications and provide examples of recent studies where edible packaging possesses also an active role.

Dihydromyricetin incorporated active films based on konjac glucomannan and gellan gum

Active composite films were developed by incorporating different concentration of dihydromyricetin (DMY) into konjac glucomannan (KGM)/gellan gum (GG) matrix. Physicochemical, mechanical, released behaviour, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of composite films were investigated. The results from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that DMY which well-dispersed in the KGM/GG matrix interacted with matrix through hydrogen bonds. The obtained films presented predominant thermostability, good water resistance property, excellent ultraviolet light barrier ability and sustained controlled release behaviour. In particular, the incorporation of DMY remarkably enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the films. Overall, the fabricated KGM/GG-DMY composite films have a promising application in the fields of food packaging.

Effects of Whey Protein Isolate-Based Film Incorporated with Tarragon Essential Oil on the Quality and Shelf-Life of Refrigerated Brook Trout

The efficiency of some films prepared from heat-denatured whey protein isolate solutions on the quality and shelf-life of brook trout samples during storage at 4 °C was studied in this research (WPIf-a film based on whey protein isolate and WPIf+2.5%TEO-a film based on whey protein isolate incorporated with 2.5% tarragon essential oil). The control and covered fish samples were periodically assessed (at 3 days) over 15 days of storage for the physicochemical (pH; EC, electrical conductivity; TVB-N, total volatile basic nitrogen; TBARS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; color), microbiological (TVC, total viable count; PTC, psychrotrophic count; LAB, lactic acid bacteria; H₂S-producing bacteria), and sensory properties (color discoloration; odor; overall acceptability). The WPIf+2.5%TEO has proven enhanced quality preservation effects compared to WPIf by showing lower values for physicochemical parameters, lower microbial loads, and higher sensory scores in the fish sample. All these effects have led to an extension of the sample’s shelf-life. In conclusion, the tarragon essential oil has conferred antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to the film. Thus, the WPIf+2.5%TEO could be a promising material for the packaging of fresh brook trout during refrigerated storage.

Chitosan-based film incorporated with essential oil nanoemulsion foreseeing enhanced antimicrobial effect

Foodborne diseases are a huge problem that causes dramatic economic losses and threatens consumers' lives. Chitosan-based film incorporated with essential oil nanoemulsion would be an ideal solution to build smart food packaging. Thyme oil was formulated into nanoemulsion and checked for the droplet size, distribution, and physical stability. The prepared thyme oil nanoemulsion was incorporated with the chitosan-filmogenic mixture through continuous mixing. The filmogenic mixture was cast, dried, and assessed for their morphological, physical, mechanical, and molecular properties. In addition to investigating the antimicrobial activity against gram-negative (Escherichia coli spp.) and gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis spp.) bacteria. Thyme oil nanoemulsion showed a small droplet size (89-90 nm) with considerable stability. Incorporating thyme oil nanoemulsion with the chitosan-based film did not cause great change in the film appearance and transparency, while enhanced the light barrier property. It caused noticeable changes to the film physical (ex., moisture content, water vapor permeability, among others) and mechanical (Tensile strength and elongation at break) properties. On the other hand, it improved the film thermal stability without causing a structural alteration in the film matrix. Incorporation of chitosan-based film with thyme nanoemulsion remarkably improved the antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. Chitosan-based film incorporated with thyme oil nanoemulsion would be considered a promising antimicrobial food packaging material with considerable packaging properties, and substantial growth inhibitor of foodborne pathogens.

Bio-based active food packaging materials: Sustainable alternative to conventional petrochemical-based packaging materials

In food industry, a growing concern is the use of suitable packaging material (i.e., biodegradable coatings and films) with enhanced thermal, mechanical and barrier characteristics to prevent from contamination and loss of foodstuff. Biobased polymer resources can be used for the development of biodegradable bioplastics. To achieve this goal, biopolymers should be economic, renewable and abundantly available. Bioplastic packaging materials based on renewable biomass could be used as sustainable alternative to petrochemically-originated plastic materials. This review summarizes the recent advancements in biopolymer-based coatings and films for active food packaging applications. Microbial polymers (PHA and PLA), wood-based polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose, starch & lignin), and protein-based polymers (gelatin, keratin, wheat gluten, soy protein and whey protein isolates) were among the materials most widely exploited for the development of smart packaging films. These biopolymers are able to synthesize coatings and films with good barrier properties against food borne pathogens and the transport of gases. Biobased reinforcements e.g., plant essential oils and natural additives to bioplastic films improve oxygen barrier, antibacterial and antifungal properties. To induce the desired functionality the simultaneous utilization of different synthetic and biobased polymers in the form of composites/blends is also an emerging area of research. Nanoscale reinforcements into bioplastic packaging have also been reported to improve packaging characteristics ultimately increasing food shelf life. The development of bioplastic/biocomposite and nanobiocomposites exhibits high potential to replace nonbiodegradable materials with characteristics comparable to fossil-based plastics, additionally, giving biodegradable and compostable characteristics. The idea of utilization of renewable biomass and the implications of biotechnology can firstly reduce the burden from fossil-resources, while secondly promoting biobased economy.

Essential oils as additives in active food packaging

Food packaging can be considered as a passive barrier that protects food from environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, oxygen, water vapour, pressure and heat. It also prolongs the shelf-life of food by protecting from chemical and microbiological contaminants and enables foods to be transported and stored safely. Active packaging (AP) provides the opportunity for interaction between the external environment and food, resulting in extended shelf-life of food. Chemoactive packaging has an impact on the chemical composition of the food product. The application of natural additive such as essential oils in active packaging can be used in the forms of films and coatings. It has been observed that, AP helps to maintain temperature, moisture level and microbial and quality control of the food. This review article provides an overview of the active packaging incorporated with essential oils, concerns and challenges in industry, and the effect of essential oil on the packaging microstructure, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Properties and characterization of thyme essential oil incorporated collagen hydrolysate films extracted from hide fleshing wastes for active packaging

In this investigation, collagen hydrolysate (CH) films extracted from hide fleshing wastes were successfully developed using solvent casting method by incorporating different concentrations of thyme essential oil (TO) (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) into the CH. Depending on the concentration of TO, thickness, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), film solubility (FS), color, opacity, light transmittance, and thermal properties varied. Addition of TO resulted in the increases in the thickness, EAB (%), and light barrier performance of CH-TO films while there was a significant decrease in TS and FS of the CH films (p ≤ 0.05). According to our findings, the increment of TO content induced higher lightness and yellowness but lower redness values compared to CH film. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was conducted to determine the molecular changes and interactions between CH extracted from hide fleshing wastes and TO. In order to analyze the thermal behavior of the films, differential scanning calorimetry analysis was conducted. Moreover, the structure-property relationships of CH and TO were examined by scanning electron microscopy and a reduction in the compact and homogenous structures of the films containing TO was observed. Promising results have been obtained showing that CH-based films can be used for active packaging purposes, thereby contributing to a significant reduction in the environmental impact of both leather solid waste and plastic packaging materials.

Development and Characterization of Citrus Junos Pomace Pectin Films Incorporated With Rambutan (Nephelium Lappaceum) Peel Extract

New packaging materials using biopolymers have been studied to substitute synthetic packaging materials that lead to environmental pollution. In this study, a new biodegradable packaging material was developed using the pectin extracted from Citrus junos pomace, which is considered a food processing byproduct. Rambutan peel extract (RPE), at different concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0%), was added as an active material, and the functional properties of the C. junos pectin (CJP) films were evaluated. The incorporation of RPE enhanced the extensibility of the CJP films and their light-blocking ability by decreasing light transmittance. As the concentration of RPE increased, antioxidant activities of the CJP films increased, along with an increase in total phenolic content. Subsequently, the CJP prepared in this study can be used as a low-cost active biodegradable film material, and RPE can be added as a natural antioxidant for the CJP films to confer antioxidant activity.

Effect of java citronella essential oil addition on the physicochemical properties of Gelidium corneum-chitosan composite films

A new composite film was developed by combining Gelidium corneum (GC) with chitosan to enhance the physicochemical characteristics of GC film. In addition, to confer new functional property on the GC-chitosan composite film, various amounts (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) of java citronella essential oil (JCEO) were incorporated into the film. As the concentration of JCEO increased, the extensibility of the GC-chitosan film improved. In addition, the film became more opaque due to decreased light transmission. Especially, ultraviolet light was completely blocked in the composite films containing JCEO. Radical scavenging activities of the films also increased with increasing JCEO content, indicating that the films have antioxidant activity. Therefore, GC-chitosan composite film containing JCEO is applicable in food packaging to preserve food quality by retarding lipid oxidation.

Development of novel active packaging films based on whey protein isolate incorporated with chitosan nanofiber and nano-formulated cinnamon oil

Active packaging is designed to extend products shelf life by incorporating active components with biological properties in its structure. The main goal of this research was to develop a biodegradable whey protein isolate (WPI)-based film, incorporated with chitosan nanofiber (CSNF) and cinnamon essential oil (CiEO) (both emulsified and Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) form). Then, the physicochemical properties of developed bio-nanocomposite were fully characterized. Both water solubility and the water vapor permeability of WPI film decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by incorporating the CSNF into film structure. The good complexation between WPI and CSNF was confirmed by FTIR. Microstructure revealed that the fiber networks were well distributed throughout the films while the morphological heterogeneity and contributed to the reduction of the tensile strength were evident after addition of CiEO. These obtained results from SEM to be quite in accordance with FT-IR findings that confirmed the incorporation of NLCs into bio-nanocomposite structure have been through physical interactions. The film barrier properties to ultraviolet light were increased by adding all of nano-reinforcements. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of resulting films was enhanced by adding CiEO, especially NLC form. This study introduces a novel ecofriendly bio-nano composite in packaging industries for the shelf life extension of different perishable foods.

Preparation and Characterization of Corn Starch Bio-Active Edible Packaging Films Based on Zein Incorporated with Orange-Peel Oil

Zein, corn starch (CS), and orange-peel oil (OPO) extracted from orange peels were used to prepare novel corn starch/orange-peel oil/zein nanocapsules (OZN) bio-active food packaging materials. The results showed that the OZN were round, smooth and in compact morphology with an average diameter of 102.7 ± 10.5 nm from OPO and zein (3:10, w/w). By testing the turbidity and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of OZN and the mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of the composite films, the comprehensive properties of composite films with different mass ratios were analyzed. It showed that the addition of OZN improved the mechanical and moisture barrier properties and extended the release time of OPO. When the ratio of OZN and CS is 5:5, the highest elongation at break and tensile strengths is achieved, at values of 30.91% ± 2.52% and 12.19 ± 1.97 MPa respectively. The relative release concentration of OPO was highest at a ratio of 5/5, and over time it would last longer to maintain a higher release concentration. Besides, the oxidation resistance of the composite film was good, especially when the ration of starch CS to OZN was 5/5, it had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (30.16% ± 1.69%). Thus, it can be used as a bio-active edible food packaging film to ensure the safety of food products and reduce environmental pressure to some extent.

Pullulan – Biopolymer with Potential for Use as Food Packaging

The materials used in food packaging based on non-biodegradable synthetic polymers pose a serious threat of pollution to the environment. Hence, research is now focused on developing eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging obtained from natural polymers. Pullulan is a microbial exopolysaccharide, obtained on a commercial scale by the yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It is a water-soluble, non-toxic and non-mutagenic edible biopolymer with excellent film-forming abilities and adhesive properties. Furthermore, pullulan presents great potential to fabricate thin, transparent, odorless and tasteless edible films and coating used as packaging material. This review article presents an overview on the basic mechanical and barrier properties of a pullulan-based film. It also describes the modification methods applied in order to obtain multifunctional materials in terms of satisfactory physico-mechanical performance and antimicrobial activity for food packaging.

Active film incorporated with clove essential oil on storage of banana varieties

Purpose

Banana is an important tropical fruit with high demand in the market. The ripe fruits are less resistant to transport making logistics difficult. Moreover, as a climacteric fruit, it has a short post-harvest shelf life. Edible coatings/films, including active substances, have been used as an alternative for preserving fruits and vegetables during post-harvest period. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incorporating clove essential oil on the properties of cassava starch films and their effect on the post-harvest quality of different banana varieties.

Design/methodology/approach

Cassava starch films incorporating clove essential oil were developed and the films were characterized with respect to moisture, thickness, solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), biodegradability, color and in vitro antifungal activity. Cultivars such as Prata-Anã, Grand Nine, BRS Tropical and BRS Conquista were coated with cassava starch, cassava starch film with clove essential oil (CSEO) and polyvinyl polychloride (PVC). The quality of fruits was monitored during eight storage days using mass loss, total soluble solids content (TSS) and titratable acidity (TTA).

Findings

Incorporation of clove essential oil significantly increased film thickness, reduced moisture content, solubility and WVP (p < 0.05) and did not affect the biodegradability and color of the films. The essential oil incorporated films showed antifungal activity against the fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum musae, but not against the yeast Saccharomyces bourladii. CSEO and PVC coating were more efficient in reducing the mass loss, SS content and TTA of the coated fruits in all varieties studied. Both CSEO and PVC coatings improve the quality attributes such as TSS and TTA and reduced mass loss, of the banana varieties such as Prata-Anã, Grand Nine, BRS Tropical and BRS Conquista during storage.

Originality/value

The active film with essential oil showed antifungal activity and essential oil can be incorporated into other food systems. This study approaches a new possibility of film coating with essential oil for a banana that showed minimum weight loss and satisfactory quality and increased shelf life. This film coating demonstrates biodegradable characteristics that could be eco-friendly and sustainable to consumers.

Biodegradable zein film composites reinforced with chitosan nanoparticles and cinnamon essential oil: Physical, mechanical, structural and antimicrobial attributes

Natural bio-based zein films were prepared by incorporating cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) at 2% and 4% (w/w) amounts, respectively, in order to provide mechanical and antimicrobial functionalities. The physical, mechanical, structural and antibacterial properties of the enriched zein films were also scrutinized. The results showed that the combination of CEO-CNPs significantly improves the tensile strength and decreases the elongation of zein film composite. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) results, zein film experienced more crystallinity in the presence of CNPs and also combination of CNPs-CEO. Nano-scale size of CNPs and their uniform distribution within the zein film were monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and proved by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antimicrobial properties were investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, observing that their growth was considerably inhibited by addition of CEO alone and in combination with CNPs in zein films, while CNPs-loaded zein film had no significant effect on the growth of microorganisms. Thus, it can be concluded that the reinforced zein based composites could be suggested as potential degradable film-forming materials for food packaging applications.

Combined effects of octenylsuccination and oregano essential oil on sweet potato starch films with an emphasis on water resistance

The perishable character of moist food products demands packages with antimicrobial activity and water resistance. Oregano essential oil (OEO) and starch octenylsuccination were first jointly applied to formulate antimicrobial and water-resistant sweet potato starch films. The results showed that octenylsuccination powerfully retarded the coalescence of oil droplets in film casting process and favoured their homogeneity in the dried films. OEO incorporation dose-dependently conferred antimicrobial activity upon the films, which was further enhanced by octenylsuccination to some degree. For a specific film, comparable inhibitory efficacies were observed against S. aureus and E. coli. Either octenylsuccination or OEO incorporation alone decreased film strength, rigidity, water content, water solubility and water vapor permeability while increasing film extensibility to a less degree than their combination. More importantly, synergistic effects between OEO incorporation and octenylsuccination were concluded on film water content, water solubility and extensibility.