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Shubha A, Sharmita G, Anita L. Production and characterization of human hair keratin bioplastic films with novel plasticizers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1186. [PMID: 38216577 PMCID: PMC10786936 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44905-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Since their invention, conventional plastics have contributed in the betterment of the society in numerous ways, nevertheless their deleterious impacts on the natural ecosystems and living creatures is irrefutable. The management of plastic waste generated is a concern worldwide and therefore quest for the plastic alternates or bioplastics is imminent. Here, we explore the suitability of keratin from human hair waste as the candidate for the production of bioplastic films. Keratin extracted from hair was used to form the films or 'kertics' by solution casting and curing. Ethanediol, di-ethylene glycol and tri-ethylene glycol were used as novel plasticizers along with glycerol in the keratin film formation. The film prepared were of the thickness 190-220 µm with the area of about 4.54 ± 0.2 cm2. Water uptake by G100, ED100, DEG100 and TEG100 films was recorded to be 4.8, 6.2, 4.9 and 6.3% respectively. FESEM analysis revealed that the films with 100 µl of 1% glycerol (G100) had continuous surface morphology except few pits of 0.1 µm, also DEG100 and TEG100 films have the most uniform surface morphology with no evident pits, holes or bulges. X-ray diffractogram showed characteristic peak of keratin at 19.5° and the d-spacing value observed was 0.45 nm. The FTIR studies suggested that the films retained keratin in non degraded form, and possessed the characteristic Amide peaks. The films were also found to be biodegradable in studies involving keratinophilic fungal strain of A. oryzae. These films could found potential applications in packaging industry, disposable items manufacturing and biomaterial generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Shubha
- Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282005, India
| | - Gupta Sharmita
- Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282005, India.
| | - Lakhani Anita
- Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282005, India
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2
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Yang W, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Luo K. Evaluation of the use of Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein coating to extend the shelf life of European sweet cherries. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1283086. [PMID: 38045816 PMCID: PMC10693450 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1283086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein was used as a substrate to prepare a novel food packaging material with bioactive functions for encapsulating and extending the postharvest shelf life of sweet cherries. The film-forming solution was prepared from a mixture of Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein, glycerol, and gelatin, and was cast to form a film at room temperature and evaluated for mechanical, optical, structural, crystallinity, thermal properties, morphology, and antioxidant activity. Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein composite film solution was applied as an edible coating on sweet cherries and evaluated for changes in physical and biochemical parameters of sweet cherries in storage at 20°C and 50% relative humidity for 9 days. The results showed that the film tensile strength increased from 0.589 to 1.981 Mpa and the elongation at break increased from 42.555% to 58.386% with the increase of Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein concentration. And in the in vitro antioxidant assay, IPPF-4.0% was found to have the best antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 65.11% ± 1.19%, 70.74% ± 0.12%, and 90.96% ± 0.49% for DPPH radicals, ABTS radicals, and hydroxyl radicals, respectively. Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein coating applied to sweet cherries and after storage at 20°C and 50% relative humidity for 9 days, it was found that the Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein coating significantly reduced the weight loss (54.82% and 34.91% in the Control and Coating-2.5% groups, respectively) and the loss of ascorbic acid content (16.47% and 37.14% in the Control and Coating-2.5% groups, respectively) of the sweet cherries, which can effectively extend the aging of sweet cherry fruits and prolong their shelf life. The developed protein film of Idesia polycarpa Maxim with antioxidant activity can be used as a new food packaging material in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kai Luo
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
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3
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Caleb OJ, Belay ZA. Role of biotechnology in the advancement of biodegradable polymers and functionalized additives for food packaging systems. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 83:102972. [PMID: 37487401 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers have shown enormous potential for application in food packaging systems and offer solutions to mitigate the challenges of single-use plastics. Over the past decade, advances in fermentation technology, metabolic engineering of microorganisms, and synthetic biology have enabled the optimization and functionalization of biodegradable polymers for food packaging application. This article provides an overview of the biotechnological approaches/methods used in advancing the production of biopolymers and summarizes the recent developments in the application of functionalized biopolymers for decision-making and quality control. It discusses the current applications and future perspectives of extracellular biopolymers in food systems. Finally, this review highlights the complexities of public acceptance, safety, and government regulations and legislations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi J Caleb
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Africa Institute for Postharvest Technology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Zinash A Belay
- Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing Technologies (PHATs), Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa
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4
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Yuan S, Xue Z, Zhang S, Wu C, Feng Y, Kou X. The characterization of antimicrobial nanocomposites based on chitosan, cinnamon essential oil, and TiO 2 for fruits preservation. Food Chem 2023; 413:135446. [PMID: 36764159 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The freshness and safety of fruits have always been crucial issues in the development of the industry. However, the existing fresh-keeping methods have limited effect, meanwhile, the preservation mechanism of different materials. In this study, Cinnamon essential oil (CEO), TiO2, and chitosan (CS) were compounded to prepare safe and renewable nanocomposites (CS-T-C) for fruit preservation. The results showed that CEO mainly destroyed the bacterial cell wall through penetration, while TiO2 is through destruction. The strawberry coated with CS-T-C showed better hardness, lower weight loss and mildew rate, and the shelf-life at 20℃ was extended for four days compared with the control. And all four nanocomposites were not cytotoxic. In summary, nanocomposites can deal with many problems through different mechanisms to maximize the fresh-keeping effect, and the nanocomposites developed in this work might be a good choice for fruit preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yuan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Zhaohui Xue
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Caie Wu
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, PR China
| | - Yuan Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Kou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
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Perera KY, Jaiswal AK, Jaiswal S. Biopolymer-Based Sustainable Food Packaging Materials: Challenges, Solutions, and Applications. Foods 2023; 12:2422. [PMID: 37372632 DOI: 10.3390/foods12122422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biopolymer-based packaging materials have become of greater interest to the world due to their biodegradability, renewability, and biocompatibility. In recent years, numerous biopolymers-such as starch, chitosan, carrageenan, polylactic acid, etc.-have been investigated for their potential application in food packaging. Reinforcement agents such as nanofillers and active agents improve the properties of the biopolymers, making them suitable for active and intelligent packaging. Some of the packaging materials, e.g., cellulose, starch, polylactic acid, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate, are currently used in the packaging industry. The trend of using biopolymers in the packaging industry has increased immensely; therefore, many legislations have been approved by various organizations. This review article describes various challenges and possible solutions associated with food packaging materials. It covers a wide range of biopolymers used in food packaging and the limitations of using them in their pure form. Finally, a SWOT analysis is presented for biopolymers, and the future trends are discussed. Biopolymers are eco-friendly, biodegradable, nontoxic, renewable, and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic packaging materials. Research shows that biopolymer-based packaging materials are of great essence in combined form, and further studies are needed for them to be used as an alternative packaging material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpani Y Perera
- Sustainable Packaging and Bioproducts Research (SPBR) Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman, D07 ADY7 Dublin, Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amit K Jaiswal
- Sustainable Packaging and Bioproducts Research (SPBR) Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman, D07 ADY7 Dublin, Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Swarna Jaiswal
- Sustainable Packaging and Bioproducts Research (SPBR) Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman, D07 ADY7 Dublin, Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
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Zhang M, Wang Y, Wang J, Li Z, Tchuenbou-Magaia F. Development of a new bio-microscope for 3D geometry characterization of fruit single cells. J Texture Stud 2023; 54:76-84. [PMID: 36112427 DOI: 10.1111/jtxs.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Fruit cells are living irregular three-dimensional (3D) transparent objects which makes them challenging to determine their real 3D size and shape through only two-dimensional (2D) images using the existing biological microscope. This study deals with a newly self-developed biological microscope including a microscope imaging system, a light source system, a stage and a support base for the 3D size characterization of fruit single cells. The main design concept is based on two optical path systems set up at the front (x-axis) and bottom (z-axis) directions of a transparent chamber containing single cells that allow the front view and bottom view of the single cell to be observed. Performance indicators such as mass, size, observation range, objective magnification, total magnification, focal range, focal accuracy, and resolution of the developed biological microscope were estimated. Finally, the 3D geometry size of single tomato cells was measured by the new biological microscope to demonstrate the relative ease at which accurate real 3D geometry information of single fruit cells could be obtained, which echoes its scientific value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meishuan Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yiheng Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Junyi Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fideline Tchuenbou-Magaia
- School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Division of Chemical Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
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Hoyos Merlano NT, Guz L, Borroni V, Candal RJ, Herrera ML. Effects of the geometry of reinforcement on physical properties of sodium caseinate/TiO 2 nanocomposite films for applications in food packaging. Biopolymers 2023; 114:e23531. [PMID: 36773288 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic materials for food packaging are being replaced by biodegradable films based on biopolymers due to the adverse effects they have had on animal life and the environment. In this study, nanocomposite films containing 2.5 wt% sodium caseinate and 2 wt% glycerol were reinforced with 0.1 or 0.2 wt% nano TiO2 prepared in two forms: spheres (P25) and tubes. The effects of nanoreinforcement geometry on mechanical, tensile, barrier, thermogravimetric, and optical properties, and distribution of nanoparticles were described. The interactions among film components were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Addition of nanotubes significantly increased E' (341 wt%) and E" (395 wt%) moduli, the Young modulus E (660 wt%), the residual mass at 500°C (38 wt%), and color change (6.78) compared to control film. The compositional mapping studies showed that P25 nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed between the surfaces of the film while nanotubes were found on the bottom surface. The changes in position of the FTIR spectra signals as compared to pure protein signals indicated strong matrix/reinforcement interactions. In addition, the changes in intensity in 1100, 1033, and 1638 cm-1 FTIR signals suggested formation of a protein/Tween 20 ester. The geometry of reinforcement was highly relevant regarding physical properties, showing nanotubes as being very successful for enhancing tensile properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurys Tatiana Hoyos Merlano
- Institute of Polymer Technology and Nanotechnology, Facultad de Arquitectura Diseño y Urbanismo, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas Guz
- Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Argentina
| | - Virginia Borroni
- Institute of Polymer Technology and Nanotechnology, Facultad de Arquitectura Diseño y Urbanismo, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto Jorge Candal
- Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Argentina
| | - María Lidia Herrera
- Institute of Polymer Technology and Nanotechnology, Facultad de Arquitectura Diseño y Urbanismo, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Nanoreinforcement as a strategy to improve physical properties of biodegradable composite films based on biopolymers. Food Res Int 2022; 162:112178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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9
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Shi J, Zhang R, Liu X, Zhang Y, Du Y, Dong H, Ma Y, Li X, Cheung PC, Chen F. Advances in multifunctional biomass-derived nanocomposite films for active and sustainable food packaging. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 301:120323. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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10
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Improvement in properties of edible film through non-thermal treatments and nanocomposite materials: A review. Food Packag Shelf Life 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fpsl.2022.100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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11
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Senthilkumaran A, Babaei-Ghazvini A, Nickerson MT, Acharya B. Comparison of Protein Content, Availability, and Different Properties of Plant Protein Sources with Their Application in Packaging. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14051065. [PMID: 35267887 PMCID: PMC8915110 DOI: 10.3390/polym14051065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based proteins are considered to be one of the most promising biodegradable polymers for green packaging materials. Despite this, the practical application of the proteins in the packaging industry on a large scale has yet to be achieved. In the following review, most of the data about plant protein-based packaging materials are presented in two parts. Firstly, the crude protein content of oilseed cakes and meals, cereals, legumes, vegetable waste, fruit waste, and cover crops are indexed, along with the top global producers. In the second part, we present the different production techniques (casting, extrusion, and molding), as well as compositional parameters for the production of bioplastics from the best protein sources including sesame, mung, lentil, pea, soy, peanut, rapeseed, wheat, corn, amaranth, sunflower, rice, sorghum, and cottonseed. The inclusion of these protein sources in packaging applications is also evaluated based on their various properties such as barrier, thermal, and mechanical properties, solubility, surface hydrophobicity, water uptake capacity, and advantages. Having this information could assist the readers in exercising judgement regarding the right source when approving the applications of these proteins as biodegradable packaging material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupriya Senthilkumaran
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada; (A.S.); (A.B.-G.)
| | - Amin Babaei-Ghazvini
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada; (A.S.); (A.B.-G.)
| | - Michael T. Nickerson
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada;
| | - Bishnu Acharya
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada; (A.S.); (A.B.-G.)
- Correspondence:
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He Z, Zhao J, Liu C, Li W, Wang Y. Ameliorating effect of γ-aminobutyric acid on the physical performance of whey protein films. Food Hydrocoll 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.107207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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13
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Saedi S, Shokri M, Kim JT, Shin GH. Semi-transparent regenerated cellulose/ZnONP nanocomposite film as a potential antimicrobial food packaging material. J FOOD ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2021.110665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Nano-Enable Materials Promoting Sustainability and Resilience in Modern Agriculture. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11082068. [PMID: 34443899 PMCID: PMC8398611 DOI: 10.3390/nano11082068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Intensive conventional agriculture and climate change have induced severe ecological damages and threatened global food security, claiming a reorientation of agricultural management and public policies towards a more sustainable development model. In this context, nanomaterials promise to support this transition by promoting mitigation, enhancing productivity, and reducing contamination. This review gathers recent research innovations on smart nanoformulations and delivery systems improving crop protection and plant nutrition, nanoremediation strategies for contaminated soils, nanosensors for plant health and food quality and safety monitoring, and nanomaterials as smart food-packaging. It also highlights the impact of engineered nanomaterials on soil microbial communities, and potential environmental risks, along with future research directions. Although large-scale production and in-field testing of nano-agrochemicals are still ongoing, the collected information indicates improvements in uptake, use efficiency, targeted delivery of the active ingredients, and reduction of leaching and pollution. Nanoremediation seems to have a low negative impact on microbial communities while promoting biodiversity. Nanosensors enable high-resolution crop monitoring and sustainable management of the resources, while nano-packaging confers catalytic, antimicrobial, and barrier properties, preserving food safety and preventing food waste. Though, the application of nanomaterials to the agri-food sector requires a specific risk assessment supporting proper regulations and public acceptance.
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Scattarella F, Altamura E, Albanese P, Siliqi D, Ladisa M, Mavelli F, Giannini C, Altamura D. Table-top combined scanning X-ray small angle scattering and transmission microscopies of lipid vesicles dispersed in free-standing gel. RSC Adv 2020; 11:484-492. [PMID: 35423036 PMCID: PMC8690998 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08581b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A mm thick free-standing gel containing lipid vesicles made of 2-oleoyl-1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) was studied by scanning Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and X-ray Transmission (XT) microscopies. Raster scanning relatively large volumes, besides reducing the risk of radiation damage, allows signal integration, improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), as well as high statistical significance of the dataset. The persistence of lipid vesicles in gel was demonstrated, while mapping their spatial distribution and concentration gradients. Information about lipid aggregation and packing, as well as about gel density gradients, was obtained. A posteriori confirmation of lipid presence in well-defined sample areas was obtained by studying the dried sample, featuring clear Bragg peaks from stacked bilayers. The comparison between wet and dry samples allowed it to be proved that lipids do not significantly migrate within the gel even upon drying, whereas bilayer curvature is lost by removing water, resulting in lipids packed in ordered lamellae. Suitable algorithms were successfully employed for enhancing transmission microscopy sensitivity to low absorbing objects, and allowing full SAXS intensity normalization as a general approach. In particular, data reduction includes normalization of the SAXS intensity against the local sample thickness derived from absorption contrast maps. The proposed study was demonstrated by a room-sized instrumentation, although equipped with a high brilliance X-ray micro-source, and is expected to be applicable to a wide variety of organic, inorganic, and multicomponent systems, including biomaterials. The employed routines for data reduction and microscopy, including Gaussian filter for contrast enhancement of low absorbing objects and a region growing segmentation algorithm to exclude no-sample regions, have been implemented and made freely available through the updated in-house developed software SUNBIM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emiliano Altamura
- Chemistry Department University of Bari Aldo Moro via Orabona 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Paola Albanese
- Chemistry Department University of Bari Aldo Moro via Orabona 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Dritan Siliqi
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Via Amendola 122/O 70126 Bari Italy
| | - Massimo Ladisa
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Via Amendola 122/O 70126 Bari Italy
| | - Fabio Mavelli
- Chemistry Department University of Bari Aldo Moro via Orabona 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Via Amendola 122/O 70126 Bari Italy
| | - Davide Altamura
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Via Amendola 122/O 70126 Bari Italy
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