A review of cellulose and its derivatives in biopolymer-based for food packaging application

Improving the hydrophobic nature of biopolymer based edible packaging film: A review

Biopolymer-based polymer compounds mainly protein and polysaccharide are commonly used in biodegradable packaging. Gelatin, cellulose, starch, chitosan, pectin, and alginate are widely used for producing biodegradable packaging films because of their nontoxicity and safety. However, some drawbacks need to be solved before employing them in food packaging, such as inappropriate wettability, low barrier properties, low mechanical properties and high moisture sensitivity. To overcome the hurdle, film-surface modifications with hydrophobic agents improve oxygen and carbon dioxide permeation while reducing moisture permeability. Some of the method used in tuning hydrophobicity is plasma treatment and coating, high pressure processing, electrospinning, etc. Additionally, hydrophobic coatings are applied on the inner surfaces of packaging films to minimize water losses, prevent leakages, and reduce spoilage and contamination of food. This article discusses the various methodologies in improving hydrophobicity for biodegradable packaging films by introducing hydrophobic agents and other active constituents to increase their functioning and intelligence.

Multi-functional edible coatings tailored with nanocellulose for perishable fruits

Enhancing food security and nutrition remains a significant global challenge. Edible coatings have been demonstrated to preserve highly perishable fruits to reduce food loss, address chronic undernourishment, minimize health concerns, and improve environmental sustainability. However, existing biobased edible coatings face limitations in functionality and oxygen permeation control, hindering their effectiveness in preserving fruits. In this study, we have developed a multi-functional biobased conformal coating using a dipping process incorporating nanocellulose, bee wax, and curcumin. This innovative coating effectively extends the shelf life of fresh fruits by restraining cellular metabolism, minimizing water loss, and preventing microbial contamination. To tailor oxygen permeation, we have proposed a universal coating thickness power law with high accuracy, along with fruit oxygen barrier lines/bands, ensuring the best preservation performance. Our coating is transparent, washable, and biodegradable while also possessing excellent mechanical strength, antibacterial properties, and antioxidant capabilities. These features make it a promising and environmentally friendly solution for enhancing food security.

Back to the Wastes: The Potential of Agri-Food Residues for Extracting Valuable Plant Cell Wall Polysaccharides

The agro-industrial sector generates large volumes of fruit waste each year, leading to environmental concerns and sustainability challenges. In this study, we evaluate the potential of fruit residues-apple, pear, blueberry, tomato, papaya, and a mixed fruit juice blend-as alternative sources of high-value polysaccharides, including pectins, hemicelluloses, and cellulose. Additionally, white strawberry, included as a reference from fresh fruit rather than agro-industrial waste, was analyzed to expand the comparative framework. These biopolymers, naturally derived from the plant cell wall, are renewable and biodegradable, and they possess physicochemical properties suitable for applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile, and bioenergy industries. Using a combination of cell wall fractionation, biochemical characterization, and immunodetection of specific structural domains, we identified significant variability in polysaccharide composition and structure among the samples. Blueberry, pear, and apple residues showed high levels of rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) with extensive branching, while variations in rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) dimerization and the degree of methylesterification of homogalacturonan were also observed. These structural differences are key to determining the gelling properties and functional potential of pectins. In the hemicellulose fractions, xylans and xyloglucans with distinct substitution patterns were especially abundant in apple and pear waste. Our findings demonstrate that fruit processing waste holds significant promise as a sustainable source of structurally diverse polysaccharides. These results support the reintegration of agro-industrial residues into production chains and emphasize the need for environmentally friendly extraction methods to enable industrial recovery and application. Overall, this study contributes to advancing a circular bioeconomy by transforming underutilized plant waste into valuable functional materials.

Recent advances in cellulose-based antimicrobial films: A review

Cellulose, known as the most abundant natural polymer, has renewability, good film-forming, biodegradability, safety, non-toxicity, etc. It can serve as an excellent carrier or substrate for antibacterial agents. In recent years, cellulose antibacterial membranes have become a research hotspot of new antibacterial materials. Cellulose-based antimicrobial films are extensively applied because of their impressive biocompatibility, antimicrobial performance, and other advantages. They are expected to be an effective alternative to petroleum-based antibacterial films. Therefore, the review focuses on the recent progress in cellulose-based antimicrobial films. First, the most widely used antimicrobial agents are described, along with their antibacterial mechanisms. Secondly, the latest research progress on cellulose-based antimicrobial membranes is summarized from the perspective of cellulose-based materials. The fabrication methods of cellulose-based antimicrobial films are then concluded. Finally, the recent advances in the application of cellulose-based antimicrobial film in food packaging, biomedicine, and water treatment are outlined. Moreover, the prospects are made for the study of cellulose-based antimicrobial films.

Biodegradable Carbohydrate-Based Films for Packaging Agricultural Products-A Review

Carbohydrate-based biodegradable films offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-derived packaging for agricultural commodities. Derived from renewable polysaccharides such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, pectin, alginate, pullulan, and xanthan gum, these films exhibit favorable biodegradability, film-forming ability, and compatibility with food systems. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in the preparation, functionalization, and application of these polysaccharide-based films for agricultural packaging. Emphasis is placed on emerging fabrication techniques, including electrospinning, extrusion, and layer-by-layer assembly, which have significantly enhanced the mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of these materials. Furthermore, the incorporation of active compounds such as antioxidants and antimicrobials has improved the performance and shelf-life of packaged goods. Despite notable advancements, key limitations such as moisture sensitivity, poor mechanical durability, and high production costs persist. Strategies including polymer blending, nanofiller incorporation, and surface modification are explored as potential solutions. The applicability of these films in packaging fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and meat products is also discussed. By assessing current progress and future prospects, this review underscores the importance of carbohydrate-based films in promoting sustainable agricultural packaging systems, reducing environmental impact through the advancement of circular bioeconomy principles and sustainable development.

Recent trends and advances in biopolymer-based self-healing materials for smart food packaging: A review

The increasing demand for high-quality, fresh, and minimally processed products with a long shelf life has driven numerous advancements in the packaging industry. However, most packaging is exposed to mechanical stresses and adverse environmental conditions during storage, transportation, and distribution. A damaged package may fail to preserve the product due to the loss of integrity and barrier function. Incorporating self-healing properties into packaging materials can allow them to repair damage and restore their original functionality. Currently, most food packaging relies on petroleum-based polymers, which contribute to various environmental concerns. Biopolymer-based packaging with self-healing and biocompatibility features has emerged as a promising area of research. These smart materials have the potential to improve packaging stability, maintain product quality, and support food preservation. This review provides an updated overview of recent advancements in self-healing food packaging, with a particular focus on biopolymers. It begins by outlining the concept of self-healing, the types of self-healing materials, and their underlying mechanisms from chemical and physical perspectives. It then discusses various biopolymers used in self-healing packaging. Furthermore, it explores strategies for improving mechanical and barrier properties and developing multifunctional packaging systems (e.g., self-healing, active/intelligent packaging). Finally, the review addresses current challenges and future perspectives in this evolving field.

Recent progress of multifunctional nanocellulose-based pharmaceutical materials: A review

In the pharmaceutical industry, ongoing research and development focus on discovering new drug formulations that align with regulatory approvals. Recently, innovative drug delivery systems have been used to maximize therapeutic efficacy with a precision of sustained drug delivery in the disease management system. Nanocellulose (NCs) synthesized from abundant cellulose, have attracted wide attention for potential pharmaceutical applications due to their unique properties, such as biocompatibility, high surface area-to-volume ratio, extensive drug loading and binding capacity, controlled drug release efficiency, strength, and availability with various treatments and modification ability. Nevertheless, research on nanocarriers (NCs) in the pharmaceutical field faces several limitations and challenges. Key areas requiring further exploration include chemical consumption, energy intensity, effluent management, recovery processes from acid hydrolysis, reaction times, ecotoxicology, and overall development progress. This overview provides the applications of emerging nanocellulose. It gives a clue on the synthesis of sustainable NCs related to their different sources, pre- and post-modifications of NCs, and key properties in pharmaceutical sectors. Furthermore, it gives an overview of the current advancements, life cycle analysis, biosafety, and key property performance with a summary of challenges and future perspectives.

Boosting antibacterial efficiency of gelatin/chitosan composite films through synergistic interaction of ag nanoparticles and ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks for food packaging

The main challenge in the food packaging industry is preventing food spoilage caused by pathogens and microorganisms, which requires the development of effective antibacterial materials to improve food safety and extend shelf life. To address this issue, a nanocomposite, AgNPs@ZIF-8@CMC, consisting of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) using an environmentally friendly, DMF-free process was synthesized. Various concentrations of AgNPs@ZIF-8@CMC were incorporated into gelatin/chitosan films via the solution casting method. The synergistic effects of silver and zinc ions, combined with the high surface area of the porous composite, significantly contributed to its antimicrobial activity. AgNPs@ZIF-8@CMC demonstrated remarkable antibacterial properties, producing inhibition zones of 22 ± 0.6 mm and 20 ± 0.6 mm against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively.Incorporating the nanocomposite into gelatin and chitosan films significantly increased the inhibition zones, from 0 mm to 30 ± 1 mm for S. aureus and from 0 mm to 28 ± 1.15 mm for E. coli. Notably, 4 % (AgNPs@ZIF-8@CMC)-Gel/Chi and 1 % (AgNPs@ZIF-8@CMC)-Gel/Chi composite films eliminated E. coli and S. aureus within 3 h, respectively. This research emphasizes the considerable potential of synthesized composite films as active packaging materials for preserving perishable fruits.

Exploring Sustainable Carbon Dots as UV-Blocking Agents for Food Preservation

Exposure of foods to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during processing, storage, and retail display can result in quality deterioration, reduced shelf life and nutritional value, and potential food safety issues. The use of UV-blocking food packaging is an effective strategy to minimize these harmful effects. Carbon dots (CDs) are a class of carbon-based nanomaterials that have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing the UV-blocking performance of biopolymer-based films and coatings. Their unique advantages of excellent UV absorption ability combined with their low toxicity, biocompatibility, and facile production from sustainable precursors make CDs superior alternatives to traditional UV-blocking agents. Incorporating CDs into biopolymers can significantly enhance UV protection without compromising the transparency of the packaging, thereby maintaining the visual appeal of the packaged product. In addition to UV protection, CDs confer multifunctionality to packaging systems by imparting antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pH-responsive properties, thereby meeting the demand for sustainable and intelligent packaging solutions. These advancements not only protect food from photodegradation but also address broader food safety issues through their active and responsive functions. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the role of CDs as UV-blocking agents in sustainable food packaging. It highlights their mechanisms of action, the advantages they offer over conventional materials, and their contribution to the development of multifunctional and eco-friendly packaging systems.

Tailoring cellulose: from extraction and chemical modification to advanced industrial applications

Cellulose is a natural polymer with excellent physicochemical properties that can be extracted from various plant sources and has widespread applications across multiple industries. Due to its biodegradability, renewability, and mechanical strength, cellulose has gained significant attention in fields such as pharmaceuticals, food packaging, sensors, water treatment, and textiles. However, its inherent limitations, such as poor solubility, low electrical conductivity, and limited functionality, hinder its application in advanced technologies. To overcome these challenges, chemical modifications have been extensively explored to enhance its structural properties and broaden its utility in specialized applications. This review explores the modifications applied to cellulose with a focus on targeted advanced industries. Emphasis is placed on identifying the limitations of cellulose in each industry and highlighting the most recent techniques available for modifying its properties to meet specific requirements. Finally, this review discusses the challenges associated with cellulose processing and the high costs of extraction while providing insights into future research directions and potential advancements in cellulose-based technologies.

Cellulose and lignin nanoparticles from an Ayurvedic waste stream for essential oil-based active packaging to extend shelf life of strawberries

Cellulose and lignin nanoparticles (NCP and LNP) were successfully extracted from Dashamoola spent material (DSM), a residue from an Ayurvedic decoction. NCP had a particle size of 493.6 nm and a zeta potential of -30.9 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. FTIR confirmed the removal of non-cellulosic components, while TGA demonstrated thermal stability, with major degradation between 260 °C and 350 °C. A semi-crystalline structure of nanocellulose was indicated via XRD analysis. Oil-in-water emulsions of tea tree oil (TTO) were prepared using NCP (C at 4 %), LNP (L at 4 %), and a combination blend (2 % each of C and L in CL_TTO), with 16 % TTO, all in w/v. Among these, CL_TTO emulsions had the smallest particle size and highest stability. PVOH-based films, prepared with a 4 % w/v mixture of CL_TTO emulsion, PVOH, and glycerol, demonstrated improved tensile strength, Young's modulus, water vapour barrier properties, and water repellence. These films blocked 95 % UV transmittance, providing appreciable protection to light-sensitive products. PVOH-CL_TTO films also exhibited strong antioxidant activity (85 % DPPH scavenging) and antimicrobial property against E. coli. These films extended the shelf life of strawberries by preserving lightness, firmness, and pH for 14 days under chilling (4 °C). These findings highlight the potential of NCP and LNP obtained from DSM for producing sustainable active packaging which would valorizing Ayurvedic waste stream.

Polymeric Nanofibers via Green Electrospinning for Safe Food Engineering

Electrospun functional nanofibers enable controlled release of the loaded active ingredient and an adjustable dissolution rate. However, the widespread use of toxic organic solvents in electrospinning poses risks to human health and the environment whereas increasing production costs and complexity. This article examines the application of eco-friendly electrospinning technologies in food engineering, with a focus on water-based and melt electrospinning methods. It provides a detailed analysis of water-soluble biopolymers and synthetic polymers, highlighting their current applications and challenges in food engineering. Water-based electrospinning is proposed as a sustainable alternative, offering scalability and reduced environmental impact. This transition is essential for advancing food engineering toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

Exploring the Impact of Polysaccharide-Based Nanoemulsions in Drug Delivery

Nanoemulsions are tiny mixtures of water and oil stabilized by surfactants, and they have become increasingly popular across various industries, including medicine. With droplet sizes in the nanometer scale, these mixtures are both compact and effective. This discussion explores the potential of polysaccharide-based nanotechnology as an innovative approach to drug delivery. Nanoemulsions offer several benefits, such as enhanced drug solubility and bioavailability, which are crucial for drugs that poorly dissolve in water. The incorporation of natural polysaccharides as emulsifiers in these nanoemulsions ensures their biocompatibility and safety within the body. Additionally, nanoemulsions can facilitate a sustained release of medications, allowing for gradual drug release over an extended period. This controlled release can be achieved through the careful selection and formulation of polysaccharides. This review addresses the methods for producing polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions and examines their physical and chemical properties. It highlights the influence of polysaccharide molecular weight and structure on the stability of nanoemulsions and the effectiveness of drug encapsulation. By understanding these factors, researchers can develop more efficient and safe drug delivery systems utilizing nanoemulsions. Additionally, the present article provides explicit and thorough information about the use of NPLS-based nano-carriers encapsulating a number of drugs designed to treat a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, malaria, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and skin diseases. For this reason, it is very important to review the most recent developments in polysaccharide-based nano-biocarriers in drug delivery and their application in the treatment of diseases. In this work, we concentrated on the preparation of polysaccharide-based nano-biocarriers, commonly used polysaccharides for the preparation of nano-biocarriers, and drugs loaded on polysaccharide-based nano-biocarriers to treat diseases. In the near future, polysaccharide-based nano-biocarriers will be used more and more frequently in drug delivery and disease treatment.

Development of multifunctional quaternary ammonium cellulose coating for fruit preservation

Due to the lack of preservation technology and cold chain logistics, the decay loss rate of fruits and vegetables is surprisingly high. To meet the demands of environmental protection and food preservation, sustainable coating materials that fabricated by biowaste to wealth approach can efficiently cover the challenges. Hence, quaternary ammonium lotus root residue celluloses (QACs) were homogeneously synthesized by reacting cellulose with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride for 24 h. In terms of the chemical structure, morphology, rheological property and biocompatibility as well as antimicrobial ability, QACs were characterized. The antibacterial mechanism was investigated at cellular level via disruption of membrane integrity, metabolic inactivation, destruction of antioxidant system. Meanwhile, due to the nature source of cellulose, QACs exhibited inherent outstanding biocompatibility. QACs could extend preservation time of strawberry for least 3 d by decreasing the weight loss and maintaining the hardness and springiness, as well as inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The residual amount of QACs coating on the surface of strawberries was <0.1 mg kg-1, featuring with easy cleaning and safety. This biowaste-derived coating for strawberry preservation not only provides a new strategy for fruit preservation platforms but also expands the high-value application of biowaste resources in the agro-industry.

Cellulose-based biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel: A sustainable approach for water conservation and plant growth in agriculture

Innovative deficit irrigation technologies are imperative to overcome challenges posed to crop growth/yield and agriculture sustainability due to water scarcity in arid and semiarid regions. In the current study, superabsorbent biodegradable hydrogel based on carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (NaCMC) and hydroxy ethyl cellulose (HEC) has been developed using citric acid (CA) as a crosslinker. The hydrogel has demonstrated excellent water absorption, retention, and release properties. Moreover, hydrogel (2 %) modified soil (HMS) has depicted increased porosity (57 %) and reduced soil density (1.06 g/cm3), compared to unmodified soil (UMS) with porosity of 53 % and density of 1.16 g/cm3, as well as, the water use efficiency of the plants (25.25 %-45.52 % over UMS) grown in HMS, which is vital for comprehending soil properties and their impact on water retention and aeration. The plant growth study in HMS concerning critical growth parameters such as germination rate, Seedling Vigour Index (SVI), Root Shoot Ratio (RSR), crop growth ratio (CGR), and chlorophyll content of three plants, i.e., one summer-grown plant-cucumber and two winter-grown plants- tomato and mung bean, has manifested promising results. Decisive parameters such as seedling viability (4.51 %), plant growth rate (3.77 %), and photosynthetic ability (16.74 %) were increased for chosen plants grown in HMS as compared to UMS. Improved growth parameters and photosynthetic ability of plants in HMS have suggested ameliorated nutrient and water absorption rates, increased resource utilization, and improved response to extrinsic resource allotment caused by hydrogel modification. Statistical analyses supported the trends in plant growth. Thus, hydrogel modification of the soil can effectively mitigate water use by retaining moisture efficiently and positively facilitating growth.

Ecological packaging and creating sustainable solutions for biodegradable cellulose derivatives: A review

Packaging made from conventional petroleum-based plastics has been in widespread use for many years by different industries, but demand has soared with the development of the food industry. Whereas plastics have benefited the food industry, their non-biodegradability has resulted in immense environmental damage, including the destruction of our aquatic ecosystems and air pollution. Hence, the development and use of biodegradable and sustainable food packaging to counter the menace of plastic pollution and the degrading environment is now a global necessity. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in sustainable food packaging materials, with special emphasis on cellulose-based biopolymers. Cellulose, derived from a renewable source, and its derivatives, namely cellulose acetate, carboxymethyl cellulose, nanocellulose, and methylcellulose, are being studied as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics for food packaging purposes. Limitations associated with the use of cellulose derivatives in this regard are also presented. In the end, the research documents cellulose derivatives as having great potentials in replacing conventional plastic in food packaging, thereby reducing plastic pollution and further reducing the environmental footprint of packaging materials.

Antibacterial food packaging using biocompatible nickel oxide-infused cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibers

The present study included the environmentally friendly production of stable nickel nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using lemon and tomato, followed by their analysis and evaluation for their antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. The Nickel oxide nanoparticles produced exhibited their maximum absorption at 276 nm in the UV-vis spectrum. The image captured FESEM revealed smooth nanofibers with an average diameter of around 259 ± 3.7 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments verified the existence of elemental nickel and accurately determined the crystalline structure of nickel oxide nanoparticles. Novel green organic-inorganic hybrid nanofibers (NiO@CA) were synthesized using the electrospinning technique. These nanofibers are composed of NiO nanoparticles integrated into cellulose acetate nanofibers, which are particularly engineered for the purpose of fruit preservation. Robust antibacterial activity was shown by NiO nanoparticles and NiO@CA nanofiber against the assessed food pathogenic bacterial strains. NiO@CA nanofiber used as a surface coating on lemon and tomato prolonged their shelf life by preventing the degradation caused by food risks. The provided results indicate that NiO@CA nanofiber has the capacity to function as antimicrobial packaging for the purpose of food preservation. Enhancing food safety, prolonging shelf life, and offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials, antibacterial food packaging made of biocompatible nickel oxide-infused cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibers is a great solution.

Cellulose-based delivery systems for bioactive ingredients: A review

Considering the outstanding advantages including abundant resources, structure-performance designability, impressive mechanical strength, and 3D network structure-forming ability, cellulose is an ideal material for encapsulating bioactive ingredients. Due to its low solubility in water, large-scaled morphology and poor flexibility, cellulose is unsuitable for the construction of carriers. Consequently, the majority of cellulose is employed following physical or chemical modification. Cellulose and its derivatives are extensively employed in the food industry, including fat replacement, food packaging composites, food additives, 3D-printed food and delivery systems. Their benefits in food delivery systems are particularly pronounced. Therefore, the distinguishing features, preparation methods, recent developments and effectiveness of different cellulose-based delivery systems for bioactive ingredients are discussed. Cellulose-based delivery systems offer unique advantages in terms of environmental impact reduction, modification facilitation, stimuli-responsive release as well as tailored design, and their application has gained widespread recognition. However, they are facing challenges in the application process comprising modification methods for cellulose-based materials, new methods for commercial preparation on a wide scale, cellulose-based multifunctional conveyance systems and systematic evaluation using in vivo experiments. In conclusion, this review provides theoretical references for the development of novel delivery carriers as well as the efficient application and popularization of cellulose-based delivery systems.

Multipurpose packaging system based on intelligent carboxymethyl cellulose film and activated cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibers for seafoods

The objective of this research is to develop a natural macromolecules-based smart double-layer film using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) film containing pomegranate peel anthocyanins (PPA) and cellulose acetate nanofibers (CANFs) with Artemisia sieberi Besser essential oil-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (ABNLCs). Based on the performance as a color indicator, and other studied properties, the CMC/PPA 8 % film was selected as the optimized film. The double-layer film was constructed by electrospinning the CANFs containing ABNLCs on the optimized CMC film. The average diameter of the CANFs was 332.87 ± 65.80 nm. Furthermore, the XRD patterns of CA/ABNLCs NFs showed many diffraction peaks that the sharp peaks at 2θ of 25° and 28°, indicating its crystalline structure. In addition, the Young's modulus and elongation at break point values of the CMC/PPA 8 % double-layered film were reached to 151.47 MPa and 11.39 %, respectively. The double-layer film showed good antibacterial activity with inhibition zones of 10 and 12 mm against E. coli and S. aureus pathogens, respectively. Moreover, the double-layer film demonstrated effective performance in detecting and controlling the freshness of shrimp and fish fillets.

Sodium alginate/poly (vinyl alcohol) active films incorporated with Chrysanthemum leaves extract as an eco-friendly approach to extend the shelf life of green chilies

Recently, biodegradable packaging materials have received significant prominence in the food sector. Herein, chrysanthemum leaves extract (CLE), integrated sodium alginate (SA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) active films were prepared and their physicochemical and multifunctional properties were evaluated for use in green chili packaging. FTIR and SEM results confirmed favorable interaction and uniform dispersion of CLE in the SA/PVA blend film. Addition of CLE to the SA/PVA matrix considerably lowered surface wettability (∼61 %), water solubility (∼28 %), moisture-binding (∼27 %), water vapor transmission and oxygen permeability (∼28 %). CLE-loaded active film demonstrated higher tensile strength (29.06 ± 0.46 MPa), UV light barrier capabilities and significant antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. Additionally, it had an adequate antioxidant capacity of (∼46 %) compared to the control film without CLE. In the study of green chili packaging, the active film containing a more significant amount of CLE limited the weight loss, suppressed microbial growth and retained the polyphenolic and chlorophyll content of the chili. Compared to polyethylene (PE), the fabricated active film displayed a far better packaging capability and extended the shelf life of green chili for up to 10 days. Hence, the fabricated active films were suitable for biodegradable packaging applications.

Enhanced Protein Separation Performance of Cellulose Acetate Membranes Modified with Covalent Organic Frameworks

As a porous crystalline material, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted significant attention due to their extraordinary features, such as an ordered pore structure and excellent stability. Synthesized through the aldehyde amine condensation reaction, TpPa-1 COFs (Triformylphloroglucinol-p-Phenylenediamine-1 COFs) were blended with cellulose acetate (CA) to form a casting solution. The TpPa-1 COF/CA ultrafiltration membrane was then prepared using the non-solvent-induced phase inversion (NIPS) method. The influence of TpPa-1 COFs content on the hydrophilicity, stability and filtration performance of the modified membrane was studied. Due to the hydrophilic groups in TpPa-1 COFs and the network structure formed by covalent bonds, the modified CA membranes exhibited higher hydrophilicity and lower protein adsorption compared with the pristine CA membrane. The porous crystalline structure of TpPa-1 COFs increased the water permeation path in the CA membrane, improving the permeability of the modified membrane while maintaining an outstanding bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection. Furthermore, the addition of TpPa-1 COFs reduced protein adsorption on the CA membrane and overcame the trade-off between permeability and selectivity in CA membrane bioseparation applications. This approach provides a sustainable method for enhancing membrane performance while enhancing the application of membranes in protein purification.

Advances in cellulose-based self-powered ammonia sensors

Ammonia sensors are widely used across applications in food monitoring, environmental surveillance, and medical research, where high safety standards are essential. Cellulose-based materials are particularly well-suited to meet these stringent requirements, with significant potential for innovation due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. Of the various cellulose-based ammonia sensors available, self-powered sensors, especially those based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), stand out for their unique advantages, including the absence of an external power supply, environmental sustainability, and ease of integration. This review offers a detailed overview of the integration of cellulose-based materials with ammonia-sensitive components, highlighting their ease of processing and modification. It further classifies and compares cellulose-based ammonia sensors based on their sensing mechanisms, emphasizing TENG-based sensors specifically. The review concludes with a summary of current applications and explores optimization strategies. Finally, it discusses future opportunities and challenges for cellulose-based self-powered ammonia sensors and provides valuable insights into ongoing innovation and potential.

Novel Carvacrol@activated Carbon Nanohybrid for Innovative Poly(lactide Acid)/Triethyl Citrate Based Sustainable Active Packaging Films

It has been well known for the past decade that the accumulation of food E-preservatives in the human body has harmful consequences for human health. Furthermore, scientists have realized that despite the convenience offered by petrochemical-derived polymers, a circular economy and sustainability are two current necessities; thus, the use of biodegradable alternative materials is imposed. The food packaging sector is one of the most rapidly changing sectors in the world. In recent years, many studies have focused on the development of active packaging films to replace old non-ecofriendly techniques with novel environmentally friendly methods. In this study, a novel self-healable, biodegradable active packaging film was developed using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a biopolymer, which was incorporated with a nanohybrid solid material as a natural preservative. This nanohybrid was derived via the absorption of carvacrol (CV) essential oil in an activated carbon (AC) nanocarrier. A material with a high carvacrol load of 71.3%wt. into AC via a vacuum-assisted adsorption method, functioning as a natural antioxidant and an antibacterial agent. The CV@AC nanohybrid was successfully dispersed in a PLA/triethyl citrate (TEC) matrix via melt extrusion, and a final PLA/TEC/xCV@AC nanocomposite film was developed. The study concluded that x = 10%wt. CV@AC was the optimum nanohybrid amount incorporated in the self-healable PLA/TEC and exhibited 277% higher ultimate strength and 72% higher water barrier compared to the pure PLA/TEC. Moreover, it remained ductile enough to show the slowest CV release rate, highest antioxidant activity, and significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. This film extended the shelf life of fresh minced pork by four days, according to total viable count measurements, and decreased its lipid oxidation rate. Finally, this novel film preserved the nutritional value of porkby maintaining a higher heme iron content and showed a higher level of sensory characteristics compared to commercial packaging paper.

Polymers Derived from Agro-Industrial Waste in the Development of Bioactive Films in Food

This review explores the potential of biopolymers as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics in food packaging. Biopolymers derived from plant or animal sources are crucial in extending food shelf life, minimizing degradation, and protecting against oxidative and microbial agents. Their physical and chemical properties, influenced by the raw materials used, determine their suitability for specific applications. Biopolymers have been successfully used in fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, offering antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. Consequently, they represent a functional and eco-friendly solution for the packaging industry, contributing to sustainability while maintaining product quality.

Enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of chitosan/oxidized microcrystalline cellulose blended films with Tribulus terrestris extract for food packaging applications

Chitosan/oxidized cellulose blended film with Tribulus terrestris (T. terrestris) extract films were successfully produced by casting method. The obtained blend films were characterized by structural, mechanical, optical, permeation, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Finally, these biodegradable blend films were used to prolong the shelf-life of sour cherries. Remarkable physical properties such as water vapor transmission rate, swelling, water solubility, mechanic strength, and UV-vis light transmittance were observed to improve positively. All blend films showed 60-70 % degradation after 30 days of hydrolytic degradation and soil burial. T. terrestris extract increased the tensile strength from 1.1 MPa to a maximum of 2.1 MPa and elongation at break from 16 % to 46 %. Furthermore, blend films with T. terrestris extract showed ~4 and ~ 3.7 times higher ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging potential, respectively. Moreover, the findings also revealed that blend films displayed strong antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. tropicalis. Most importantly, the shelf life of sour cherries packaged with blend films was effectively extended up to 10 days. Overall, blended films are a promising potential alternative material to petroleum-based synthetic plastics for use in active food packaging, especially in products with short shelf life such as sour cherry.

Recent advances in research on biomass-based food packaging film materials

Although traditional petroleum-based packaging materials pose environmental problems, biodegradable packaging materials have attracted extensive attention from research and industry for their environmentally friendly properties. Bio-based films, as an alternative to petroleum-based packaging films, demonstrate their significant advantages in terms of environmental friendliness and resource sustainability. This paper provides an insight into the development of biomass food packaging films such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, and gelatine, including their properties, methods of preparation (e.g., solution casting, extrusion blow molding, layer-by-layer assembly, and electrostatic spinning), and applications in food packaging. Through these preparation methods, the paper analyzes how the properties of the films can be effectively tuned and optimized to meet specific packaging needs. It was found that biomass film materials for food packaging not only possess functional properties such as antimicrobial, preservation, and indication, but also that their continued material innovation and technological improvements offer promising prospects for their use in commercial applications. These advances could help advance the global sustainable development goals, while showing great potential for improving food safety and extending shelf life. Future research will further explore new functions and applications of biomass films, providing additional solutions for environmental protection and sustainability.

Bioactive compound encapsulation: Characteristics, applications in food systems, and implications for human health

Nanotechnology plays a pivotal role in food science, particularly in the nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds, to enhance their stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, emphasizing the characteristics, food applications, and implications for human health. This work offers a detailed comparison of polymers such as sodium alginate, gum Arabic, chitosan, cellulose, pectin, shellac, and xanthan gum, while also examining both conventional and emerging encapsulation techniques, including freeze-drying, spray-drying, extrusion, coacervation, and supercritical anti-solvent drying. The contribution of this review lies in highlighting the role of encapsulation in improving system stability, controlling release rates, maintaining bioactivity under extreme conditions, and reducing lipid oxidation. Furthermore, it explores recent technological advances aimed at optimizing encapsulation processes for targeted therapies and functional foods. The findings underline the significant potential of encapsulation not only in food supplements and functional foods but also in supportive medical treatments, showcasing its relevance to improving human health in various contexts.

Artificial Biopolymers Derived from Transgenic Plants: Applications and Properties-A Review

Biodegradable materials are currently one of the main focuses of research and technological development. The significance of these products grows annually, particularly in the fight against climate change and environmental pollution. Utilizing artificial biopolymers offers an opportunity to shift away from petroleum-based plastics with applications spanning various sectors of the economy, from the pharmaceutical and medical industries to food packaging. This paper discusses the main groups of artificial biopolymers. It emphasizes the potential of using genetically modified plants for its production, describing the primary plant species involved in these processes and the most common genetic modifications. Additionally, the paper explores the potential applications of biobased polymers, highlighting their key advantages and disadvantages in specific context.

Carboxymethyl cellulose-chitosan edible films for food packaging: A review of recent advances

Polysaccharide-based edible films have been widely developed as food packaging materials in response to the rising environmental concerns caused by the extensive use of plastic packaging. In recent years, the integration of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CS) for a binary edible film has received considerable interest because this binary edible film can retain the advantages of both constituents (e.g., the great oxygen barrier ability of CMC and moderate antimicrobial activity of CS) while mitigating their respective disadvantages (e.g., the low water resistance of CMC and poor mechanical strength of CS). This review aims to present the latest advancements in CMC-CS edible films. The preparation methods and properties of CMC-CS edible films are comprehensively introduced. Potential additives and technologies utilized to enhance the properties are discussed. The applications of CMC-CS edible films on food products are summarized. Literature shows that the current preparation methods for CMC-CS edible film are solvent-casting (main) and thermo-mechanical methods. The CMC-CS binary films have superior properties compared to films made from a single constituent. Moreover, some properties, such as physical strength, antibacterial ability, and antioxidant activity, can be greatly enhanced via the incorporation of some bioactive substances (e.g. essential oils and nanomaterials). To date, several applications of CMC-CS edible films in vegetables, fruits, dry foods, dairy products, and meats have been studied. Overall, CMC-CS edible films are highly promising as food packaging materials.

Advances in the enhancement of mechanical and hydrophobic properties of nanocellulose-based packaging materials: A review

As environmental issues are hotly debated worldwide, finding suitable materials to replace petroleum-based materials as the next-generation packaging materials has become a research hotspot. Nanocellulose, as a biomass material widely available in nature, is favored for application in green packaging materials due to its environmentally friendly and bio-friendly characteristics. However, the unstable mechanical properties and strong hydrophilicity of nanocellulose limit its practical application in packaging materials. This paper starts with a discussion of nanocellulose-based packaging materials and focuses on methods to improve their mechanical and hydrophobic properties. The discussion on mechanical properties focuses on the contribution of carbon nanomaterials, which is then combined with hydrophobic modifications (including plant polyphenol modification, esterification, acetylation, in situ polymerization, etc.) to illustrate the impact on the performance of packaging materials in use. The relationship between the hydrophobic characteristics of packaging materials derived from nanocellulose and their comprehensive mechanical properties is meticulously elucidated. Furthermore, a theoretical framework is proposed, positing that enhancing the hydrophobicity of these materials can indirectly augment their mechanical attributes. This insight offers pivotal guidance for the advancement of next-generation, high-performance packaging materials based on nanocellulose.

Cellulose-Based Transparent Edible Antibacterial Oxygen-Barrier Coating for Long-Term Fruit Preservation

Long-term preservation of fresh fruit and vegetables without a cold chain is a great challenge to food security because fruits and vegetables are highly vulnerable to poor storage conditions. Fruit spoilage is a complex biochemical process that involves many factors, including microbial reproduction, oxidation, metabolism, and H2O evaporation. Only the synergy of the multiple spoilage inhibition methods can achieve long-term freshness preservation. Herein, a multifunctional cellulose-based preservation coating with antibacterial, oxygen/water vapor barrier, and antioxidant properties is proposed, which is based on cellulose microgel (CMG) and prepared using multi-component composites with montmorillonite (MMT), cationic cellulose derivative (Cell-P+), and L-ascorbic acid (Vc). It has good wetting properties on fruits with different surfaces. This method can successfully preserve the long-term freshness of various fruits. This highly transparent, edible, and washable multifunctional cellulose-based fruit preservation coating can improve the quality of agricultural products, extend the shelf life of food, and reduce the cost of cold-chain transportation.

Customising Sustainable Bio-Based Polyelectrolytes: Introduction of Charged and Hydrophobic Groups in Cellulose

Cellulose has been widely explored as a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers in industrial applications, thanks to its advantageous properties. The introduction of chemical modifications on cellulose structure, focusing on cationic and hydrophobic modifications, can enhance its functionality and expand the range of applications. In the present work, cationization was carried out through a two-step process involving sodium periodate oxidation followed by a reaction with the Girard T reagent, yielding a degree of substitution for cationic groups (DScationic) between 0.3 and 1.8. Hydrophobic modification was achieved via esterification with fatty acids derived from commercial plant oils, using an enzyme-assisted, environmentally friendly method. Lipase-catalysed hydrolysis, optimised at 0.25% enzyme concentration and with a 1 h reaction time, produced an 84% yield of fatty acids, confirmed by FTIR and NMR analyses. The degree of substitution for hydrophobic groups (DShydrophobic) ranged from 0.09 to 0.66. The molecular weight (MW) of the modified cellulose derivatives varied from 1.8 to 141 kDa. This dual modification strategy enables the creation of cellulose-based polymers with controlled electrostatic and hydrophobic characteristics, customisable for specific industrial applications. Our approach presents a sustainable and flexible solution for developing cellulose derivatives tailored to diverse industrial needs.

Highly phosphorylated cellulose toward efficient removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions

Highly phosphorylated cellulose was produced under different processing parameters and used as an effective adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) dye removal from aqueous systems. The characteristics of the designed adsorbent were analyzed using different technics. The zeta potential measurement of the developed adsorbents was negative (-11.3 to -49.4 mV) in the pH range of 4 to 11. Batch removal tests were performed under different processing parameters of contact time, initial concentration, phosphorylation degree and pH. The developed adsorbent with a high substitution degree of 1.07 (13.22 % of P), revealed an outstanding retention capacity for MB dye (up to 3153.5 mg/g) during an extremely low equilibrium adsorption time (∼30 min), which is 130-fold higher than pure MCC (15.3 mg/g). Interestingly, this capacity raised up to 3236.6 mg/g when raising the pH of the solution (from 7 to 11). The experimental adsorption data in the examined conditions were well fitted by the Langmuir type isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, highlighting the significance of the reaction medium and phosphate content in determining the adsorbent's retention capacity. This investigation has demonstrated the potential of converting pure MCC into high value-added adsorbent for the efficient purification of organic dye from aqueous solutions.

Unveiling the diverse bioactivity of cobalt oxide nanoparticles produced through carboxymethyl cellulose extraction

This study explores an eco-friendly method for synthesizing Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4NPs) using extracted carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The Co3O4NPs, characterized via various analyses, demonstrated a crystalline structure with sizes ranging from 10.9 to 28.2 nm. Microscopic imaging confirmed a uniform spherical morphology with an average diameter of 27.2 nm. The biological activities of Co3O4NPs were investigated extensively, highlighting their superior antibacterial efficacy compared to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. These nanoparticles exhibited potent antioxidant properties and demonstrated safety for potential applications based on erythrocyte viability results. Additionally, Co3O4NPs displayed significant potency against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells and showed promising α-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity, highlighting their multifunctional therapeutic potential as antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and alpha-amylase inhibition assay.

A review on natural cellulose fiber applications: Empowering industry with sustainable solutions

Cellulose fiber, a prevalent natural biopolymer, offers numerous benefits including renewability and biodegradability. It presents a cost-effective, chemical-free alternative for various applications such as textiles, packaging, food preservation, wastewater treatment, medicine, and cosmetics. Recent research has focused on cellulose's potential in advanced polymeric materials, highlighting its versatility and sustainability. This review examines cellulose fibers' synthesis, structure, and properties, as well as their industrial applications in sectors like automotive, packaging, textiles, construction, and biomedical engineering. It also addresses challenges in large-scale production, processing, and sustainability, providing insights for optimizing cellulose fiber use. The review serves as a comprehensive guide for leveraging cellulose fiber's potential in industrial applications.

Aerogels based on Bacterial Nanocellulose and their Applications

Microbial cellulose stands out for its exceptional characteristics in the form of biofilms formed by highly interlocked fibrils, namely, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Concurrently, bio-based aerogels are finding uses in innovative materials owing to their lightweight, high surface area, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. In particular, bio-based aerogels based on BNC offer significant opportunities as alternatives to synthetic or mineral counterparts. BNC aerogels are proposed for diverse applications, ranging from sensors to medical devices, as well as thermal and electroactive systems. Due to the fibrous nanostructure of BNC and the micro-porosity of BNC aerogels, these materials enable the creation of tailored and specialized designs. Herein, a comprehensive review of BNC-based aerogels, their attributes, hierarchical, and multiscale features are provided. Their potential across various disciplines is highlighted, emphasizing their biocompatibility and suitability for physical and chemical modification. BNC aerogels are shown as feasible options to advance material science and foster sustainable solutions through biotechnology.

Characterization of anti bacterial biocomposite films based on poly lactic acid and prosopis juliflora bark powder

Biocomposites can be a solution for environmental pollution and sustainability by acting as an alternative to petroleum-based products used in the field of packaging and biomedical applications. Herein, an attempt to valorize the potential of Prosopis juliflora plant to fabricate Polylactic acid (PLA) based biocomposites. The biocomposites comprised of Prosopis juliflora bark powder (PJBP) and PLA were fabricated by solution casting method with various weight percentages (Wt%) of PJBP. PJBP/PLA films show uniform functional group interactions through FTIR analysis. The 25 % PJBP/ PLA biocomposite shows the highest crystalline size of 8.9 nm. The 25 wt% included PJBP increases the thermal stability by 6.9 %, surface roughness by 212 %, and tensile strength by 45.5 % compared to PLA film. The 25 % PJBP film shows increment in the water absorption and water vapor permeability test. In addition, the antibacterial behavior of 25 % PJBP bio composite shows higher inhibition zones against the gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Biocomposite films with PJBP content show 40 % degradation in soil for degradation analysis. This PLA/25 % PJBP biodegradable film can be used as an alternative for petroleum-based products in the field of packaging as well as the biomedical field.

Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose/Silk Fibroin Composite Microparticles for Drug-Controlled Release Applications

Microparticles derived from biomaterials are becoming increasingly popular for application in drug delivery systems. In this study, the water-in-oil (W/O) emulsification-diffusion method was used to create cellulose (C), silk fibroin (SF), and C/SF composite microparticles. We then observed the morphology of all obtained microparticles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), evaluated their functional groups using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and conducted thermogravimetric analysis using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). SEM micrographs indicated that the native SF microparticles have the highest spherical shape with smooth surfaces. With blue dextran, the C microparticle was smaller than the native microparticle, while the drug-loaded SF microparticles were larger than the native microparticle. The morphological surfaces of the C/SF composite microparticles were varied in shape and surface depending on the C/SF ratio used. The spherical shape of the C/SF composite microparticle increased as the SF content increased. Furthermore, the size of the drug-loaded C/SF composite microparticles increased when the SF content gradually increased. The significant functional groups in the C and SF structures were identified based on the ATR-FTIR data, and a suggestion was made regarding the interaction between the functional groups of each polymer. When compared to both native polymers, the C/SF composite microparticles exhibit improved thermal stability. XRD patterns indicated that all prepared particles have crystalline structures and are directly affected by the released profile. The C/SF composite microparticle at a 1:3 ratio had the lowest drug release content, whereas the hydrophilicity of the C microparticle affected the highest drug release content. As a result, one crucial factor affecting the medication released from the microparticle is its structure stability. According to the obtained results, C, SF, and C/SF composite microparticles show promise as delivery systems for drugs with controlled release.

Effect of carbon dot-doped Ti-MOF on CMC/Agar film and active packaging application on storage quality of fruits

Ti-metal organic framework (Ti-MOF) doped with carbon dots (CDs) with enhanced antibacterial potential was synthesized using solvothermal-assisted mechanical stirring and used for the fabrication of CMC/Agar-based active packaging films. The incorporation of CD@Ti-MOF not only improved the tensile strength of the CMC/Agar film by 17.4% but also exhibited strong antioxidant activity with 100% of ABTS and 57.8% of DPPH radical scavenging using 0.64 cm2/mL of CMC/Agar/CD@Ti-MOF film. Furthermore, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, and ultraviolet light-blocking ability (95.7% of UV-B and 84.7% of UV-A) were improved significantly. The CMC/Agar/CD@Ti-MOF film showed strong antibacterial activity and could inhibit the progress of E. coli up to 8.2 Log CFU/mL and completely stopped the growth of L.monocytogenes after 12 h of incubation. Additionally, CMC/Agar/CD@Ti-MOF film extended the shelf life of cherry tomatoes preserved at 4 °C and delayed the quality degradation, maintaining the visual aspects of the packaging.

Advances in the preparation and application of cellulose-based antimicrobial materials: A review

The rise of polymer materials in modern life has drawn attention to renewable, easily biodegradable, environmentally-friendly bio-based polymers. Notably, significant research has been dedicated to creating green antimicrobial functional materials for the biomedical field using natural polymer materials. Cellulose is a rich natural biomass organic polymer material. Given its favorable attributes like film-forming capability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, it is extensively employed to tackle a wide range of challenges confronting humanity today. However, its inherent drawbacks, such as insolubility in water and most organic solvents, hygroscopic nature, difficulty in melting, and limited antimicrobial properties, continue to pose challenges for realizing the high-value applications of cellulose. Achieving multifunctionality and more efficient application of cellulose still poses major challenges. In this regard, the current development status of cellulose materials was reviewed, covering the classification, preparation methods, and application status of cellulose-based antimicrobial materials. The application value of cellulose-based antimicrobial materials in biomedicine, textiles, food packaging, cosmetics and wastewater treatment was summarised. Finally, insights were provided into the developing prospects of cellulose-based antimicrobial materials were provided.

Advances in Functional Cellulose Hydrogels as Electrolytes for Flexible Zinc-Ion Batteries

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) emerge as leading candidates for a flexible energy storage system, distinguished by high capacity, affordability, and inherent safety. The integration of hydrogel electrolytes, particularly those with saturated aqueous solvents, has significantly enhanced the electrochemical performance of ZIBs while preserving their essential flexibility. Nonetheless, challenges in electrochemical performance under specific conditions highlight the nascent stage of this technology, with numerous technical hurdles awaiting resolution. Addressing these challenges, recent investigations have leveraged the unique properties of cellulose hydrogel-namely, its exceptional toughness, tensile strength, extreme temperature resilience, stimulus responsiveness, and self-healing capabilities-to innovate multifunctional flexible zinc-based batteries. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of the physicochemical attributes of cellulose hydrogel electrolytes within ZIBs. We thoroughly analyze their performance under diverse environmental conditions, offering insights into the current landscape and their future potential. By examining these aspects, we aim to underscore the developmental prospects and the challenges that lie ahead for hydrogel electrolytes in ZIBs, paving the way for further advancement in this promising field.

Bioactive Ag(I) coordination complexes as dopants for castor oil plasticized ethylcellulose films

The effects exerted by new bioactive acylpyrazolonate Ag(I) derivatives of the general formula [Ag(QPy,CF3)(R-Im)] containing different substituents on the imidazole (R-Im) ancillary ligands and the natural plasticizer castor oil when both are added to the ethylcellulose (EC) biopolymer in the preparation of thin films as potential active food packaging materials are presented. The Ag(I) complexes [Ag(QPy,CF3)(Bn-Im)] and [Ag(QPy,CF3)(Bu-Im)], having benzyl and butyl substituents, whose single crystal molecular structures are reported, have proved to be highly compatible for efficient incorporation between the EC polymer and the hydrophobic plasticizer chains, giving rise, even at low concentrations, to homogeneous, robust and elastic films. The concomitant presence of these Ag(I) complexes and castor oil in the polymer EC matrix gives rise to thin films with improved antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a model of Gram-negative bacterial strains when compared to the non-plasticized ones, with very low Ag(I) migration in the three food simulants used (distilled water, ethanol 10% v/v and acetic acid 3% v/v) under two assay conditions (70 °C for 2 h and 40 °C for 10 days).

Emerging nanocellulose from agricultural waste: Recent advances in preparation and applications in biobased food packaging

With the increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, a novel biodegradable packaging materials has received unprecedented attention. Nanocellulose, owing to its high crystallinity, degradability, minimal toxicity, and outstanding biocompatibility, has gained considerable interest in the field of sustainable packaging. This review provided a comprehensive perspective about the recent advances and future development of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). We first introduced the utilization of agricultural waste for nanocellulose production, such as straw, bagasse, fruit byproducts, and shells. Next, we discussed the preparation process of nanocellulose from various agricultural wastes and expounded the advantages and shortcomings of different methods. Subsequently, this review offered an in-depth investigation on the application of nanocellulose in food packaging, especially the function and packaged form of nanocellulose on food preservation. Finally, the safety evaluation of nanocellulose in food packaging is conducted to enlighten and promote the perfection of relevant regulatory documents. In short, this review provided valuable insights for potential research on the biobased materials utilized in future food packaging.

Efficient dye removal using manganese oxide-modified nanocellulosic films from sugarcane bagasse

Removing toxic dyes from industrial wastewater is crucial for environmental protection. This research introduced novel composite films of manganese oxide (MnO2)-modified nanocellulose (MCel) and unmodified nanocellulose (Cel) derived from sugarcane bagasse for dye removal. Nanocellulose was extracted from sugarcane bagasse and subsequently transformed into MCel through in-situ MnO2 synthesis. The MCel/Cel composites, with various MCel to Cel ratios, were fabricated into films and evaluated for their efficiency in removing methylene blue (MB). The films were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for functional group analysis, X-ray diffraction for crystallinity, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for chemical state analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy for morphology and elemental composition, and Thermogravimetric Analysis for thermal behaviors. Adsorption results showed that all MCel/Cel composite films achieved over 97 % removal of MB (initial concentration 100 mg L-1) within 24 h, with convenient adsorbent retrieval after adsorption. The adsorption process followed a pseudo-second order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The optimal 95:5 MCel/Cel film exhibited a rate constant of 6.16 × 10-4 g mg-1 min-1 and the calculated adsorption capacity of 181.85 mg g-1. These results demonstrate significant potential for wastewater treatment and sustainable waste valorization by converting sugarcane bagasse cellulose into environmentally friendly adsorbents for contaminant removal.

A Current Trend in Efficient Biopolymer Coatings for Edible Fruits to Enhance Shelf Life

In recent years, biopolymer coatings have emerged as an effective approach for extending the shelf life of edible fruits. The invention of biopolymer coverings has emerged as an innovation for extending fruit shelf life. Natural polymers, like chitosan, alginate, and pectin, are used to create these surfaces, which have several uses, including creating a barrier that prevents water evaporation, the spread of living microbes, and respiratory movement. These biopolymer coatings' primary benefits are their environmental friendliness and lack of damage. This study highlights the advancements made in the creation and usage of biopolymer coatings, highlighting how well they preserve fruit quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and satisfy consumer demand for natural preservation methods. This study discusses the usefulness of the biopolymer coating in terms of preserving fruit quality, reducing waste, and extending the product's shelf life. Biopolymer coatings' potential as a sustainable solution for synthetic preservatives in the fruit sector is highlighted as are formulation process advances that combine natural ingredients and environmental implications. This essay focuses on the essential methods, such as new natural additives, as well as the environmental effect of biopolymer coatings, which are safe and healthy commercial alternatives.

Impact of Antioxidant-Enriched Edible Gel Coatings and Bio-Based Packaging on Cherry Tomato Preservation

This research investigates the effects of using edible gel coatings and bio-based packaging materials on extending the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Two edible gel coatings (guar gum and guar gum +5% of a lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck pomace extract obtained in the research laboratory) were applied on cherry tomatoes, then they were packaged in bio-based materials (cellulose tray + PLA lid). Guar gum, glycerol, sorbitol, extra virgin olive oil, and tween 20 were used in coating formulation. Uncoated tomatoes packed in bio-based materials and conventional plastic (PET trays + lid) were tested as a control. Samples were stored for 45 days at 20 °C and their quality parameters were evaluated. Coated tomatoes maintained firmness and weight, and the enriched coated samples showed a significant increase in phenol content, derived from the antioxidant extract. Samples packed in PET showed a sensory unacceptability (<4.5) after 45 days correlated with a greater decline in firmness (from 10.51 to 5.96 N) and weight loss (from 7.06 to 11.02%). Therefore, edible gel coating and bio-based packaging proved to be effective in maintaining the overall quality of cherry tomatoes for 45 days, offering a promising approach to reduce plastic polymer use and food waste.

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

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

New insights into the pH-dependent removal of sulfamethoxazole in peracetic acid activation systems: From mechanistic exploration to practical application potentials

Peracetic acid (PAA) as emerging oxidant in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) has attracted widespread attention in purifying water pollution. In this research, the removal of target contaminant (sulfamethoxazole, SMX) was investigated through PAA activation by a facile catalyst (Co@C), and the active sites of catalyst were identified as sp3-C, Oads, and Co0 by correlation analysis. Especially, different pH adjustment strategies were designed, including System A (adjusting pH after adding PAA) and System B (adjusting pH before adding PAA), to investigate the impact of oxidant acidity and alkalinity on solution microenvironment as well as effect and mechanism of pollutant removal. The results showed that HO· and CH3C(O)OO· dominated in System A, while Co(IV)O2+ was also observed in System B. Both systems showed optimal SMX degradation (98 %). However, System A exhibited excellent water quality tolerance (efficiency > 78 %), superior sustained catalyst activation (efficiency > 80 % in 40 h), less ion leaching (41 μg L-1), and lower products toxicity. Moreover, the pH of solution after reaction in System B was intensely acidic, requiring costly pH adjustments for discharge. This study unveils the strategy of adjusting pH after adding PAA is preferable for water purification, enriching the emerging research of PAA-based AOPs for the remediation of environments.

Application of nano-ZnO in the food preservation industry: antibacterial mechanisms, influencing factors, intelligent packaging, preservation film and safety

In recent years, how to improve the functional performance of food packaging materials has received increasing attention. One common inorganic material, nanometer zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), has garnered significant attention due to its excellent antibacterial properties and sensitivity. Consequently, ZnO-NP-based functional packaging materials are rapidly developing in the food industry. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive and systematic reviews on the use of ZnO-NPs as functional fillers in food packaging. In this review, we introduced the characteristics and antibacterial mechanism of ZnO-NPs, and paid attention to the factors affecting the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPs. Furthermore, we systematically analyzed the application of intelligent packaging and antibacterial packaging containing ZnO-NPs in the food industry. At the same time, this paper also thoroughly investigated the impact of ZnO-NPs on various properties including thickness, moisture resistance, water vapor barrier, mechanical properties, optical properties, thermal properties and microstructure of food packaging materials. Finally, we discussed the migration and safety of ZnO-NPs in packaging materials. ZnO-NPs are safe and have negligible migration rates, simultaneously their sensitivity and antibacterial properties can be used to detect the quality changes of food during storage and extend its shelf life.