Sugar palm nanocrystalline cellulose reinforced sugar palm starch composite: Degradation and water-barrier properties

High-compatibility properties of Aronia melanocarpa extracts cross-linked chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol composite film for intelligent food packaging

Although the active and intelligent properties of rich in anthocyanin extracts added to films have been extensively studied, there remains a sparsity of research pertaining to the miscibility of blended films. This work focused on the miscibility of the chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CP) film caused by the addition of Aronia melanocarpa extracts (AME), which are rich anthocyanins and phenolic acids, and its effect on physicochemical and functional properties. AME facilitated the amidation reaction and ionic interaction of chitosan in CP films, leading to loss of the crystallinity degree of chitosan. Furthermore, the crystal disruption promoted the formation of hydrogen bonds with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with the promoted miscibility. CP film incorporated with 8 % AME possessed the highest tensile strength (26.79 MPa), and elongation at break (66.38 %) as well as excellent ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) light barrier property, water vapor barrier properties, due to its high miscibility degree. Moreover, this film also showed excellent antioxidant, antibacterial activity, and pH response function, which could be used to monitor the storage of highly perishable shrimp. Hence, the AME provided extra functionality and improved miscibility between chitosan and PVA, which showed great potential for the preparation of high-performance bioactive-fortified and intelligent food packaging films.

Effect of the Addition of Fique Bagasse Cellulose Nanoparticles on the Mechanical and Structural Properties of Plastic Flexible Films from Cassava Starch

One of the activities most representative of the agricultural sector in Colombia is the production of biodegradable fique fiber. The efficiency of the defiberization process of the fique leaves is very low since a mere 4% of the total weight of the leaf (cabuya) is used and marketed. The remaining 96%, composed of fique juice and bagasse, is considered to be waste and discarded, impacting the environment. The aim of this work was to study fique bagasse as a source of cellulose nanoparticles (CNCs). CNCs were obtained by acid hydrolysis and added at 10% to films made from cassava thermoplastic starch (TPS) by the casting method. Structural changes in the CNCs, TPS, and their mixtures were characterized by FTIR-ATR and their morphology and particle size by SEM and TEM microscopy, respectively. Thermal properties were analyzed using DSC and TGA, along with their effect on mechanical properties. Changes in the FTIR spectra indicated that the chemical method adequately removed hemicellulose and lignin from the fiber surface of fique bagasse. The CNCs showed a diameter and length of 7.5 ± 3.9 and 52.7 ± 18.1 nm, respectively, and TPS 10% CNC obtained an increase in mechanical strength of 116%. The obtainment of CNCs from lignocellulosic materials can thus be viewed as a favorable option for the subsequent reinforcement of a polymeric matrix.

Cytocompatible and osteoinductive cotton cellulose nanofiber/chitosan nanobiocomposite scaffold for bone tissue engineering

Natural polymeric nanobiocomposites hold promise in repairing damaged bone tissue in tissue engineering. These materials create an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like microenvironment that induces stem cell differentiation. In this study, we investigated a new cytocompatible nanobiocomposite made from cotton cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) combined with chitosan polymer to induce osteogenic stem cell differentiation. First, we characterized the chemical composition, nanotopography, swelling properties, and mechanical properties of the cotton CNF/chitosan nanobiocomposite scaffold. Then, we examined the biological characteristics of the nanocomposites to evaluate their cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation potential using human mesenchymal stem cells derived from exfoliated deciduous teeth. The results showed that the nanobiocomposite exhibited favorable cytocompatibility and promoted osteogenic differentiation of cells without the need for chemical inducers, as demonstrated by the increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and ECM mineralization. Therefore, the cotton CNF/chitosan nanobiocomposite scaffold holds great promise for bone tissue engineering applications.

Barley thermoplastic starch nanocomposite films reinforced with nanocellulose

Despite being one of the starch producers, barley has yet to be widely studied for thermoplastic starch applications, including nanocellulose thermoplastic composites, due to its uses in the food and beverage industries. However, only 20% of barley is used in the malting industry to produce both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and 5% is used as an ingredient in a wide variety of foods. As the fourth most important cereal in the world after wheat, corn, and rice, barley can be considered an interesting biomass source to produce biodegradable thermoplastics, stemming from its starch constitution. Therefore, this review attempts to highlight the barley starch properties and its potential utilization for nanocellulose thermoplastic starch composites. Several studies involving barley-based starch in thermoplastic production and nanocellulose reinforcement for properties enhancement are also reviewed, particularly in the attempt to provide various options to reduce and replace the uses of harmful petroleum-based plastic.

Colorimetric and antioxidant films based on biodegradable polymers and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) extract for visually monitoring Cyclina sinensis freshness

In this study, colorimetric and antioxidant films were developed by using cassava starch (CS), κ-carrageenan (KC) and black nightshade fruit anthocyanins (BNA), and their physical and functional properties were investigated. We found BNA presented significant color changes in different pH solutions. And incorporation of BNA significantly increased the tensile strength, water vapor permeability, UV-vis light barrier property, pH-sensitivity and antioxidant activity of CS-KC film. Results of structural characterization indicated that H-bonds were formed between CS, KC and BNA in films and the film compactness was significantly improved by BNA incorporation. Results of the rheological property assay showed the films had high apparent viscosity with an obvious shear-thinning behavior. When applied to monitoring the quality change of Cyclina sinensis, CS-KC-BNA films exhibited significant color changes with the degradation process of C. sinensis qualities. Our results suggested CS-KC-BNA films could be utilized in smart packaging in food industry.

Chitosan with Natural Additives as a Potential Food Packaging

Recently, the development of materials based on natural polymers have been observed. This is the result of increasing environmental degradation, as well as increased awareness and consumer expectations. Many industries, especially the packaging industry, face challenges resulting from legal regulations. Chitin is the most common biopolymer right after cellulose and is used to produce chitosan. Due to the properties of chitosan, such as non-toxicity, biocompatibility, as well as antimicrobial properties, chitosan-based materials are used in many industries. Many studies have been conducted to determine the suitability of chitosan materials as food packaging, and their advantages and limitations have been identified. Thanks to the possibility of modifying the chitosan matrix by using natural additives, it is possible to strengthen the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of chitosan films, which means that, in the near future, chitosan-based materials will be a more environmentally friendly alternative to the plastic packaging used so far. The article presents literature data on the most commonly used natural additives, such as essential oils, plant extracts, or polysaccharides, and their effects on antimicrobial, antioxidant, mechanical, barrier, and optical properties. The application of chitosan as a natural biopolymer in food packaging extends the shelf-life of various food products while simultaneously reducing the use of synthetic plastics, which in turn will have a positive impact on the natural environment. However, further research on chitosan and its combinations with various materials is still needed to extent the application of chitosan in food packaging and bring its application to industrial levels.

Recent Developments in Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Based Biocomposites and Their Potential Industrial Applications: A Comprehensive Review

The rapid use of petroleum resources coupled with increased awareness of global environmental problems associated with the use of petroleum-based plastics is a major driving force in the acceptance of natural fibers and biopolymers as green materials. Because of their environmentally friendly and sustainable nature, natural fibers and biopolymers have gained significant attention from scientists and industries. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a plant that has various purposes for use. It is the primary source of food in many countries and is also used in the production of biocomposites, biopolymers, and biofibers. Starch from cassava can be plasticized, reinforced with fibers, or blended with other polymers to strengthen their properties. Besides that, it is currently used as a raw material for bioethanol and renewable energy production. This comprehensive review paper explains the latest developments in bioethanol compounds from cassava and gives a detailed report on macro and nano-sized cassava fibers and starch, and their fabrication as blend polymers, biocomposites, and hybrid composites. The review also highlights the potential utilization of cassava fibers and biopolymers for industrial applications such as food, bioenergy, packaging, automotive, and others.

The Emergence of Edible and Food-Application Coatings for Food Packaging: A Review

Food packaging was not as important in the past as it is now, because the world has more people but fewer food resources. Food packaging will become more prevalent and go from being a nice-to-have to an essential feature of modern life. Food packaging has grown to be an important industry sector in today’s world of more people and more food. Food packaging innovation faces significant challenges in extending perishable food products’ shelf life and contributing to meeting daily nutrient requirements as people nowadays are searching for foods that offer additional health advantages. Modern food preservation techniques have two objectives: process viability and safe, environmentally friendly end products. Long-term storage techniques can include the use of edible coatings and films. This article gives a succinct overview of the supplies and procedures used to coat food products with conventional packaging films and coatings. The key findings summarizing the biodegradable packaging materials are emphasized for their ability to prolong the freshness and flavor of a wide range of food items; films and edible coatings are highlighted as viable alternatives to traditional packaging methods. We discuss the safety concerns and opportunities presented by applying edible films and coatings, allowing it to be used as quality indicators for time-sensitive foods.

Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Performances of Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) Fiber Reinforced Arrowroot Starch Biopolymer Composites

This research is driven by stringent environmental legislation requiring the consumption and use of environmentally friendly materials. In this context, this paper is concerned with the development and characterization of thermoplastic arrowroot starch (TPAS) based biocomposite films by incorporating arrowroot fiber (AF) (0–10%) into a glycerol plasticized matrix by using the solution casting method. Developed TPAS/AF composite films were investigated, such as physical, morphological (FESEM), tensile, and tear strength characteristics. The tensile and tear strengths of TPAS/AF composites were increased significantly from 4.77 to 15.22 MPa and 0.87 to 1.28 MPa, respectively, as compared to the control TPAS films, which were 2.42 MPa and 0.83 MPa, respectively, while elongation was significantly decreased from 25.57 to 6.21% compared to control TPAS film, which was 46.62%. The findings revealed that after the fiber was reinforced, the mechanical properties were enhanced, and the optimum filler content was 10%. Regardless of fiber loadings, the results of water absorption testing revealed that the composite films immersed in seawater and rainwater absorbed more water than distilled water. Overall, the results of this research focus on providing information on biopolymer composite film and revealing the great potential it has for the food packaging industry.

Effect of palm wax on the mechanical, thermal, and moisture absorption properties of thermoplastic cassava starch composites

Thermoplastic starch is a potentially sustainable and biodegradable material. However, it possesses some limitations in terms of mechanical performance and high moisture sensitivity. In this current work, the characteristics of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) containing palm wax at various loading were evaluated. TPCS was prepared via hot pressing by varying the ratios of palm wax (2.5, 5, 10, and 15 wt%). Next, characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), mechanical, water solubility, thickness swelling and moisture absorption tests, were conducted on the samples. The findings showed that incorporating starch-based thermoplastics with palm wax has remarkably improved mechanical characteristics of the thermoplastic blends. Besides, the morphology of the samples demonstrated irregular and rougher cleavage fracture after palm wax addition. FT-IR indicated the existence of intermolecular interaction between TPCS and palm wax with the intermolecular hydrogen bonds that existed between them. The thermal stability of TPCS has improved with rising palm wax content. The incorporation of 15 wt% palm wax resulted in the lowest moisture absorption value among the samples. Overall, the developed TPCS/palm wax with improved mechanical and moisture resistance characteristics has the potential to be used as biodegradable materials.

A review of trends in the development of bionanocomposites from lignocellulosic and polyacids biomolecules as packing material making alternative: A bibliometric analysis

Contamination caused by the accumulation of petrochemical-based plastics has reached worrying magnitudes and led to the development of biopolymers as an option to mitigate the problem. This work thus presents a bibliometric analysis of all that concerns the development of such bionanocomposite materials, using ScientoPy and SciMAT software to establish associations between the number of published documents, countries, institutions and most relevant topics. The bionanocomposites topic was found to throw up the biggest number of documents associated (2008) with the different types of raw materials and methods used to obtain nanoparticles and their combination with biopolymeric materials, the result known as a "bionancomposite*". Analysis of the documents related to the application for development of packaging materials from biological molecules, carbohydrate polymers, compounds, conjugates, gels, glucans, hydrogels, membranes, mucilage (source unspecified), mucoadhesives, paper, polymers, polysaccharide, saccharides etc, is also presented, emphasizing mechanical, thermal and barrier properties, which, due to the inclusion of nanoparticles mainly from natural sources of cellulose, show increases of up to 30%. The inclusion of nanoparticles, especially those derived from cellulose sources, generally seeks to increase the properties of bionanocomposite materials. Regarding an increase in mechanical properties, specifically tensile strength, inclusions at percentages not exceeding 10 wt% can register increases that exceed 30% were reported.

Critical Review of Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites: Processing, Properties, Applications and Cost

Increasing scientific interest has occurred concerning the utilization of natural fiber-enhanced hybrid composites that incorporate one or more types of natural enhancement. Annual natural fiber production is estimated to be 1,783,965 × 103 tons/year. Extensive studies have been conducted in the domains of natural/synthetic as well as natural/natural hybrid composites. As synthetic fibers have better rigidity and strength than natural fibers, natural/synthetic hybrid composites have superior qualities via hybridization compared to natural composites in fibers. In general, natural fiber compounds have lower characteristics, limiting the use of natural composites reinforced by fiber. Significant effort was spent in enhancing the mechanical characteristics of this group of materials to increase their strengths and applications, especially via the hybridization process, by manipulating the characteristics of fiber-reinforced composite materials. Current studies concentrate on enhancing the understanding of natural fiber-matrix adhesion, enhancing processing methods, and natural fiber compatibility. The optimal and resilient conceptions have also been addressed due to the inherently more significant variabilities. Moreover, much research has tackled natural fiber reinforced hybrid composite costs. In addition, this review article aims to offer a review of the variables that lead to the mechanical and structural failure of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, as well as an overview of the details and costings of the composites.

The Role of Structure and Interactions in Thermoplastic Starch-Nanocellulose Composites

Composite films were fabricated by using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as reinforcement up to 50 wt% in thermoplastic starch (TPS). Structure and interactions were modified by using different types (glycerol and sorbitol) and different amounts (30 and 40%) of plasticizers. The structure of the composites was characterized by visible spectroscopy, Haze index measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. Tensile properties were determined by tensile testing, and the effect of CNC content on vapor permeability was investigated. Although all composite films are transparent and can hardly be distinguished by human eyes, the addition of CNCs somewhat decreases the transmittance of the films. This can be related to the increased light scattering of the films, which is caused by the aggregation of nanocrystals, leading to the formation of micron-sized particles. Nevertheless, strength is enhanced by CNCs, mostly in the composite series prepared with 30% sorbitol. Additionally, the relatively high water vapor permeability of TPS is considerably decreased by the incorporation of at least 20 wt% CNCs. Reinforcement is determined mostly by the competitive interactions among starch, nanocellulose, and plasticizer molecules. The aging of the films is caused by the additional water uptake from the atmosphere and the retrogradation of starch.

Processing and Characterisation of Banana Leaf Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Cassava Starch Composites

Increasing environmental concerns have led to greater attention to the development of biodegradable materials. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of banana leaf fibre (BLF) on the thermal and mechanical properties of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS). The biocomposites were prepared by incorporating 10 to 50 wt.% BLF into the TPCS matrix. The samples were characterised for their thermal and mechanical properties. The results showed that there were significant increments in the tensile and flexural properties of the materials, with the highest strength and modulus values obtained at 40 wt.% BLF content. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the addition of BLF had increased the thermal stability of the material, indicated by higher-onset decomposition temperature and ash content. Morphological studies through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited a homogenous distribution of fibres and matrix with good adhesion, which is crucial in improving the mechanical properties of biocomposites. This was also attributed to the strong interaction of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between TPCS and fibre, proven by the FT-IR test that observed the presence of O–H bonding in the biocomposite.

Extraction and Characterization of Potential Biodegradable Materials Based on Dioscorea hispida Tubers

This study was driven by the stringent environmental legislation concerning the consumption and utilization of eco-friendly materials. Within this context, this paper aimed to examine the characteristics of starch and fibres from the Dioscorea hispida tuber plant to explore their potential as renewable materials. The extraction of the Dioscorea hispida starch and Dioscorea hispida fibres was carried out and the chemical composition, physical, thermal, morphological properties, and crystallinity were studied. The chemical composition investigations revealed that the Dioscorea hispida starch (DHS) has a low moisture t (9.45%) and starch content (37.62%) compared to cassava, corn, sugar palm, and arrowroot starches. Meanwhile, the Dioscorea hispida fibres (DHF) are significantly low in hemicellulose (4.36%), cellulose (5.63%), and lignin (2.79%) compared to cassava, corn hull and sugar palm. In this investigation the chemical, physical, morphological and thermal properties of the Dioscorea hispida fibre and Dioscorea hispida starch were examined by chemical composition investigation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), respectively. It was found that Dioscorea hispida waste is promising alternative biomass and sustainable material with excellent potential as a renewable filler material for food packaging applications.

Micro- and Nanocellulose in Polymer Composite Materials: A Review

The high demand for plastic and polymeric materials which keeps rising every year makes them important industries, for which sustainability is a crucial aspect to be taken into account. Therefore, it becomes a requirement to makes it a clean and eco-friendly industry. Cellulose creates an excellent opportunity to minimize the effect of non-degradable materials by using it as a filler for either a synthesis matrix or a natural starch matrix. It is the primary substance in the walls of plant cells, helping plants to remain stiff and upright, and can be found in plant sources, agriculture waste, animals, and bacterial pellicle. In this review, we discussed the recent research development and studies in the field of biocomposites that focused on the techniques of extracting micro- and nanocellulose, treatment and modification of cellulose, classification, and applications of cellulose. In addition, this review paper looked inward on how the reinforcement of micro- and nanocellulose can yield a material with improved performance. This article featured the performances, limitations, and possible areas of improvement to fit into the broader range of engineering applications.

Nanocellulose Reinforced Thermoplastic Starch (TPS), Polylactic Acid (PLA), and Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) for Food Packaging Applications

Synthetic plastics are severely detrimental to the environment because non-biodegradable plastics do not degrade for hundreds of years. Nowadays, these plastics are very commonly used for food packaging. To overcome this problem, food packaging materials should be substituted with "green" or environmentally friendly materials, normally in the form of natural fiber reinforced biopolymer composites. Thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) were chosen for the substitution, because of their availability, biodegradability, and good food contact properties. Plasticizer (glycerol) was used to modify the starch, such as TPS under a heating condition, which improved its processability. TPS films are sensitive to moisture and their mechanical properties are generally not suitable for food packaging if used alone, while PLA and PBS have a low oxygen barrier but good mechanical properties and processability. In general, TPS, PLA, and PBS need to be modified for food packaging requirements. Natural fibers are often incorporated as reinforcements into TPS, PLA, and PBS to overcome their weaknesses. Natural fibers are normally used in the form of fibers, fillers, celluloses, and nanocelluloses, but the focus of this paper is on nanocellulose. Nanocellulose reinforced polymer composites demonstrate an improvement in mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties. The addition of compatibilizer as a coupling agent promotes a fine dispersion of nanocelluloses in polymer. Additionally, nanocellulose and TPS are also mixed with PLA and PBS because they are costly, despite having commendable properties. Starch and natural fibers are utilized as fillers because they are abundant, cheap and biodegradable.

Preparation of microcrystalline cellulose from residual Rose stems (Rosa spp.) by successive delignification with alkaline hydrogen peroxide

Agricultural residues of Rose flowers (Rosa x hybrida L.) are abundant, cheap, and renewable. These lignocellulosic remains are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. They are an attractive feedstock to produce various value-added products, as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The objective of this study was to obtain MCC from residual Rose stems (RS) using a successive alkaline peroxide treatment. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the degree of crystallinity, structure characteristics, thermal properties, and morphology, respectively, of MCC. The properties of RS-MCC were compared with those of commercial MCC. The degree of crystallinity of RS-MCC was 70.21%. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the presence of Type I cellulose. FTIR showed the absence of non-cellulosic components, mainly lignin, present in the amorphous regions of the RS fibers. Results are promising for taking advantage of agricultural residues as a source of MCC, which could be used as a reinforcing agent in polymeric matrices.

Optimisation of compatibility for improving elongation at break of chitosan/starch films

When chitosan/starch films were used as agricultural mulch films, the problem of rupture often occurred. In order to improve the elongation at break, chitosan/starch blend films were prepared by casting with different formulations (different ratios of chitosan to starch, different plasticizing components and different plasticizer ratios) in this research. The elongation at break of the film reached up to 104.1% when chitosan was plasticized with 10% glycerol and 0.94% ethylene glycol alone and then mixed according to a 1 : 0.6 chitosan–starch ratio. The fact that plasticizing starch, plasticizing chitosan or co-plasticizing starch and chitosan made a big difference to the mechanical properties of the films was discovered for the first time. The films with different plasticizing components were characterized by their mechanical properties, crystal structures and surface morphologies. Mechanical properties of the films were related to their crystallinity. The higher the crystallinity, the higher the elongation at break. Plasticizing starch alone facilitated the formation of hydrogen bonds and massive structures. Plasticizing chitosan alone was beneficial to the formation of network structures of the films and exhibited anti-plasticization at low plasticizer concentration.

Three methods were used to improve the elongation at break of chitosan/starch films to obtain the optimal compatibility.