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

Use of alfalfa cellulose for formulation of strong, biodegradable film to extend the shelf life of strawberries

Plastic packaging has increased concerns about human health and the ecosystem due to non-biodegradability. Several biopolymers, such as cellulose, starch, and proteins, are being explored, and cellulosic residue from agricultural biomass is suitable to overcome this predicament. Herein, cellulosic residue fibers (ACR) extracted from alfalfa were used to prepare biodegradable films by solubilizing them in ZnCl2 solution and crosslinking the chains with calcium ions (Ca2+) and sorbitol. Box Behnken Design optimized the ACR, CaCl2, and sorbitol amounts against the responses of water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS), and elongation at break (EB). The optimized film combination was found to be 0.5 g ACR, 461.3 mM CaCl2, and 1.05 % sorbitol, making a 12 × 12 cm2 film, with a TS of 16.9 ± 0.4 MPa, EB of 10.1 ± 0.3 %, and WVP of 0.47 ± 0.11×10-10 g.m-1.s-1.Pa-1. It was translucent, blocked UVB light, followed Peleg's water absorption kinetics, displayed anti-oxidant activity, and biodegraded within 35 days at 24 % soil moisture. The ACR film extends the shelf life of strawberries by two more days compared to polystyrene film. The outcome offers a novel path to utilize and conserve natural resources and mitigate plastic perils, promoting a circular bioeconomy and sustainability and a win-win situation between the environment and farmers.

Vitamin D3 capsulation using maillard reaction complex of sodium caseinate and tragacanth gum

The encapsulation of vitamin D3 (VitD3) using the Maillard reaction complex of sodium caseinate-tragacanth gum (TG) to the production of water-soluble vitamins were studied. Spray drying was used to prepare the complex. Its physicochemical properties, stability, and release characteristics were evaluated. The results showed that containing sodium caseinate- Tragacanth gum (TG) 1 % (w/v) and VitD3 1 % (w/v) had the highest encapsulation efficiency (71 %). The resulting microcapsules showed suitable particle size, strong negative zeta potential, and good stability with spherical morphology. Thermal and spectroscopic analyses showed proper interaction between wall and core components. In vitro, release and simulated digestion studies demonstrated the ability of microcapsules to protect VitD3 under gastric conditions and provide controlled release in the intestine. This encapsulation system shows potential for enriching food with VitD3 and increasing its stability and bioavailability.

Transforming Agro-Industrial Waste into Bioplastic Coating Films

Addressing the environmental impact of agro-industrial waste, this study explores the transformation of banana, potato, and orange peels into bioplastics suitable for thin coating films. We prepared six extracts at 100 g/L, encompassing individual (banana peel, BP; orange peel, OP; and potato peel, PP) and combined [BP/OP, BP/PP, and BP/OP/PP] formulations, with yeast mold (YM) medium serving as the control. Utilizing the spin-coating method, we applied 1 mL of each sample at 1000 rpm for 1 min to create the films. Notably, the OP extract demonstrated a twofold increase in bioplastic yield (860.33 mg/L) compared to the yields of BP (391.43 mg/L), PP (357.67 mg/L), BP/OP (469.40 mg/L), BP/PP (382.50 mg/L), BP/OP/PP (272.67 mg/L), and YM (416.33 mg/L) extracts. Atomic force microscopy analysis of the film surfaces revealed a roughness under 8 nm, with the OP extract recording the highest at 7.0275 nm, whereas the BP/OP mixture exhibited the lowest roughness at 0.2067 nm and also formed the thinnest film at 6.5 nm. With R2 trend values exceeding 0.9950, the films exhibited water vapor permeability values ranging from 3.05 × 10-3 to 4.44 × 10-3, with the OP film being the least permeable and the BP/PP films the most permeable. The OP film demonstrated the lowest solubility in both water and ethanol with values of 64.71 and 1.05%, respectively. The solubilities of all films were above 60% in water and below 4% in ethanol. Furthermore, the films exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our findings confirm the potential of utilizing banana, orange, and potato peels as viable substrates for eco-friendly bioplastics in thin-film applications.

Corncob-derived biodegradable packaging films: A sustainable solution for raspberry post-harvest preservation

Plastic food packaging, with its harmful migration of microplastics and nanoplastics into food, presents significant ecological imbalance and human health risks. In this regard, using food and agricultural byproducts as packaging materials reduces environmental and economic concerns and supports their sustainable management. Herein, cellulosic residue from corncob was employed as a renewable source for developing biodegradable packaging films. It was solubilized in ZnCl2 solution, crosslinked with Ca2+ ions, and plasticized with sorbitol to form films and used to improve the shelf-life of raspberries. The optimized film possesses water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and elongation at break of 1.8(4) x10-10 g-1 s-1 Pa-1, 4.7(1) MPa, and 15.4(7)%, respectively. It displays UV-blocking and antioxidant properties and biodegrades within 29 days at 24% soil moisture. It preserves raspberries for 7 and 5 more days at room temperature and refrigeration conditions, respectively, compared to polystyrene film. Overall, more value addition could be envisioned from agricultural residues to minimize post-harvest losses and food waste through biodegradable packaging, which also aids in mitigating plastic perils.

A comprehensive review on starch-based sustainable edible films loaded with bioactive components for food packaging

Biopolymers like starch, a renewable and widely available resource, are increasingly being used to fabricate the films for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Starch-based edible films offer significant advantages for food packaging, including biodegradability and the ability to extend shelf life. However, they also present challenges such as moisture sensitivity and limited barrier properties compared to synthetic materials. These limitations can be mitigated by incorporating bioactive components, such as antimicrobial agents or antioxidants, which enhance the film's resistance to moisture and improve its barrier properties, making it a more viable option for food packaging. This review explores the emerging field of starch-based sustainable edible films enhanced with bioactive components for food packaging applications. It delves into fabrication techniques, structural properties, and functional attributes, highlighting the potential of these innovative films to reduce environmental impact and preserve food quality. Key topics discussed include sustainability issues, processing methods, performance characteristics, and potential applications in the food industry. The review provides a comprehensive overview of current research and developments in starch-based edible films, presenting them as promising alternatives to conventional food packaging that can help reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.

Sustainable production of cellulosic biopolymers for enhanced smart food packaging: An up-to-date review

Biodegradable and sustainable food packaging (FP) materials have gained immense global importance to reduce plastic pollution and environmental impact. Therefore, this review focused on the recent advances in biopolymers based on cellulose derivatives for FP applications. Cellulose, an abundant and renewable biopolymer, and its various derivatives, namely cellulose acetate, cellulose sulphate, nanocellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methylcellulose, are explored as promising substitutes for conventional plastic in FP. These reviews focused on the production, modification processes, and properties of cellulose derivatives and highlighted their potential for their application in FP. Finally, we reviewed the effects of incorporating cellulose derivatives into film in various aspects of packaging properties, including barrier, mechanical, thermal, preservation aspects, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Overall, the findings suggest that cellulose derivatives have the potential to replace conventional plastics in food packaging applications. This can contribute to reducing plastic pollution and lessening the environmental impact of food packaging materials. The review likely provides insights into the current state of research and development in this field and underscores the significance of sustainable food packaging solutions.

Fabrication and functional application of zein-based core-shell structures: A review

Core-shell structures exhibit a number of distinct absorptive properties that make them attractive tools for use in a range of industrial contexts including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, and food/agriculture. Several recent studies have focused on the development and fabrication of zein-based core-shell structures for a range of functional material deliveries. However, no recent review article has evaluated the fabrication of such core-shell structures for food-based applications. In this paper, we therefore survey current approaches to fabricating different zein-based platforms including particles, fibers, films, and hydrogels that have appeared in a variety of functionally relevant applications. In addition, we highlight certain challenges and future research directions in this field, thereby providing a novel perspective on zein-based core-shell structures.

UV blocking edible films based on corn starch/moringa gum incorporated with pine cone extract for sustainable food packaging

Corn starch (CS) is a good alternative to synthetic polymers due to its sustainability; nevertheless, because of its weak tensile strength, the matrix requires another polymer. Therefore, 0.5 % (w/v) moringa gum (MG) was added. The purpose of this study was to assess how pine cone extract (PCE) affected the physiochemical and mechanical properties of corn starch and moringa gum (CS/MG) films and their use as UV-blocking composites. The findings suggest that the PCE improved the elongation at break from 3.27 % to 35.2 % while greatly reducing the tensile strength. The hydrogen bonding between CS/MG and PCE was visible in the FTIR spectra. The XRD graph indicated that the films were amorphous. In comparison to CS/MG films, PCE-incorporated edible films demonstrated significant UV-blocking ability indicating their potential as sustainable packaging material for light-sensitive food products.

Emerging delivery systems based on aqueous two-phase systems: A review

The aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is an all-aqueous system fabricated from two immiscible aqueous phases. It is spontaneously assembled through physical liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and can create suitable templates like the multicompartment of the intracellular environment. Delicate structures containing multiple compartments make it possible to endow materials with advanced functions. Due to the properties of ATPSs, ATPS-based drug delivery systems exhibit excellent biocompatibility, extraordinary loading efficiency, and intelligently controlled content release, which are particularly advantageous for delivering drugs in vivo . Therefore, we will systematically review and evaluate ATPSs as an ideal drug delivery system. Based on the basic mechanisms and influencing factors in forming ATPSs, the transformation of ATPSs into valuable biomaterials is described. Afterward, we concentrate on the most recent cutting-edge research on ATPS-based delivery systems. Finally, the potential for further collaborations between ATPS-based drug-carrying biomaterials and disease diagnosis and treatment is also explored.

pH/enzyme dual sensitive Gegenqinlian pellets coated with Bletilla striata polysaccharide membranes for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Gegen Qinlian Decoction, derived from Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Typhoid Fever, has been widely used in the treatment of various common diseases, frequently-occurring diseases and difficult and complicated diseases, such as ulcerative colitis. In this study, Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) was innovatively used as a film coating material to prepare Gegen Qinlian pellets with dual sensitivity of pH enzyme for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. BSP has the ability to repair the inflamed colon mucosa and can produce synergistic effects, while avoiding the adverse therapeutic effects caused by the early release of drugs from a single pH-sensitive pellets in the small intestine. The prepared pellets have a uniform particle size, good roundness, a particle size range from 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm, and a particle yield is 85.6 %. The results of in vitro release showed that ES-BSP pellets hardly released drugs in the pH range of 1.2-6.8. However, in the colon mimic fluid containing specific enzymes, the drug release was significantly accelerated, demonstrating the sensitivity of the pellets to pH enzymes. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging of small animals showed that Gegen Qinlian pellets with dual sensitivity of pH enzyme remained longer in the colon compared with pH-sensitive pellets. In vivo pharmacodynamics study showed that the Gegen Qinlian pellets with dual sensitivity of pH enzyme had a better therapeutic effect in the rat model of the ulcerative colon than the commercially available Gegenqinlian pellets in the control group.

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

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

Corn starch and methylcellulose edible films incorporated with fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium L.) extract: Comparison of physicochemical and antioxidant properties

The properties of edible films derived from corn starch (CS) and methylcellulose (MC) supplemented with fireweed extract (FE; 0.0125-0.05% w/w) were analyzed. Due to their more crystalline structure, the MC films were significantly stronger (~26 MPa) than the CS films (~4 MPa). In turn, CS produced films with lower water vapor permeability (WVP, 50.12-51.74 vs. 56.52-59.10 g mm m^-2 d^-1 kPa^-1). The hydrothermally-disrupted starch granules contributed to high roughness and opacity of the CS films. The FE-supplemented films exhibited an intensive yellow color and improved the UV-absorbing effect. FE delayed starch retrogradation, as indicated by the reduced crystallinity and slightly improved transparency of the CS films. Incorporation of FE significantly enhanced the released radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the films, while did not affect the WVP and mechanical properties. Due to better FE-trapping capacity, the CS-based films exhibited lower antioxidant activity (RSA_60min = 2.21-19.75%) as compared to the MC counterparts (RSA_60min = 4.87-38.31%).

Disposable Food Packaging and Serving Materials-Trends and Biodegradability

Food is an integral part of everyone’s life. Disposable food serving utensils and tableware are a very convenient solution, especially when the possibility of the use of traditional dishes and cutlery is limited (e.g., takeaway meals). As a result, a whole range of products is available on the market: plates, trays, spoons, forks, knives, cups, straws, and more. Both the form of the product (adapted to the distribution and sales system) as well as its ecological aspect (biodegradability and life cycle) should be of interest to producers and consumers, especially considering the clearly growing trend of “eco-awareness”. This is particularly important in the case of single-use products. The aim of the study was to present the current trends regarding disposable utensils intended for contact with food in the context of their biodegradability. This paper has summarized not only conventional polymers but also their modern alternatives gaining the attention of manufacturers and consumers of single-use products (SUPs).

Corn Starch/Chitosan Nanoparticles/Thymol Bio-Nanocomposite Films for Potential Food Packaging Applications

This work aims to develop corn starch/chitosan nanoparticles/thymol (CS/CNP/Thy) bio-nanocomposite films as potential food packaging materials that can enhance the shelf life of food. CS/CNP/Thy bio-nanocomposite films were prepared by the addition of different concentrations of thymol (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 w/w%) using a solvent casting method. The resulting films were characterized in terms of optical, mechanical, and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties. The addition of thymol was found to reduce the tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), and Young’s modulus (YM) of the films. Generally, the increment in the concentration of thymol did not significantly affect the TS, EAB, and YM values. The addition of 1.5 w/w% thymol increased the WVP of the films but the WVP reduced with the increase in thymol concentrations. CS/CNP/Thy-3% bio-nanocomposite films demonstrated the potential to lengthen the shelf life of cherry tomatoes packed with the films, whereby the cherry tomatoes exhibited no significant changes in firmness and the lowest weight loss. In addition, no mold growth was observed on the sliced cherry tomatoes that were in direct contact with the films during 7 days of storage, proving the promising application of the films as active food packaging materials.

(Bio)nanotechnology in Food Science-Food Packaging

Background: Bionanotechnology, as a tool for incorporation of biological molecules into nanoartifacts, is gaining more and more importance in the field of food packaging. It offers an advanced expectation of food packaging that can ensure longer shelf life of products and safer packaging with improved food quality and traceability. Scope and approach: This review recent focuses on advances in food nanopackaging, including bio-based, improved, active, and smart packaging. Special emphasis is placed on bio-based packaging, including biodegradable packaging and biocompatible packaging, which presents an alternative to most commonly used non-degradable polymer materials. Safety and environmental concerns of (bio)nanotechnology implementation in food packaging were also discussed including new EU directives. Conclusions: The use of nanoparticles and nanocomposites in food packaging increases the mechanical strength and properties of the water and oxygen barrier of packaging and may provide other benefits such as antimicrobial activity and light-blocking properties. Concerns about the migration of nanoparticles from packaging to food have been expressed, but migration tests and risk assessment are unclear. Presumed toxicity, lack of additional data from clinical trials and risk assessment studies limit the use of nanomaterials in the food packaging sector. Therefore, an assessment of benefits and risks must be defined.

Antimicrobial Activity and GC-MS Profile of Copaiba Oil for Incorporation into Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott Starch-Based Films

The present study evaluated the effect of the incorporation of copaiba oil, in direct and in microencapsulated form, into films based on Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott starch. Initially, the characterization of copaiba oil by gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and its antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was performed. The films were produced by the casting technique and characterized in relation to physical, chemical, structural, and antimicrobial activity. Sesquiterpenes, mainly β-caryophyllene, were the predominant compounds in copaiba oil, showing antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis and S. aureus. The films showed forming capacity, however, was observed a decrease in solubility and revealed an increase in hydrophobic characteristics. However, the oil reduced the tensile strength and elongation, while the microcapsules did not influence the mechanical properties in comparison to the control film. From microstructure analysis, changes in the films roughness and surface were observed after the addition of oil both directly and in microencapsulated form. Films incorporated with microparticles were able to inhibit the gram-positive bacteria tested, forming inhibition zones, indicating that the encapsulation of copaiba oil was more efficient for protecting bioactive compounds from the oil, suggesting the possible application of mangarito starch-based films incorporated with copaiba oil as biodegradable packaging.

Smart Food Packaging Designed by Nanotechnological and Drug Delivery Approaches

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

Novel Antioxidant Packaging Films Based on Poly(ε-Caprolactone) and Almond Skin Extract: Development and Effect on the Oxidative Stability of Fried Almonds

Antioxidant films based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) containing almond skin extract (ASE) were developed for food packaging applications. The effect of ASE incorporation on the morphological, structural, colour, mechanical, thermal, barrier and antioxidant properties of the prepared films were evaluated. The structural, tensile and thermal properties of the films were not altered due to ASE addition. Although no significant differences were observed for the oxygen permeability of samples, some increase in water absorption and water vapour permeability was observed for active films due to the hydrophilic character of ASE phenolic compounds, suggesting the suitability of this novel packaging for fatty foods conservation. ASE conferred antioxidant properties to PCL films as determined by the DPPH radical scavenging activity. The efficiency of the developed films was evaluated by the real packaging application of fried almonds at different ASE contents (0, 3, 6 wt.%) up to 56 days at 40 °C. The evolution of peroxide and p-anisidine values, hexanal content, fatty acid profile and characteristic spectroscopy bands showed that active films improved fried almonds stability. The results suggested the potential of PCL/ASE films as sustainable and antioxidant food packaging systems to offer protection against lipid oxidation in foods.

Chitosan Solution Containing Zein and Essential Oil as Bio Based Coating on Packaging Paper

Modifications of the packaging paper surface play an important role in a variety of industries, especially in the food sector. Uncoated paper has poor water and oil barrier properties due to its porous structure. In this study, packaging paper was successfully coated with six different coating solutions containing combinations of chitosan, zein and rosemary essential oil. The chitosan and zein were actually coated in two layers; the mixed chitosan–rosemary oil and the mixed zein–rosemary oil were each applied as one layer to the paper. The results showed increased oil barrier properties in the papers coated with mixed zein–rosemary oil and reduced water permeability in the papers coated with the chitosan–rosemary oil coating solution. The result of this two-layer coating showed excellent water (Cobb60 value of 2.18 g/m2) and oil barrier properties. All the coated papers showed a high thermal stability, especially those coated with chitosan, zein and rosemary oil layer by layer. Scanning electron microscopy was used to verify the surface differences of the coated papers, such as the closed structure, pores and smoother surface, especially in the layer-wise coated samples. Due to their good mechanical and chemical properties, coated papers with rosemary oil can be used in many applications, possibly also in the field of repellents.

Physical-Chemical Evaluation of Active Food Packaging Material Based on Thermoplastic Starch Loaded with Grape cane Extract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological properties of active thermoplastic starch-based materials. The extract obtained from grape cane waste was used as a source of stilbene bioactive components to enhance the functional properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS). The biomaterials were prepared by the compression molding technique and subjected to mechanical, thermal, antioxidant, and microbiological tests. The results showed that the addition of grape cane extract up to 15 wt% (TPS/WE15) did not significantly influence the thermal stability of obtained biomaterials, whereas mechanical resistance decreased. On the other side, among all tested pathogens, thermoplastic starch based materials showed antifungal activity toward Botrytis cinerea and antimicrobial activity toward Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting potential application in food packaging as an active biomaterial layer.