Research

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterisation of Arabinoxylan-Based Composite Films

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Coatings 2022, 12(6), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12060813 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 979

Abstract

In the last decades, the overuse of synthetic polymers in the packaging industry has become a serious global environmental problem due to their nonbiodegradability. To overcome this issue, attention has been driven to study alternative materials, namely the use of biodegradable biopolymers extracted [...] Read more.

In the last decades, the overuse of synthetic polymers in the packaging industry has become a serious global environmental problem due to their nonbiodegradability. To overcome this issue, attention has been driven to study alternative materials, namely the use of biodegradable biopolymers extracted from agro-industrial residues, as materials for food packages. In this work, the polysaccharide arabinoxylan, previously extracted from corn fibre by alkaline hydrolysis, was used to produce composite and multilayer films. The composite films were produced by casting an oil-in-water emulsion with different quantities of oleic acid, while the multilayer films (beeswax-arabinoxylan-beeswax) were manufactured by submerging the arabinoxylan films in a beeswax solution. Both film types, along with a film composed only of arabinoxylan, were characterised in terms of their antioxidant activity, optical and mechanical properties, surface hydrophobicity, and barrier properties against water vapour (WVP), gases, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) radiation. All the films developed were soluble in water. The multilayer films were more advantageous than the emulsion-based ones due to their enhanced barrier properties against water vapour (WVP = 0.58 × 10⁻¹¹ mol/m∙s∙Pa), oxygen (with a permeability of 3.28 × 10⁻¹² mol·m⁻¹·s⁻¹·Pa⁻¹) and UV-vis radiation and higher values of water contact angle (92.43°), tensile stress (4.11 MPa), and Young’s modulus (15.96 MPa). The films developed, especially the multilayer ones, showed a good potential to produce flexible packages for low-water-content food products (e.g., several types of nuts). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact of Bacterial Cellulose Nanocrystals-Gelatin/Cinnamon Essential Oil Emulsion Coatings on the Quality Attributes of ‘Red Delicious’ Apples

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Mahsa Sadat Razavi

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Abdollah Golmohammadi

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Coatings 2022, 12(6), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12060741 - 28 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1167

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs)-gelatin (GelA)/cinnamon essential oil (CEO) emulsion coatings containing various CEO concentrations (1200, 1800, and 2400 μL/L) in retarding ripening and senescence of ‘Red Delicious’ apples during cold storage (60 days [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs)-gelatin (GelA)/cinnamon essential oil (CEO) emulsion coatings containing various CEO concentrations (1200, 1800, and 2400 μL/L) in retarding ripening and senescence of ‘Red Delicious’ apples during cold storage (60 days at 4 °C). Coatings decreased the weight loss (WL) (~3.6%), as compared to uncoated fruit (~4.8%). A direct relationship between CEO concentration and respiration rate/ethylene production was also disclosed. Flesh firmness was higher for coated samples, with better results detected especially when the highest amount of CEO was applied (36.48 N for the 2400 μL/L delivered dose vs. 32.60 N for the 1200 μL/L one). These findings were corroborated by additional tests on the surface color, total acidity, soluble solids content, pH, ascorbic acid, and activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD). This study demonstrated the capability of BCNCs-GelA/CEO systems to dramatically enhance the storability and quality of apples during refrigerated storage, thus avoiding undesired losses and increasing the economic performance of fresh fruit industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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Open AccessArticle

Strategies to Improve the Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Pectin Films for Food Packaging: Comparing Nanocomposites with Bilayers

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Victor Gomes Lauriano Souza

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Igor Penido Mello

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Omer Khalid

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João Ricardo Afonso Pires

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Coatings 2022, 12(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12020108 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

Traditional food packaging systems help reduce food wastage, but they also produce environmental impacts when not properly disposed of. Bio-based polymers are a promising solution to overcome these impacts, but they have poor barrier and mechanical properties. This work evaluates two strategies to [...] Read more.

Traditional food packaging systems help reduce food wastage, but they also produce environmental impacts when not properly disposed of. Bio-based polymers are a promising solution to overcome these impacts, but they have poor barrier and mechanical properties. This work evaluates two strategies to improve these properties in pectin films: the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or sodium montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles, and an additional layer of chitosan (i.e., a bilayer film). The bionanocomposites and bilayer films were characterized in terms of optical, morphological, hygroscopic, mechanical and barrier properties. The inclusion of the nanofillers in the polymer reduced the water vapor permeability and the hydrophilicity of the films without compromising their visual properties (i.e., their transparency). However, the nanoparticles did not substantially improve the mechanical properties of the bionanocomposites. Regarding the bilayer films, FTIR and contact angle studies revealed no surface and/or chemical modifications, confirming only physical coating/lamination between the two polymers. These bilayer films exhibited a dense homogenous structure, with intermediate optical and hygroscopic properties. An additional layer of chitosan did not improve the mechanical, water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of the pectin films. However, this additional layer made the material more hydrophobic, which may play an important role in the application of pectin as a food packaging material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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Open AccessArticle

Biodegradable Chitosan Films with ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Food Industry By-Products—Production and Characterization

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Victor Gomes Lauriano Souza

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Coatings 2021, 11(6), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11060646 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2586

Abstract

This work aimed to produce bionanocomposites of chitosan incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using food industry by-products and to characterize them. Such nanoparticles are highlighted due to their low cost, antimicrobial activity, accessibility, and sustainability synthesis. Four different levels of [...] Read more.

This work aimed to produce bionanocomposites of chitosan incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using food industry by-products and to characterize them. Such nanoparticles are highlighted due to their low cost, antimicrobial activity, accessibility, and sustainability synthesis. Four different levels of ZnO NPs (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% w/w of chitosan) were tested, and the bionanocomposites were characterized in terms of their hydrophobicity, mechanical, optical, and barrier properties. Overall, the incorporation of ZnO NPs changed the composites from brittle to ductile, with enhanced elongation at break and reduced Young Modulus and tensile strength. Thus, ZnO NPs acted as plasticizer, turning the films more flexible, due to the presence of organic compounds on the NPs. This also favored permeability of oxygen and of water vapor, but the good barrier properties were maintained. Optical properties did not change statistically with the ZnO NPs incorporation. Thus, the characterization presented in this paper may contribute to support a decision on the choice of the material’s final application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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Open AccessArticle

Films of Chitosan and Aloe vera for Maintaining the Viability and Antifungal Activity of Lactobacillus paracasei TEP6

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Carolina Barragán-Menéndez

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Didiana Gálvez-López

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Raymundo Rosas-Quijano

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Miguel Salvador-Figueroa

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Isidro Ovando-Medina

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Alfredo Vázquez-Ovando

Coatings 2020, 10(3), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings10030259 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2209

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera addition on the viability and antifungal activity of TEP6 (Lactobacillus paracasei) bacteria immobilized on chitosan films for 28 days. Different chitosan and A. vera proportions and carbon sources at several [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera addition on the viability and antifungal activity of TEP6 (Lactobacillus paracasei) bacteria immobilized on chitosan films for 28 days. Different chitosan and A. vera proportions and carbon sources at several pH values were tested as formulations for supporting the microorganism. Bacterial viability was maintained in freshly made films, with values of 10.4, 10.8 and 10.9 log CFU·g⁻¹ for the formulations containing 70% (T11), 100% (T8) and 100% (T16) of A. vera, respectively. The same formulations (T8, T11 and T16) maintained bacterial viability for 14 days of film storage with a loss to values of 9.5 log CFU·g⁻¹. By applying a quarter fraction 2^5–2 experimental design with an array of five factors, the factors with the greatest influence on viability and antifungal activity were determined. The optimal conditions for viability were the formulation with 100% A. vera, pH 4.5 and 0.1 M glucose. The antifungal activity of fresh films was influenced by the formulation with 10 g·L⁻¹ glycerol and 100% A. vera, showing a 60% inhibition of fungal (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) growth. The films developed in this study may have the potential to be used as coatings on vegetal products susceptible to attack by Colletotrichum gloesporioides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Production, Preparation and Characterization of Microalgae-Based Biopolymer as a Potential Bioactive Film

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Mónica Morales-Jiménez

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Luisa Gouveia

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Jorge Yáñez-Fernández

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Roberto Castro-Muñoz

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Blanca Estela Barragán-Huerta

Coatings 2020, 10(2), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings10020120 - 31 Jan 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3588

Abstract

Six microalgae strains were screened according to their biomass productivity and polymer synthesis, showing biomass productivity between 0.14 and 0.68 g/(L·d) for a 21-day growth period. Extracellular biopolymers from the spent culture media of Nostoc sp. (No), Synechocystis sp. (Sy), and Porphyridium purpureum [...] Read more.

Six microalgae strains were screened according to their biomass productivity and polymer synthesis, showing biomass productivity between 0.14 and 0.68 g/(L·d) for a 21-day growth period. Extracellular biopolymers from the spent culture media of Nostoc sp. (No), Synechocystis sp. (Sy), and Porphyridium purpureum (Pp) was obtained, and the yields of the clean biopolymer were 323, 204, and 83 mg/L, respectively. The crude biopolymer was cleaned up using a solid-phase extraction technique. The emulsification index E₂₄ values for the clean biopolymer were 77.5%, 68.8%, and 73.3% at 0.323, 0.083, and 0.204 mg/mL, respectively. The clean biopolymer of the No strain showed the highest fungal growth inhibition against Fusarium verticillioides (70.2%) and Fusarium sp. (61.4%) at 2.24 mg/mL. In general, transparent and flexible biofilms were prepared using biopolymers of No and Pp. The microstructural analysis revealed the presence of pores and cracks in the biofilms, and the average roughness Ra values are 68.6 and 86.4 nm for No and Pp, respectively, and the root mean square roughness Rq values are 86.2 and 107.2 nm for No and Pp, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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Open AccessArticle

Eco-Friendly ZnO/Chitosan Bionanocomposites Films for Packaging of Fresh Poultry Meat

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Victor Gomes Lauriano Souza

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Carolina Rodrigues

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Sara Valente

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Catarina Pimenta

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João Ricardo Afonso Pires

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Coatings 2020, 10(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings10020110 - 28 Jan 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 4836

Abstract

The advances on the development of novel materials capable to enhance the shelf life of food products may contribute to reduce the current worldwide food waste problem. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and [...] Read more.

The advances on the development of novel materials capable to enhance the shelf life of food products may contribute to reduce the current worldwide food waste problem. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and due to their good antimicrobial properties are suitable to be applied as active compounds in food packaging. ZnO NPs were synthesized to be tested in active bionanocomposites through an eco-friendlier route using apple peel wastes. This work aimed to develop bionanocomposites based on chitosan and incorporated with ZnO NPs to characterize its bioactivity via in vitro and in situ studies, using fresh poultry meat as the food matrix. Overall, bio-based biodegradable films presented good antimicrobial activity, being the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of chitosan enhanced by the ZnO NPs added on the system. When used as primary packaging of the meat, the samples protected with the films presented a decrease on the deterioration speed, which was represented by the preservation of the initial reddish color of the meat and reduction on the oxidation process and microbiological growth. The nanoparticles enhanced especially the antioxidant properties of the films and proved to be potential food preservatives agents to be used in active food packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Mucilage and Chitosan Edible Coatings on Quality and Shelf-Life of Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo)

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Mayra Z. Treviño-Garza

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Ruth C. Correa-Cerón

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Eugenia G. Ortiz-Lechuga

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Karla K. Solís-Arévalo

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Sandra L. Castillo-Hernández

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Claudia T. Gallardo-Rivera

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Katiushka Arévalo Niño

Coatings 2019, 9(6), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9060368 - 05 Jun 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3246

Abstract

We have evaluated the effect of edible coatings (ECs) based on linseed mucilage (LM), chitosan (CH), and their combination (LMCH) on the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupe. Cantaloupe was washed, sanitized, and processed (peeled, seeded, and cut) and then coated by [...] Read more.

We have evaluated the effect of edible coatings (ECs) based on linseed mucilage (LM), chitosan (CH), and their combination (LMCH) on the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupe. Cantaloupe was washed, sanitized, and processed (peeled, seeded, and cut) and then coated by immersion, packed, and stored for 18 days at 4 °C. The ECs were effective at reducing the juice leakage and softening of the product. The EC based on CH was the most effective at preserving the color parameter and reducing the general microbiological growth. However, the LMCH combination decreased the antimicrobial effect of chitosan against microorganisms. Also, CH and LM ECs helped preserve the overall sensory characteristics, increasing the acceptance to 12–15 days. Finally, the LMCH combination helped preserve the characteristics of color and odor; however, it modified the texture and taste of fresh-cut cantaloupe and its sensory acceptance was similar to the control (up to 9 days). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of Tea Polyphenols on Curdlan/Chitosan Blending Film Properties and Its Application to Chilled Meat Preservation

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Coatings 2019, 9(4), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9040262 - 19 Apr 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3392

Abstract

Incorporating phenolic acids into polysaccharide films improves their physical properties, in turn improving their potential commercial applicability as a preservation material for different foods. This study aimed to develop films from curdlan and tea polyphenols, and determine the effect of their contents on [...] Read more.

Incorporating phenolic acids into polysaccharide films improves their physical properties, in turn improving their potential commercial applicability as a preservation material for different foods. This study aimed to develop films from curdlan and tea polyphenols, and determine the effect of their contents on the water vapor permeability (WVP) and mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break) of the films. Different ratios of tea polyphenols were incorporated into the curdlan-based films to improve their properties. The results obtained showed that the tensile strength and elongation at break of films were likely to be significantly decreased by adding tea polyphenols, especially at a content of 0.6%, which resulted in a 50% decrease. Meanwhile, the WVP and moisture content of the films was also decreased. However, a low WVP can prevent moisture loss from food. Other film properties, such as antioxidant efficiency, were also investigated. The results showed that the antioxidant potential of the film can be improved by tea polyphenols. The composite films were also applied to the preservation of chilled meat, which resulted in the shelf life being extended by about 3–5 days. Some properties, such as water resistance and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging capacity of the composite film, were improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Films and Composite Coatings: Current and Future Trends)

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