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Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: A Potential Strategy to Improve the Overall Performance...
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Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: A Potential Strategy to Improve the Overall Performance of Food Packaging Materials

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Coatings for Food Technology and System".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 17350

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daniele Carullo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Food Packaging Laboratory, Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences—DeFENS, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: food packaging; gas barrier coatings; nanocomposite coatings; nanostructured coatings; food wastes valorization; non-thermal technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Stefano Farris

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
DeFENS, Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
Interests: food packaging; biopolymers; bionanocomposites; functional polymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Multiple efforts have recently been made at both academic and industrial levels to replace current food packaging systems, mostly relying on environmentally impacting materials, with high-performing and more sustainable solutions. In this scenario, the involvement of natural biopolymers such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids as coating agents to yield alternative packaging configurations has become a trendy and fascinating research topic. Such biopolymers, upon the tuned loading of targeted compounds, could generate nanocomposites either possessing active behavior (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant power) or boosting thermal/mechanical/barrier properties of the employed substrate (e.g., plastic, bioplastic, paper/paperboard). Hence, packaged food items with high quality and increased shelf-life could be obtained in comparison to their uncoated counterparts (i.e., the bare substrate).

With the current Special Issue, we would like to catch the attention of food/material scientists, engineers, and technologists, and invite them to contribute via original research papers, review articles, and short communications. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following ones:

  • Design/development/validation of bio-nanocoated packaging systems;
  • Evaluation of thermal/mechanical/barrier/optical properties of coated systems;
  • Migration from packaging materials;
  • Surface behavior of coated systems;
  • Interaction between the coating and employed substrate;
  • Shelf-life tests;
  • Mathematical modeling/simulation of phenomena taking place during food preservation;
  • Scaling up of equipment related to coating processes;
  • Economical/life-cycle assessment analyses.

Dr. Daniele Carullo
Prof. Dr. Stefano Farris
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bio-nanocomposites
  • food packaging materials
  • functional properties
  • surface properties
  • sustainability

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3590 KiB  
Article
Nanocomposite Coatings of Pectin and Oxide Zinc Nanoparticles to Increase Papaya Shelf Life
by Joelma Saures dos Santos, Caroline Cagnin, Bheatriz Silva Morais de Freitas, Richard Marins da Silva, Glaydson Brasileiro Lopes de Jesus, Celso Martins Belisário, Mariana Buranelo Egea, Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho and Geovana Rocha Plácido
Coatings 2024, 14(8), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14080990 - 6 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
Nanocomposite coatings functionalized with antimicrobial nanoparticles could be a promising alternative for the postharvest preservation of fruits. This study aimed to develop nanocomposite coatings based on pectin incorporated with zinc oxide (NPZ) nanoparticles to preserve the postharvest quality of papaya fruits. The coatings [...] Read more.
Nanocomposite coatings functionalized with antimicrobial nanoparticles could be a promising alternative for the postharvest preservation of fruits. This study aimed to develop nanocomposite coatings based on pectin incorporated with zinc oxide (NPZ) nanoparticles to preserve the postharvest quality of papaya fruits. The coatings were prepared using pectin (3%) and NPZ (0%–0.4%). The materials were characterized for water-related properties (water solubility and water vapor permeability) as well as physical, mechanical, morphological, rheological, and structural properties. The coatings were applied to papaya fruits, which were analyzed for weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, and soluble solids over nine days of storage. Incorporating NPZ (0%–0.4%) did not affect the films’ water solubility and vapor permeability. However, films with NPZ exhibited lower mechanical properties than pure pectin films. Rheological behavior testing indicated that the pectin solution was a Newtonian fluid, whereas pectin solutions with zinc nanoparticles were non-Newtonian fluids. The pectin coating with 0.2% NPZ was the most effective in preserving the postharvest quality of papaya by reducing fruit weight loss and acidity content. Therefore, the developed coatings incorporated with NPZ showed promise for the postharvest preservation of papaya fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: A Potential Strategy to Improve the Overall Performance of Food Packaging Materials)
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20 pages, 7295 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Nanofibers as Reinforcements to Amylose-Based Composite Bioplastics
by Marwa Faisal, Marija Žmirić, Ngoc Quynh Nhu Kim, Sander Bruun, Loredana Mariniello, Michela Famiglietti, Heloisa N. Bordallo, Jacob Judas Kain Kirkensgaard, Bodil Jørgensen, Peter Ulvskov, Kim Henrik Hebelstrup and Andreas Blennow
Coatings 2023, 13(9), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13091573 - 9 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3270
Abstract
Starch-based bioplastics offer a promising alternative to conventional plastics. However, they exhibit certain limitations, notably in terms of mechanical strength and barrier properties. These challenges could potentially be addressed through the incorporation of nanocellulose as a reinforcing agent. In this study, we fabricated [...] Read more.
Starch-based bioplastics offer a promising alternative to conventional plastics. However, they exhibit certain limitations, notably in terms of mechanical strength and barrier properties. These challenges could potentially be addressed through the incorporation of nanocellulose as a reinforcing agent. In this study, we fabricated bioplastic films using a casting and blending approach, employing highly linear pure amylose (AM) in combination with cellulose nanofibers (CNF) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) at various ratios. This allowed for a direct comparison of CNF and CNC functionality within the AM matrix. We systematically assessed mechanical properties and water barrier characteristics, encompassing parameters such as water permeability, moisture content, swelling, solubility, crystallinity, thermal stability, transmittance, and opacity. Additionally, we investigated water vapor and oxygen permeability. Furthermore, we delved into distinctions between CNC and CNF biocomposites. Incorporation of either type of nanocellulose yielded enhancements in film properties, with CNF exerting a more pronounced positive influence compared to CNC. Particularly noteworthy were the mechanical properties, wherein CNF composite films demonstrated markedly higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus compared to their CNC counterparts. For instance, the inclusion of 1% CNF led to a substantial increase in AM tensile strength from 66.1 MPa to 144.8 MPa. Conversely, water vapor permeability exhibited a converse behavior, as the addition of 1% CNF resulted in a significant reduction of water barrier properties from 8.7 to 1.32 g mm m−2 24 h−1kPa−1. Intriguingly, CNC films displayed greater elongation at the point of rupture in comparison to CNF films. This can be attributed to the larger surface area of the CNC and the favorable interfacial interaction between AM and CNC. Notably, the introduction of nanocellulose led to reduced film opacity and improved thermal stability. In summary, nanocellulose interacted synergistically with the AM matrix, establishing a robust hydrogen-bonded network that greatly enhanced the performance of the biocomposite films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: A Potential Strategy to Improve the Overall Performance of Food Packaging Materials)
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17 pages, 781 KiB  
Article
Postharvest Application of Novel Bio-Based Antifungal Composite Edible Coatings to Reduce Sour Rot and Quality Losses of ‘Valencia’ Oranges
by María Victoria Alvarez, María Bernardita Pérez-Gago, Verònica Taberner, Laura Settier-Ramírez, Victoria Martínez-Blay and Lluís Palou
Coatings 2023, 13(8), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13081412 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2263
Abstract
Sour rot, caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii, can produce significant postharvest losses of citrus fruits and, currently, cannot be effectively controlled by the postharvest fungicides registered in EU countries. Therefore, novel antifungal edible coatings (ECs) based on citrus pectin and beeswax and enriched [...] Read more.
Sour rot, caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii, can produce significant postharvest losses of citrus fruits and, currently, cannot be effectively controlled by the postharvest fungicides registered in EU countries. Therefore, novel antifungal edible coatings (ECs) based on citrus pectin and beeswax and enriched with eugenol (EG), geraniol (GR), propolis extract (PR) or essential oils (EOs) from Satureja montana (SA), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CI), or Commiphora myrrha (CM), were developed as alternatives to reduce sour rot and preserve the postharvest quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges. These natural agents were incorporated into the EC formulation and then applied to inoculated oranges. ECs enriched with EG (2–8 g/kg), GR (4 and 8 g/kg), PR (5–20 g/kg), and CM EO (15 g/kg) reduced disease incidence and severity by 75 to 100% compared to uncoated oranges after 20 days of incubation at 20 °C. ECs containing EG (8 g/kg), GR (4 g/kg), and PR (20 g/kg) reduced weight loss and retained firmness of oranges after 14 days of shelf life at 20 °C. Furthermore, all tested ECs maintained the fruit’s sensory and physicochemical quality. Overall, the EG-enriched pectin EC performed best, showing potential as a safe, bio-based alternative to conventional waxes containing synthetic fungicides for the management of citrus postharvest sour rot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: A Potential Strategy to Improve the Overall Performance of Food Packaging Materials)
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11 pages, 997 KiB  
Article
Cinnamon Essential-Oil-Loaded Fish Gelatin–Cellulose Nanocrystal Films Prepared under Acidic Conditions
by Abdollah Golmohammadi, Mahsa Sadat Razavi, Mohammad Tahmasebi, Daniele Carullo and Stefano Farris
Coatings 2023, 13(8), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13081360 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1656
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize films obtained from fish gelatin (GelA, 3% w/w), encapsulated with cinnamon essential oil (CEO, 0.03–0.48% v/w), and loaded with bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs, 0.06% w/w) at [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to characterize films obtained from fish gelatin (GelA, 3% w/w), encapsulated with cinnamon essential oil (CEO, 0.03–0.48% v/w), and loaded with bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs, 0.06% w/w) at pH = 3.5. CEO-GelA/BCNC films were prepared by casting, and thickness, light transmittance (TT) and haze (H), surface hydrophobicity, tensile properties, chemical composition, and water solubility (WS) thereof were assessed. All films displayed outstanding optical properties (TT > 89.4%), with haze slightly exceeding a 3% value only at the highest CEO loading within the nanoemulsion formulation. The CEO plasticizing effect increased the elongation at break (EAB, from 0.84% up to 3.79%) and decreased the tensile strength (TS, from 8.98 MPa down to 1.93 MPa). The FT-IR spectra of films revealed good interaction among nanoemulsion components via hydrogen bonding. The CEO hydrophobic nature negatively impacted the WS (from 52.08% down to 8.48%) of the films. The results of this work confirmed the possibility of producing packaging systems from renewable sources to be potentially used in the form of edible films/coatings for the preservation of water-sensitive food products, both vegan-based (fruits/vegetables) and animal-based (meat/seafood). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: A Potential Strategy to Improve the Overall Performance of Food Packaging Materials)
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21 pages, 7018 KiB  
Article
Alginate-Based Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Coating Extends Storage Life and Maintains Quality Parameters of Mango Fruits “cv. Kiett”
by Ibrahim Hmmam, Mohamed Abdel-Shakur Ali and Abdou Abdellatif
Coatings 2023, 13(2), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13020362 - 5 Feb 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2711
Abstract
In this study, we describe the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and evaluate the impact of alginate-based ZnO NPs (Alg–ZnO NPs) on microbiological activity, storage behavior, and physico-chemical properties of ‘Kiett’ mango fruit. The fruits were coated with alginate and Alg–ZnO [...] Read more.
In this study, we describe the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and evaluate the impact of alginate-based ZnO NPs (Alg–ZnO NPs) on microbiological activity, storage behavior, and physico-chemical properties of ‘Kiett’ mango fruit. The fruits were coated with alginate and Alg–ZnO NPs and then stored at 13 °C; uncoated mango fruits were used as controls. ZnO NPs were synthesized and characterized, confirming the formation of spherically shaped particles with sizes ranging from 12 to 15.1 nm and a zeta potential equal to 31 mV. Alg–ZnO NPs exhibited the same inhibition capacities against the growth of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. The cold-stored fruits showed an increase in weight loss, respiration rate, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, and total carotenoids over the storage period. However, this increase was comparatively less significant in coated fruits than in uncoated ones. Alg–ZnO NP treatment maintained better fruit quality, controlled the decay incidence, and increased the shelf life of the mango fruits. Firmness and titratable acidity (TA) significantly decreased during storage, but this decrease was reduced in coated fruits. We conclude that Alg–ZnO NP treatment could be a promising safe alternative for maintaining fruit quality, extending the storage period, and increasing the shelf life of mango fruits ‘cv. Kiett’. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: A Potential Strategy to Improve the Overall Performance of Food Packaging Materials)
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12 pages, 1507 KiB  
Article
Sensitive Fingerprint Detection Using Biocompatible Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Coating on Non-Porous Surfaces
by Kajol Bhati, Divya Bajpai Tripathy, Vignesh Kumaravel, Hemanth P. K. Sudhani, Sajad Ali, Rita Choudhary and Shruti Shukla
Coatings 2023, 13(2), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13020268 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4679
Abstract
In recent years, the development and application of biocompatible nanomaterials in the detection of fingerprints have become a major focus for the forensic sector and crime investigators. This study aims to synthesize biocompatible silica nanoparticles (Si NPs) through cost-effective green methods and will [...] Read more.
In recent years, the development and application of biocompatible nanomaterials in the detection of fingerprints have become a major focus for the forensic sector and crime investigators. This study aims to synthesize biocompatible silica nanoparticles (Si NPs) through cost-effective green methods and will be used to detect a latent fingerprint on a non-porous surface. As a type of environmentally friendly nanomaterial, Si NPs were prepared via an oil–water mixed micro-emulsion templating (MET) approach. Their characteristics and optical properties were measured using EDX-SEM, HR-TEM, FTIR, XRD, and UV–visible absorption. The biocompatibility of the synthesized Si NPs in terms of cell viability was observed, even at high concentrations (83.46% and 75.28% at 20 and 50 mg mL−1, respectively). The developed Si NPs were tested on different surfaces, including plastic, glass, silicon, steel, and soft plastic for the detection of crime scene fingerprints. In this research, it was found that the Si NPs were of the size of 100–150 nm. Results confirmed that synthesized mesoporous Si NPs can be used to detect latent fingerprints on multiple non-porous surfaces and were easy to detect under a UV lamp at 395 nm. These findings reinforce the suggestion that the developed Si NP coating has a high potential to increase sensitive and stable crime traces for forensic latent fingerprint detection, even in packaged food with different packaging surfaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: A Potential Strategy to Improve the Overall Performance of Food Packaging Materials)
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