Search Results (96)

Addressing the urgent challenges of plastic pollution and food waste, this study develops a high-performance, fully biodegradable bio-nanocomposite film from renewable agricultural resources through a data-driven optimization approach. The ternary system combines cassava starch (matrix), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs for reinforcement), and nano-silica materials (SiO₂-NPs as barrier enhancer). Response Surface Methodology synergistically coupled with the Firefly Algorithm—a metaheuristic optimization technique—systematically determined the optimal formulation (1.99% w/v starch, 1.38% w/v CNF, 0.30% w/v SiO₂-NPs). The optimized film achieved exceptional performance: tensile strength of 5.813 MPa, elongation at break of 12.37%, and water vapor permeability of 5.395 × 10⁻⁶ g·cm⁻¹·s⁻¹·Pa⁻¹. Critically, the film demonstrated over 80% biodegradation within 60 days and superior UV-shielding capabilities (>90%), effectively extending food shelf-life while minimizing environmental impact. This work establishes a robust strategy for designing sustainable packaging materials through intelligent optimization, valorizing agricultural by-products, and contributing to circular economy principles and UN Sustainable Development Goals. The integration of renewable resources with metaheuristic algorithms represents a significant advancement toward sustainable food packaging solutions. Full article

The shelf life of food can be affected by storage and transport conditions. The development of a biodegradable, eco-friendly active bioplastic for food packaging could delay food deterioration during these stages, while minimising the environmental impact of non-degradable conventional plastics. In this study, blended films of agar with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were integrated with different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that were produced by a green synthesis method. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the blended films increased the stiffness of the film and improved the water vapour barrier and hydrophobicity. The thermal stability and the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the films were not affected by the different concentrations of AgNPs incorporated. The film microstructure was affected by the concentration of AgNPs and resulted in an increase in the film’s pore size. Films with the highest concentration of AgNPs showed antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, and provided the material with the highest UV protection and bio-disintegration in soil and simulated seawater environments compared to the other developed films. The developed agar/CMC blended films with improved physicochemical properties present a viable alternative to conventional plastics in active food packaging applications. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to non-biodegradable plastic packaging is driving the development of active packaging based on biopolymers such as methylcellulose. In this study, innovative methylcellulose nanocomposite films incorporating zein nanoparticles loaded with propolis and curcumin were developed for active packaging applications. The zein nanoparticles revealed excellent physicochemical properties, with a zeta potential above 30 mV, suggesting adequate stability. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed nanoparticles containing curcumin and propolis with uniform sizes ranging from approximately 130 to 140 nm with low polydispersity. Release studies revealed that approximately 25% of the curcumin and 35% of the propolis were released from the nanoparticles within 24 h. The release mechanism was best described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, suggesting a sustained release profile. The nanoparticles reduced the hydrophobicity and rigidity of the films, as evidenced by a lower elastic modulus and higher percentage elongation, thereby suggesting greater flexibility. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the incorporation of bioactive compounds in the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed the thermal parameters of the synthesized films. Furthermore, the films exhibited antibacterial and antioxidant activities, making them highly suitable for use as biodegradable active packaging. Full article

Ultrasonication offers a safer, lower-temperature method for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). This study details the development of a pectin-glycerol bionanocomposite film reinforced with ZnO-NPs produced using the top-down ultrasonication method. ZnO-NPs were fabricated with varying ultrasonication durations (0, 30, and 60 min) and the addition of pectin as a capping agent. Extended ultrasonication duration resulted in smaller particle size and more defined morphology. Bionanocomposite films were prepared using the solvent casting method by incorporating ZnO-NPs (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5% w/w) and glycerol (0, 10, 20% w/w) as a plasticizer to a pectin base. The inclusion of ZnO-NPs and glycerol did not affect the shear-thinning behavior of the film-forming solution. FTIR analysis indicated interactions between ZnO-NPs, glycerol, and pectin. The addition of ZnO-NPs and glycerol reduced tensile strength but increased flexibility. ZnO-NPs improved barrier and thermal properties by reducing water vapor permeability and increasing melting point, whereas glycerol lowered glass transition temperature, thus enhancing film flexibility. The best film performance was observed with a combination of 0.5% ZnO and 20% glycerol. These results highlight the effectiveness of the top-down ultrasonication method as a sustainable approach for ZnO-NPs fabrication, supporting the development of pectin/ZnO-NPs/glycerol films as a promising material for eco-friendly packaging. Full article

This study aims to develop egg white protein (EWP) biocomposite films reinforced with chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs, 1–5 wt.%) by compression molding to overcome the mechanical and barrier limitations of protein-based films for sustainable packaging. ChNC incorporation may modulate film microstructure, crystallinity, and thermal stability, thereby enhancing functional performance. Films were prepared by adding ChNCs either as aqueous suspensions or lyophilized powder, and their structural, thermal, mechanical, optical, and barrier properties were systematically evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a more homogeneous dispersion of ChNCs when added as suspensions, while powder addition promoted partial aggregation. X-ray diffraction revealed increased crystallinity with ChNC reinforcement. Mechanical tests showed that films with 2 wt.% ChNCs in suspension exhibited the highest tensile strength, whereas those with 5 wt.% in powder form became stiffer but less extensible. Oxygen permeability was not significantly affected, while water vapor permeability decreased by up to 14.5% at 2 wt.% ChNCs incorporated as powder. Transparency and color remained largely unchanged by ChNC addition, except for a slight increase in yellowness. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the incorporation method and concentration of ChNCs play a crucial role in tailoring the physicochemical performance of EWP films. The results provide new insights into the design of EWP-based nanocomposites and support their potential as bio-derived materials for advanced food packaging applications. Full article

In this study, a bio-nanocomposite integrating calcium caseinate, modified starch, and bentonite nanoclay was formulated and synthesized into film form via solution casting. Glycerol was incorporated for plasticization, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used to enhance the structural and chemical attributes of the material. The addition of PVA and bentonite notably improved the mechanical strength of the casein-based matrix, showing up to a 30% increase in tensile strength compared to similar biopolymer formulations. Water vapor permeability was significantly reduced when compared to previously reported casein–starch formulations, evidencing the barrier-positive effects of bentonite nanostructures. The microbial analysis confirmed that the quantity of bacterial colonies remained within permissible levels for non-antimicrobial biodegradable films; however, further antibacterial evaluations are advised. Biodegradability testing showed a consistent degradation trend, with full disintegration extrapolated to occur around 13 weeks under natural soil conditions. This study offers exploratory insight into the development of functional and biodegradable films using biopolymer blends and nanoclay suspensions, highlighting their potential in sustainable food packaging applications. Full article

The overuse of nonrenewable resources has motivated intensive research and the development of new types of green bio-based and degradable feedstocks derived from natural sources, such as cellulose derivates, also in nanoforms. The inclusion of such nanoparticles in bio-based polymers with the aim of providing reinforcement is a trend, which, when associated with the incorporation active compounds, creates active packaging suitable for the packaging of highly perishable food, thus contributing to the product’s shelf-life extension. Chitosan (Ch)/sage essential oil (SEO) bionanocomposite reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) was cast as active packaging for the preservation of fresh poultry meat. Meat samples were wrapped in different bioplastics (pristine chitosan, chitosan with commercial CNC, chitosan with CNC obtained from three different lignocellulosic crops, giant reed (G), kenaf (K), and miscanthus (M), chitosan with SEO, and chitosan with SEO and CNC), while unwrapped samples were tested as the control. Periodically, samples were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical properties and microbial growth. Additionally, bionanocomposites were also evaluated in terms of their in situ antimicrobial properties, as well as migration toward food simulants. Meat samples protected with bionanocomposites showed lower levels of microbiological growth (2–3 logs lower than control) and lipid oxidation (20–30% lower than in control), over time. This was attributed to the intrinsic antimicrobial capacity of chitosan and the high oxygen barrier properties of the films resulting from the CNC inclusion. The SEO incorporation did not significantly improve the material’s antimicrobial and antioxidant activity yet interfered directly with the meat’s color as it migrated to its surface. In the in vitro assays, all bionanocomposites demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against B. cereus (reduction of ~8.2 log) and Salmonella Choleraesuis (reduction of ~5–6 log). Through the in vitro migration assay, it was verified that the SEO release rate of phenolic compounds to ethanol 50% (dairy products simulate) was higher than to ethanol 95% (fatty food simulate). Furthermore, these migration tests proved that nanocellulose was capable of delaying SEO migration, thus reducing the negative effect on the meat’s color and the pro-oxidant activity recorded in TBARS. It was concluded that the tested chitosan/nanocellulose bionanocomposites increased the shelf life of fresh poultry meat. Full article

The production of bionanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and cellulose with sodium montmorillonite (MMT-Na) as a filler was described. The developed films with high absorbency can be used in the preparation of adhesive dressings for wounds oozing as a result of abrasions or tattoos. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and potato starch were used as the raw materials for film manufacturing. Citric acid was used as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as a plasticizer. The following parameters were evaluated for the obtained films: solubility in water, swelling behavior, moisture absorption, and mechanical durability (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus). This study revealed that filler concentration has a significant influence on the stability, durability, and moisture absorption parameters of films. The best nanocomposite with a high absorption capacity was a two-component film CMS/CMC containing 5 pph of sodium montmorillonite and can be used as a base material for wound dressing, among other applications. Full article

Fruit and vegetable production is often impacted by microbial pathogens that compromise the quality of produce and lead to significant economic losses at the postharvest stages. Due to their efficacy, agrochemicals are widely applied in disease management; nevertheless, this practice has led to the appearance of microbial strains resistant to these types of agrochemicals. Additionally, there is growing concern among consumers about the presence of these chemical residues in fruits and the negative impacts they cause on multiple ecosystems. In response, there is a growing need for safe, effective, green, and sustainable disease control technologies. Bionanocomposites, with their unique ability to combine nanomaterials and biopolymers that have attractive properties, represents a promising alternative for postharvest disease control. These technologies allow for the development of functional coatings and films with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, which are critical for extending shelf life and preserving fruit quality. Recent advances have demonstrated that integrating nanoparticles, such as ZnO, TiO₂, Ag, and chitosan-based nanosystems, into biopolymeric matrices, like alginate, pectin, starch, or cellulose, can enhance mechanical strength, regulate gas exchange, and control the release of active agents. This review presents systematized information that is focused on the creation of coatings and films based on bionanocomposites for the management of disease in fruits and vegetables. It also discusses the use of diverse biopolymers and nanomaterials and their impact on the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Full article

Bio-nanocomposite films were prepared using chitosan, gelatin, and varying concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 wt%) of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles in acetic acid via a casting method. The incorporation of TiO₂ nanoparticles into the bio-chitosan matrix enhanced ultraviolet (UV) absorption and improved the films’ physical, mechanical, and electrical properties. Additionally, the TiO₂-loaded films exhibited antimicrobial activity, contributing to the extended preservation of packaged products by inhibiting microbial growth. Notably, the bio-nanocomposite films containing 1.0 wt% TiO₂ exhibited an electroactive response, bending under relatively low electric field strength (250 V/mm), whereas the control film without TiO₂ required higher field strength (550 V/mm) to achieve bending. This indicates potential applications in electroactive actuators requiring precise movement control. Among the tested concentrations, films containing 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% TiO₂ (Formulas 7 and 8) demonstrated optimal performance. These films presented a visually appealing appearance with no tear marks, low bulk density (0.91 ± 0.04 and 0.85 ± 0.18 g/cm³), a satisfactory electromechanical response at 250 V/m (17.85 ± 2.58 and 61.48 ± 6.97), low shrinkage percentages (59.95 ± 3.59 and 54.17 ± 9.28), high dielectric constant (1.80 ± 0.07 and 8.10 ± 0.73), and superior UV absorption compared with pure bio-chitosan films, without and with gelatin (Formulas 1 and 6). Full article

As the global plastic pollution crisis intensifies, the development of sustainable food packaging materials has become a priority. Starch-based films present a viable, biodegradable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics but face challenges such as poor moisture resistance and mechanical fragility. This review comprehensively examines state-of-the-art advancements in starch-based packaging, including polymer modifications, bio-nanocomposite incorporation, and innovative processing techniques that enhance functionality. Furthermore, the role of advanced analytical tools in elucidating the structure–performance relationships of starch films is highlighted. In particular, we provide an in-depth exploration of advanced characterization techniques, not only to assess starch-based food packaging but also to monitor starch retrogradation, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and iodine binding (Blue Value). We also explore cutting-edge developments in active and intelligent packaging, where starch films are functionalized with bioactive compounds for antimicrobial protection and freshness monitoring. While substantial progress has been made, critical challenges remain in upscaling these technologies for industrial production. This review provides a roadmap for future research and the industrial adoption of starch-derived packaging solutions. Full article

This study aimed to develop and characterize bio-nanocomposite coatings by incorporating titanium nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) (30–50 nm) (10 mg/L), which have antimicrobial effects, and rosmarinic acid (RA) (0.005 mg/mL), which has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, into the chitosan matrix using the solvent casting method. The prepared bio-nanocomposite coatings were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In the XRD analysis, the crystal structure of the bio-nanocomposite coating material was evaluated, but the absence of the expected TiO₂ NPs diffraction peak in the coating containing TiO₂ NPs was discussed in detail. The TiO₂ NPs decreased the crystallinity, compared to the control film, while rosmarinic acid increased the order of the molecular matrix. FT-IR analysis showed the presences of O–H, C=O, and C–O bonds in the coating materials, and the changes in the positions and intensities of the bands observed in the FTIR spectra of the bio-nanocomposite coatings (CHT and CHTRA) proved that TiO₂ NPs and RA were successfully integrated into the chitosan matrix. The broadening and flattening of the bands belonging to OH groups (3288–3356 cm⁻¹) indicated that the hydrogen bonds in the chitosan matrix were strengthened during the formation of the bio-nanocomposite structure. The bands representing the C=O stretching vibrations at 1659 cm⁻¹ (amide I) and the N–H bending vibrations at 1558 cm⁻¹ (amide II) indicated protein-based features in the structure of chitosan and confirmed the existence of the bio-nanocomposite structure. The SEM-EDX analysis showed that TiO₂ NPs were distributed homogeneously on the chitosan surface, but there was aggregation in places. The AFM images revealed that when TiO₂ NPs and RA were added to the chitosan matrix, the surface topography became more homogeneous, and a topographic pattern was formed in the range of 0–20.4 nm. Therefore, it is concluded that these bio-nanocomposite coatings can be used in antimicrobial surfaces and food packaging areas and should be optimized with different antioxidant and nanoparticle combinations in the future. Full article

Binary and ternary blends of amylose (AM), polylactic acid (PLA), and glycerol were prepared using a Pickering emulsion approach. Various formulations of AM/PLA with low PLA contents ranging from 3% to 12% were mixed with AM matrix and reinforced with 25% cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and PLA-grafted cellulose nanofibers (g-CNF), the latter to enhance miscibility. Polymeric films were fabricated through solvent casting and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS), and the evaluations of physical, mechanical properties, and wettability were performed using contact angle measurements. The binary blends of AM and PLA produced films suitable for packaging, pharmaceutical, or biomedical applications with excellent water barrier properties. The ternary blends of AM/CNF/PLA and AM/g-CNF/PLA nanocomposite films demonstrated enhanced tensile strength and reduced water permeability compared to AM/PLA films. Adding g-CNF resulted in better homogeneity and increased relative crystallinity from 33% to 35% compared to unmodified CNF. The application of Pickering emulsion in creating AM-based CNF/ PLA composites resulted in a notable enhancement in tensile strength by 47%. This study presents an effective approach for producing biodegradable and reinforced PLA-based nanocomposite films, which show promise as bio-nanocomposite materials for food packaging applications. Full article

Nanocomposites are an emerging technology for ensuring food safety and quality. Their unique properties, attributed to nanoparticle presence, facilitate the development of sophisticated sensors and biosensors for detecting harmful substances, microbial growth, and environmental changes in food products. Smart and/or active food packaging development also benefits from the use of nanocomposites. This packaging, or portions of it, provide active protection for its contents and serve as sensors to promptly, simply, and safely identify any detrimental changes in stored food, without elaborate techniques or analyses. Films made from potato starch and chitosan were produced and quantum dots of zinc sulfide (ZnS) and cadmium sulfide (CdS)were synthesized in them for this study. The presence and dimensions of the QDs (quantum dots) were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. The study aimed to establish the toxicity profile of a starch–chitosan bionanocomposite integrated with ZnS and CdS quantum dots. Cytotoxic and genotoxic features were assessed through cytogenetic instability assessments, consisting of the alkaline comet assay, erythrocyte micronucleus assay, and peripheral blood cell viability analysis of a laboratory mouse model. Full article

Plasmonic metallic nanoparticles, like Au, can be used to tune the optical properties of photonic nanoarchitectures occurring in butterfly wing scales possessing structural color. The effect of the nanoscale Au depends on the location and the amount deposited in the chitin-based photonic nanoarchitecture. The following three types of Au introduction methods were compared regarding the structural and optical properties of the resulting hybrid bio-nanocomposites: (i) growth of Au nanoparticles inside the nanopores of butterfly wing scales by a light-induced in situ chemical reduction of HAuCl₄ in aqueous solution containing sodium citrate, as a new procedure we have developed, (ii) drop-drying of the aqueous Au sol formed during procedure (i) in the bulk liquid phase, and (iii) physical vapor deposition of Au thin film onto the butterfly wing. We investigated all three methods at two different Au concentrations on the wings of laboratory-bred blue-colored male Polyommatus icarus butterflies and characterized the optical properties of the resulting hybrid bio-nanocomposites. We found that the drop-drying and the in situ growth produced comparable redshift in the spectral position of the reflectance maximum associated with the chitin-based photonic nanoarchitecture in the wing scales, while the 5 nm or 15 nm thick Au layers vacuum deposited onto the butterfly wing behaved like an optical filter, without inducing spectral shift. The in situ growth in the photonic nanoarchitecture under intense illumination produced uniform Au nanoparticles located in the pores of the biological template, which is more advantageous for further applications. An additional benefit of this method is that the Au nanoparticles do not aggregate on drying, like in the case of drop-drying of preformed Au nanoparticles from the citrate-stabilized sol. Full article