Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Circular and Green Polymer Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 October 2023) | Viewed by 37358

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Guest Editor
Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
Interests: food science; food biochemistry; functional food; starch polymer; bioplastic; edible films
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioplastics are currently generating high research interest, motivated by the environmental threat posed by petroleum-based plastics. The food packaging industry stands to gain as consumers demand eco-friendly and intelligent packaging materials. Therefore, finding alternative plastics that are environmentally friendly and low cost to sustainably support the developing bio-economy is one strategy that can meet food loss and waste sustainable development goals. Bioplastics developed from agriculture waste can be designed to intelligently monitor food quality during storage, and we can explore their biocompatibility in coating bioactives. Moreover, composite polymers obtained from food waste would not only lead to a reduction in food loss and waste, but will create biodegradable material with enhanced physicomechanical, barrier, and thermomechanical properties, which will develop cost-effective materials for use in a range of bioproducts.

Therefore, this Special Issue will encompass current and applied research in the discipline of biodegradable polymers, especially from agricultural waste. Submissions are welcome on topics related to the bioconversion of food wastes into polymers, bio-based microencapsulation, the customized production of composite polymers, and smart bioplastics and their applications in the areas of food quality monitoring during short- and long-term storage use, and cost-effective production strategies for the best possible industrial output/relevance.

Prof. Dr. Albert Linton Charles
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • active packaging
  • biodegradable polymer
  • bioplastic
  • edible Films
  • food wastes
  • microencapsulation
  • wall materials
  • freeze and spray drying
  • oxidative shelf life
  • active ingredients
  • antimicrobial polymers
  • antimicrobial properties
  • antimicrobial packaging materials
  • intelligent packaging materials

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4049 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Cellulose-Based Materials from Agricultural Waste: Comparison between Sugarcane Bagasse and Rice Straw
by Wiriya Thongsomboon, Yodthong Baimark and Prasong Srihanam
Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3190; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153190 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1567
Abstract
Sugarcane bagasse and rice straw are major agricultural byproducts often discarded or burned as waste after cultivation, leaving their untapped potential for utilization. In this work, cellulose fibers were extracted from sugarcane bagasse and rice straw using a simple procedure: alkaline treatment with [...] Read more.
Sugarcane bagasse and rice straw are major agricultural byproducts often discarded or burned as waste after cultivation, leaving their untapped potential for utilization. In this work, cellulose fibers were extracted from sugarcane bagasse and rice straw using a simple procedure: alkaline treatment with sodium hydroxide, bleaching with sodium hypochlorite, and acid hydrolysis. The obtained cellulosic materials were successfully prepared into milky white and transparent films, of which the transparency slightly decreased with the addition of glycerol. The surface of all the films appeared homogeneous with a random orientation of fibers. The rice-straw (RS) film had a more fragile texture than the sugarcane-bagasse (SBG) film. The FTIR analysis clearly indicated the functional groups of cellulose, as well as glycerol for the films mixed with glycerol. Thermal analysis showed that the native SBG film decomposed at 346 °C, higher than the native RS film (339 °C). The presence of glycerol in the films resulted in slightly lower maximum decomposition temperature (Td,max) values as well as mechanical properties. Regarding water susceptibility, the RS film had a higher percentage than the native SBG and glycerol-mixed SBG films. The extracted cellulose from both sources could form almost spherical-shaped cellulose particles. Thus, through the simple extraction method, sugarcane bagasse and rice straw could serve as excellent sources of cellulose materials for preparing cellulose films and particles, which would be advantageous to the development of cellulose-based materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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17 pages, 2384 KiB  
Article
Combined Effect of Citric Acid and Polyphenol-Rich Grape Seed Extract towards Bioactive Smart Food Packaging Systems
by Akvilė Pažarauskaitė, Estefanía Noriega Fernández, Izumi Sone, Morten Sivertsvik and Nusrat Sharmin
Polymers 2023, 15(14), 3118; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15143118 - 21 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1432
Abstract
Alginate films (2% w·v−1) were prepared with varying concentrations (5–20% w/w) of citric acid and aqueous grape seed extract (GSE) filtrate (11.66 ± 1.32 g GAE/L) using the solvent-evaporation method. Crosslinking alginate via ester bonds (FTIR analysis) with [...] Read more.
Alginate films (2% w·v−1) were prepared with varying concentrations (5–20% w/w) of citric acid and aqueous grape seed extract (GSE) filtrate (11.66 ± 1.32 g GAE/L) using the solvent-evaporation method. Crosslinking alginate via ester bonds (FTIR analysis) with citric acid up to 10% (w/w) led to a 33% increase in tensile strength, a 34% reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and had no impact on elongation at break. Crosslinking alginate with citric acid in the presence of GSE increased the tensile strength by 17%, decreased WVTR by 21%, and significantly improved DPPH scavenging activity. Moreover, after incubation for 24 h at 37 °C, the film-forming solutions exhibited increased antimicrobial activity, resulting in 0.5- and 2.5-log reductions for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, compared to the values obtained without the addition of GSE. The stronger inhibitory effect observed against Gram-positive bacteria can be attributed to the unique composition and structure of their cell walls, which creates a barrier that restricts the penetration of polyphenols into the cells. The pH adjustment of the GSE film-forming solution from 2.0 to 10.0 shifted the UV/VIS absorption spectra, resulting in a colour change from yellow to red. The findings of this study have showcased the potential of combining GSE and citric acid to enhance the functionality and bioactivity of alginate films for applications in smart food packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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17 pages, 5541 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Biodegradable Films Made from Taro Peel (Colocasia esculenta) Starch
by Rusta Bidari, Annur Ahadi Abdillah, Rogelio Alfredo Bonilla Ponce and Albert Linton Charles
Polymers 2023, 15(2), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020338 - 09 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7730
Abstract
Studies of renewable polymers have highlighted starch’s role to replace petroleum-based components to produce biodegradable films with plastic-like qualities. In this study, the novelty of taro peel starch (TPS) to produce such films using the casting technique is reported for the first time. [...] Read more.
Studies of renewable polymers have highlighted starch’s role to replace petroleum-based components to produce biodegradable films with plastic-like qualities. In this study, the novelty of taro peel starch (TPS) to produce such films using the casting technique is reported for the first time. A response surface method (RSM) approach was employed to optimize different concentrations of TPS (2.5–3.5%, w/w) and glycerol (25–35%, w/w) and investigate their effects on the physico-mechanical and water barrier properties of TPS films. TPS films showed a positive linear effect (p < 0.05) for thickness (0.058–0.088 mm), opacity (1.95–2.67), water vapor permeability (0.06–0.09 g∙m/m2∙kPa∙h), and cubic effect (p < 0.05) for moisture content (0.58–1.57%), which were linked to high starch concentrations when plasticized with glycerol. X-ray diffraction analysis of TPS films depicted “amorphous”-type crystalline structure peaks at 19.88°, while the thermogravimetric analysis of the film samples exhibited 75–80% of the weight loss of TPS film in the second phase between temperatures of 300 °C to 400 °C. All films exhibited homogenous, transparent surfaces with flexibility, and completely degraded in 5 days in simulated river water and composting soil environments, which confirmed TPS as a promising film polymer in food packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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18 pages, 54685 KiB  
Article
Development of Smart Bilayer Alginate/Agar Film Containing Anthocyanin and Catechin-Lysozyme
by Orapan Romruen, Pimonpan Kaewprachu, Thomas Karbowiak and Saroat Rawdkuen
Polymers 2022, 14(22), 5042; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14225042 - 21 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1973
Abstract
Smart packaging can provide real-time information about changes in food quality and impart a protective effect to the food product by using active agents. This study aimed to develop a smart bilayer film (alginate/agar) with a cellulose nanosphere (CNs) from corncob. The bilayer [...] Read more.
Smart packaging can provide real-time information about changes in food quality and impart a protective effect to the food product by using active agents. This study aimed to develop a smart bilayer film (alginate/agar) with a cellulose nanosphere (CNs) from corncob. The bilayer films were prepared using 1.5% (w/w) sodium alginate with 0.25% (w/v) butterfly pea extract incorporated (indicator layer) and 2% (w/w) agar containing 0.5% (w/v) catechin–lysozyme (ratio 1:1) (active layer). The CNs were incorporated into the alginate layer at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30% w/w-based film) in order to improve the film’s properties. The thickness of smart bilayer film dramatically increased with the increase of CNs concentration. The inclusion of CNs reduced the transparency and elongation at break of the smart bilayer film while increasing its tensile strength (p < 0.05). The integration of CNs did not significantly affect the solubility and water vapor permeability of the smart bilayer film (p > 0.05). The smart bilayer film displayed a blue film with a glossy (without CNs) or matte surface (with CNs). The developed bilayer film shows excellent pH sensitivity, changing color at a wide range of pHs, and has a good response to ammonia and acetic acid gases. The film possesses exceptional antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The integration of CNs did not influence the antibacterial activity of the film, despite the presence of a higher level of DPPH in film containing CNs. The smart bilayer film was effectively used to monitor shrimp freshness. These findings imply that smart bilayer films with and without CNs facilitate food safety and increase food shelf life by monitoring food quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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16 pages, 4516 KiB  
Article
Development of Bioactive Opuntia ficus-indica Edible Films Containing Probiotics as a Coating for Fresh-Cut Fruit
by Tatsaporn Todhanakasem, Pratana Boonchuai, Pavarunya Itsarangkoon Na Ayutthaya, Rachit Suwapanich, Bongkot Hararak, Bo Wu and Briana M. Young
Polymers 2022, 14(22), 5018; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14225018 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2399
Abstract
Bioactive edible films have received more attention in recent years as a method for food preservation with value-added functions. The aim of this study was to develop a bioactive edible film containing mucilage of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) and incorporating the probiotic [...] Read more.
Bioactive edible films have received more attention in recent years as a method for food preservation with value-added functions. The aim of this study was to develop a bioactive edible film containing mucilage of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) and incorporating the probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium FM11-2 as an active component to promote consumer health benefits. Opuntia ficus-indica is rich in nutritional and bioactive compounds and the abundance of this cactus makes it attractive for food applications. Mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica contained 0.47 ± 0.06 mg/g total sugar, 0.33 ± 0.06 mg AGE/mL phenolic content, 0.14 mg/ mL vitamin C, and possessed 35.51 ± 1.88% DPPH scavenging activity. The edible film that was developed exhibited the following characteristics: thickness of 0.02–0.11 mm, percent moisture content 0.19–0.24%, water solubility 30.66–59.41% and water vapor permeability of 0.15–1.5 g·mm/m2·min·kpa, while the range of the variation depended on the type of plasticizer used (either sorbitol or glycerol). The addition of sorbitol in the film provided the maximum mechanical strength based on the evaluation of tensile strength, Young’s modulus and elongation at break (44.71 ± 0.78 MPa, 113.22 ± 0.23 MPa and 39.47 ± 0.61%, respectively). The optimal formulation of the edible film, according to the physicochemical, physical and maintenance of fresh-cut apple slices, contained cactus mucilage, gelatin, glycerol and a probiotic. The incorporation of a probiotic into the cactus film created a bioactive edible film that could provide a health benefit. While improvement is needed to maintain the survival rate of the probiotic, this work presents an exciting method for furthering the study of food preservation with edible films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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16 pages, 3508 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Characterization of Intelligent Multi-Layered Biopolymer Film Incorporated with pH-Sensitive Red Cabbage Extract to Indicate Fish Freshness
by Mindu Zam, Itthi Niyumsut, Kazufumi Osako and Saroat Rawdkuen
Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4914; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14224914 - 14 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1356
Abstract
This study aimed to fabricate an intelligent monolayer and multi-layered biodegradable films incorporated with red cabbage extract (RCE) to act as a safe and reliable freshness indicator. A film-forming solution (FFS) of gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan was prepared and fortified with [...] Read more.
This study aimed to fabricate an intelligent monolayer and multi-layered biodegradable films incorporated with red cabbage extract (RCE) to act as a safe and reliable freshness indicator. A film-forming solution (FFS) of gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan was prepared and fortified with 0.5% (w/v) of RCE for developing intelligent monolayer films. The intelligent multi-layer film was prepared via layer by layer casting of gelatin, chitosan (added with 0.5% of RCE) and CMC biopolymers. The thickness of the multi-layered film was the highest (0.123 ± 0.001 mm) compared to gelatin-, CMC- and chitosan-based monolayer films (p < 0.05). Chitosan film has the highest tensile strength (p < 0.05), followed by multi-layer, CMC and gelatin films. Elongation at break was slightly higher in CMC (35.67 ± 7.62%) compared to the multi-layer film (33.12 ± 9.88%) and gelatin film (p > 0.05). Water vapor permeability was higher in the multi-layer film (1.244 ± 0.05 × 10−5 g mm h−1cm−2 P−1) than the other monolayer films. Moisture content was highest in chitosan film followed by the multi-layered film (p < 0.05) and then the CMC and gelatin films. CMC film showed the highest solubility compared to multi-layered and chitosan film (p < 0.05). Additionally, transmittance and transparency values in the multi-layered film were the lowest compared to the chitosan-, CMC- and gelatin-based films. L* and a* values were the lowest, while b* values increased in the multi-layered film compared to the other film samples (p < 0.05). pH sensitivity and ammonia gas tests revealed similar color changes in chitosan and multi-layer films. However, FTIR spectra confirmed that dye leaching was not detected for the multi-layered film soaked in ethanol. The biodegradability test showed rapid degradation of multi-layered and chitosan films within 1 month. Based on the optimum results of the multi-layered film, it was applied to monitor the fresh quality of tilapia fish fillets at 4 °C for 10 days. The results of freshness acceptability were noted on day 6 due to the change in color of the multi-layer film with an estimated total volatile basic nitrogen content of 21.23 mg/100 g. Thus, the multi-layered film can be used as an indicator to monitor the quality of the fish freshness without leaching dye onto the food surface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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11 pages, 4653 KiB  
Article
An Edible and Quick-Dissolving Film from Cassia Gum and Ethyl Cellulose with Improved Moisture Barrier for Packaging Dried Vegetables
by Tingting Li, Fansong Meng, Wenrui Chi, Shiyu Xu and Lijuan Wang
Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4035; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194035 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2273
Abstract
A quick-dissolving edible film was made from cassia gum (CG) incorporated with ethyl cellulose (EC). Mechanical results show that addition of 5% EC based on CG gave rise to the highest tensile strength (TS) of the composite film. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that [...] Read more.
A quick-dissolving edible film was made from cassia gum (CG) incorporated with ethyl cellulose (EC). Mechanical results show that addition of 5% EC based on CG gave rise to the highest tensile strength (TS) of the composite film. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that excess addition of EC slightly decreased the homogeneousness of films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the compatibility between CG and EC was good and the incorporation of EC changed the original interaction of molecules by forming hydrogen bonds with CG. Although film light transmittance decreased, it is transparent enough for packaging. The film water vapour barrier property improved dramatically by blending CG and EC, although they showed dissolution rates over 80% in boiling water after 5 min. The dried carrot cube packaged by CG-EC films showed lower mass growth rates in 53% RH. Therefore, the film presents a potential application in packaging of dried vegetables in convenience foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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14 pages, 2579 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Characterization of Biodegradable Edible Films Based on Potato Peel Starch Plasticized with Glycerol
by Albert Linton Charles, Nomalungelo Motsa and Annur Ahadi Abdillah
Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3462; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173462 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4258
Abstract
Potatoes are a source of starch, which is an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemicals in plastic production. Increasing potato production also creates agricultural waste that could be converted to potato peel starch (PPS) and developed as films. A response surface method approach was employed [...] Read more.
Potatoes are a source of starch, which is an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemicals in plastic production. Increasing potato production also creates agricultural waste that could be converted to potato peel starch (PPS) and developed as films. A response surface method approach was employed to optimize the bioconversion of PPS (2, 4, and 6% w/v) and compared with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based films. The microstructure analysis of PPSF showed increased thickness, decreased swelling power, water solubility, and vapor permeability, which were linked to increased molecular interactions as a function of PPS increments. However, low-starch PPSF exhibited high transparency, good mechanical properties, and thermal stability (high melting temperature), pliability, and accelerated seawater and soil biodegradation (~90%: 20 and 50 days, respectively). All films exhibited thermal stability at >100 °C and retained similar amorphous characteristics, evidenced by their flexibility, which confirmed the potential use for PPS in packaging perishable and cooled foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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13 pages, 1270 KiB  
Article
Green Tea Extract Enrichment: Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties Improvement of Rice Starch-Pectin Composite Film
by Wantida Homthawornchoo, Jaejoon Han, Pimonpan Kaewprachu, Orapan Romruen and Saroat Rawdkuen
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2696; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132696 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2111
Abstract
The effects of green tea extract (GTE) at varying concentrations (0.000, 0.125, 0.250, 0.500, and 1.000%, w/v) on the properties of rice-starch-pectin (RS-P) blend films were investigated. The results showed that GTE addition enhanced (p < 0.05) the antioxidation properties (i.e., [...] Read more.
The effects of green tea extract (GTE) at varying concentrations (0.000, 0.125, 0.250, 0.500, and 1.000%, w/v) on the properties of rice-starch-pectin (RS-P) blend films were investigated. The results showed that GTE addition enhanced (p < 0.05) the antioxidation properties (i.e., total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power) and thickness of the RS-P composite film. The darker appearance of the RS-T-GTE blend films was obtained in correspondence to the lower L* values. However, the a* and b* values were higher toward red and yellow as GTE increased. Though GTE did not significantly alter the film solubility, the moisture content and the water vapor permeability (WVP) of the resulting films were reduced. In addition, the GTE enrichment diminished the light transmission in the UV-Visible region (200–800 nm) and the transparency of the developed films. The inclusion of GTE also significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) of the developed film. The FT-IR spectra revealed the interactions between RS-P films and GTE with no changes in functional groups. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (TISTR 764) was observed in the RS-P biocomposite film with 1% (w/v) GTE. These results suggested that the RS-P-GTE composite film has considerable potential for application as active food packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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12 pages, 1728 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Characterization Cellulose Nanosphere from Different Agricultural By-Products
by Orapan Romruen, Pimonpan Kaewprachu, Thomas Karbowiak and Saroat Rawdkuen
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2534; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132534 - 21 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
Cellulose nanospheres (CN) have been considered a leading type of nanomaterial that can be applied as a strengthening material in the production of nanocomposites. This work aimed to isolate and characterize the properties of CN from different agricultural by-products. CNs were successfully isolated [...] Read more.
Cellulose nanospheres (CN) have been considered a leading type of nanomaterial that can be applied as a strengthening material in the production of nanocomposites. This work aimed to isolate and characterize the properties of CN from different agricultural by-products. CNs were successfully isolated from rice straw, corncob, Phulae pineapple leaf and peel using acid hydrolysis (60% H2SO4) combined with homogenization-sonication (homogenized at 12,000 rpm for 6 min and ultrasonicated for 10 min). The results showed that the CN from rice straw (RS-CN) and corncob (CC-CN) exhibited high yields (22.27 and 22.36%) (p < 0.05). All hydrolyzed CNs exhibited a spherical shape with a diameter range of 2 to 127 nm. After acid hydrolysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed no impurities. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the structure of cellulose was changed from cellulose-I to cellulose-II. However, cellulose-I remained in pineapple peel cellulose nanosphere (PP-CN). The crystalline index (CI) ranged from 43.98 to 73.58%, with the highest CI obtained in the CC-CN. The CN from all sources presented excellent thermal stability (above 300 °C). The functional properties, including water absorption Index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) and swelling capacity were investigated. PP-CN showed the highest WAI and swelling capacity, while the PL-CN had the highest WSI (p < 0.05). Among all samples, CC-CN showed the highest extraction yield, small particle size, high CI, and desirable functional properties to be used as a material for bio-nanocomposites film. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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17 pages, 3813 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the UV-Light Barrier, Thermal Stability, Tensile Strength, and Antimicrobial Properties of Rice Starch–Gelatin Composite Films through the Incorporation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
by Wantida Homthawornchoo, Pimonpan Kaewprachu, Suttiporn Pinijsuwan, Orapan Romruen and Saroat Rawdkuen
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2505; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122505 - 20 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2130
Abstract
The effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the properties of rice starch–gelatin (RS–G) films were investigated. ZnONPs were synthesized by a green method utilizing Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica L.) extract. The ZnONPs were rod-shaped, with sizes ranging from 100–300 nm. An [...] Read more.
The effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the properties of rice starch–gelatin (RS–G) films were investigated. ZnONPs were synthesized by a green method utilizing Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica L.) extract. The ZnONPs were rod-shaped, with sizes ranging from 100–300 nm. An increase in the concentration of ZnONPs significantly (p < 0.05) increased the thickness (0.050–0.070 mm), tensile strength (3.49–4.63 MPa), water vapor permeability (5.52–7.45 × 10−11 g m/m2 s Pa), and thermal stability of the RS–G–ZnONPs nanocomposite films. On the other hand, elongation at break (92.20–37.68%) and film solubility (67.84–30.36%) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the control RS–G film (0% ZnONPs). Moreover, the addition of ZnONPs strongly affected the film appearance, color, transmission, and transparency. The ZnONPs had a profound effect on the UV-light barrier improvement of the RS–G film. The crystalline structure of the ZnONPs was observed in the fabricated nanocomposite films using X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the RS–G–ZnONPs nanocomposite films exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 746, Bacillus cereus TISTR 687, Escherichia coli TISTR 527, Salmonella Typhimurium TISTR 1470) and antifungal activity toward Aspergillus niger. According to these findings, RS–G–ZnONPs nanocomposite film possesses a potential application as an active packaging: antimicrobial or UV protective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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14 pages, 2464 KiB  
Article
Development of Intelligent Gelatin Films Incorporated with Sappan (Caesalpinia sappan L.) Heartwood Extract
by Orapan Romruen, Pimonpan Kaewprachu, Thomas Karbowiak and Saroat Rawdkuen
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2487; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122487 - 18 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2337
Abstract
This study aimed to develop intelligent gelatin films incorporated with sappan (Caesalpinia sappan L.) heartwood extracts (SE) and characterize their properties. The intelligent gelatin film was prepared through a casting method from gelatin (3%, w/v), glycerol (25% w/ [...] Read more.
This study aimed to develop intelligent gelatin films incorporated with sappan (Caesalpinia sappan L.) heartwood extracts (SE) and characterize their properties. The intelligent gelatin film was prepared through a casting method from gelatin (3%, w/v), glycerol (25% w/w, based on gelatin weight), and SE at various concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00%, w/v). The thickness of the developed films ranged from 43 to 63 μm. The lightness and transparency of the films decreased with the increasing concentration of SE (p < 0.05). All concentrations of gelatin films incorporated with SE exhibited great pH sensitivity, as indicated by changes in film color at different pH levels (pH 1–12). Significant decreases in tensile strength were observed at 1.00% SE film (p < 0.05). The addition of SE reduced gelatin films’ solubility and water vapor permeability (p < 0.05). The chemical and physical interactions between gelatin and SE affected the absorption peaks in FTIR spectra. SE was affected by increased total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the gelatin film, and the 1.00% SE film showed the highest TPC (15.60 mg GAE/g db.) and antioxidant activity (DPPH: 782.71 μM Trolox/g db. and FRAP: 329.84 mM/g db.). The gelatin films combined with SE could inhibit S. aureus and E. coli, while the inhibition zone was not observed for E. coli; it only affected the film surface area. The result suggested that gelatin films incorporated with SE can be used as an intelligent film for pH indicators and prolong the shelf life of food due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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Review

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33 pages, 4738 KiB  
Review
A Review on Biopolymer-Based Biodegradable Film for Food Packaging: Trends over the Last Decade and Future Research
by Andi Dirpan, Andi Fadiah Ainani and Muspirah Djalal
Polymers 2023, 15(13), 2781; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15132781 - 22 Jun 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4208
Abstract
In recent years, much attention has been paid to the use of biopolymers as food packaging materials due to their important characteristics and properties. These include non-toxicity, ease of availability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, indicating their potential as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging [...] Read more.
In recent years, much attention has been paid to the use of biopolymers as food packaging materials due to their important characteristics and properties. These include non-toxicity, ease of availability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, indicating their potential as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging that has long been under environmental scrutiny. Given the current focus on sustainable development, it is imperative to develop studies on biopolymers as eco-friendly and sustainable food packaging materials. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore trends and characteristics of biopolymer-based biodegradable films for food packaging, analyze the contribution of various journals and cooperation between countries, highlight the most influential authors and articles, and provide an overview of the social, environmental, and economic aspects of biodegradable films for food packaging. To achieve this goal, a bibliometric analysis and systematic review based on the PRISMA method were conducted. Relevant articles were carefully selected from the Scopus database. A bibliometric analysis was also conducted to discuss holistically, comprehensively, and objectively biodegradable films for food packaging. An increasing interest was found in this study, especially in the last 3 years with Brazil and China leading the number of papers on biodegradable films for food packaging, which were responsible for 20.4% and 12.5% of the published papers, respectively. The results of the keyword analysis based on the period revealed that the addition of bioactive compounds into packaging films is very promising because it can increase the quality and safety of packaged food. These results reveal that biodegradable films demonstrate a positive and promising trend as food packaging materials that are environmentally friendly and promote sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings for Packaging Applications)
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