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Active food packaging (AP) is an innovative technology, which provides a new system for food preservation in the food industry. The growing need towards consumer demands and market trends inspires researchers and food industries to employ AP. The advent of nanotechnology has had a significant impact on AP applications due to its distinctive physicochemical and biological properties. The incorporation of nano-sized materials into the polymer matrix has greatly improved the thermal, mechanical, gas barrier properties and compostability of biopolymers, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of bio-based film packaging. One of the great features of nano-sized materials is that they can act as release-controlling devices for active compounds in AP. The current review summarized the impact of nano-sized materials in the physical properties of the bio-based packaging films and their potential utilization and applications in AP. The safety concentrations of nano-sized materials and their possible migration from food packaging into food were also reviewed to gain a perspective view on their utilization in AP., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The edible coating has been used for covering fruits and vegetables, bringing surface protection, and extending product shelf-life. Due to the outstanding properties, nanomaterials have become a part of the packaging/coating new generation, demonstrating improvements in the barrier capacity of materials starting from construction products to the food industry. In the food industry, on the other hand, Agaricus bisporus mushrooms have a limited shelf-life from 1 to 3 days because of their high respiration rate and enzymatic browning. With the aim to reduce these two parameters and prevent rapid senescence, the objective of this study was to incorporate a natural source of nanomaterials (cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into a gellan gum-based coating and sprayed the surface of the mushrooms with the coating material. To evaluate the effect of CNCs, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production rate, and color change were recorded during the mushroom storage at 4 ± 1 °C. Results showed that all coatings were able to decrease total color change (ΔE) of mushrooms from 12 to 8 at day 10 when the coating was applied in all samples compared to control. In addition, significant differences were observed in the respiration rate when CNCs were added to the mushrooms. Oxygen consumption results exhibited a 44 mL O 2 /kg · day production at day 5 with 20% CNCs compared to 269 mL O 2 /kg · day observed in noncoated samples. This trend was similarly observed in the carbon dioxide production rate. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: With this research, it was remarkable to see the presence of CNCs in the coating solution reduced the respiration rate and increased the shelf-life of mushrooms. Similar applications can be industrially scaled-up to protect fruits and vegetables by CNCs-based coating or packaging materials. A variety of sustainable materials are available nowadays that serve as packaging matrix, and scientists are working on expanding the compatibility of these nanomaterials. In addition, it has been studied that CNCs enhance the degradation of polymers, an effort that many companies are making to reduce the environmental impact in their products., (© 2021 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

Antimicrobial poly(lactide) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend films incorporated with grapefruit seed extract (GSE) were prepared using a solvent casting method. Effect of GSE on the morphological, water vapor barrier, thermostability, color, optical, and antimicrobial properties of PLA/PBAT composite films was investigated. The composite films showed a yellowish tint after incorporation of GSE and exhibited a high UV-light barrier property. Incorporation of GSE increased the flexibility and tensile strength of the composite films. Films incorporated with 7 wt% of GSE exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, but they showed only bacteriostatic activity against Escherichia coli. The PLA/PBAT-GSE composite film with UV-light barrier and antibacterial properties has a high potential for an active food packaging application., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A functional biopolymer-coated paper was prepared by coating a ternary blend of the alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, and carrageenan with grapefruit seed extract (GSE) for the substitute use of synthetic polymer-coated paper. The microstructure of the surface and cross-section of the coated paper analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) indicated that the biopolymer was compatible with the base paper and filled the pores of the porous fiber to make a smooth-surfaced coating paper. The properties of the biopolymer-coated paper, such as water and oil resistance, water vapor barrier, surface hydrophobicity, and mechanical properties, increased significantly compared with not only the base paper but also commercially used PE-coated paper. The blended biopolymer coating material exhibited strong antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, which were destroyed completely within 3 and 9 h, respectively. The packaging test for a minced fish cake packed with the biopolymer-coated paper showed the complete destruction of surface inoculated bacteria in 6-9 days. The biopolymer-coated paper showed a high potential for disposable food packaging applications to increase the shelf-life of packaged food., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study aimed to develop the carbohydrate biopolymer based antimicrobial films for food packaging application. The nanocomposite films of various biopolymers and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were prepared by solvent casting method. The nanocomposite films were characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The thermal stability, UV barrier, water vapor permeability, and antibacterial activity of the composite films were also evaluated. The surface morphology of the films was dependent on the types of polymers used. The XRD revealed the crystallinity of CuONPs in the composite films. The addition of CuONPs increased the thickness, tensile strength, UV barrier property, relative humidity, and water vapor barrier property. The CuONPs incorporated composite films exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The developed composite films could be used as a UV-light barrier antibacterial films for active food packaging., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Metallic nanoparticles such as zinc oxide (ZnONPs), copper oxide (CuONPs), and silver (AgNPs) were synthesized in gram scale using green methods. The antibacterial cotton fibers/nanoparticles (cotton fibers/NPs) composite pads were prepared, and nanoparticle binding/release tests were performed. All the NPs were crystalline and showed characteristic XRD diffraction peaks and showed the characteristic FTIR bands of the respective nanoparticles. All the NPs showed strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. The NPs were attached to the cotton pad by adsorption at different extent depending on the types of nanoparticles. The adsorption and release of nanoparticles on and from cotton pads were also dependent on the types of nanoparticles. The NPs-adsorbed cotton pads showed potent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermis. The developed NPs-adsorbed cotton pads have potential to be used as wound dressings and antibacterial food packaging applications., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The gamma-irradiation is one of the most acceptable technologies to modify the biopolymer structure by forming a highly energetic electron. The effect of gamma-irradiation for cross-linking of gelatin (G) film in the presence of riboflavin (R) and the physicochemical properties of films were investigated. Different concentrations of R (0.3, 0.75, and 1.2% (w/w) based on the dry weight of G) and 3 doses of gamma-irradiation (5, 10, and 15 kGy) were used. The cross-linked film was incorporated with a mixture of essential oils (EOs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in order to use as an active packaging for prolonging the shelf life of meat. The results indicated 0.75% R (w/w) and 5 kGy irradiation had a positive effect on the tensile strength, water insolubility, and water barrier properties of the composite G film. Nevertheless, the reduction of film elongation (%), suggests the formation of compact structure and cross-linking through the generation of radicals. The infrared spectroscopy evaluation showed that proper irradiation dosages could produce cross-linking bonds in G film and form a denser network. In vitro and in situ microbial analyses showed that the active film incorporated with EO-AgNPs had antimicrobial activity against most spoilage and pathogenic bacteria and was able to prolong the shelf life of meat by up to 21 days. Therefore, irradiated G-R-EO-AgNP film with good mechanical and antimicrobial properties has the potential to be developed as a biodegradable food packaging material in the food industry. [Display omitted] • Gelatin film was cross-linked using riboflavin and gamma-radiation. • Cross-linking improved the water resistance and mechanical properties of the film. • The film containing essential oils and AgNPs extended the shelf life of meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocellulose materials are derived from cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on the earth. Nanocellulose have been extensively used in the field of food packaging materials, wastewater treatment, drug delivery, tissue engineering, hydrogels, aerogels, sensors, pharmaceuticals, and electronic sectors due to their unique chemical structure and excellent mechanical properties. On the other hand, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NP) such as Ag NP, ZnO NP, CuO NP, and Fe3O4 NP have a variety of functional properties such as UV-barrier, antimicrobial, and magnetic properties. Recently, nanocelluloses materials have been used as a green template for producing metal or metal oxide nanoparticles. As a result, multifunctional nanocellulose/metal or metal oxide hybrid nanomaterials with high antibacterial properties, ultraviolet barrier properties, and mechanical properties were prepared. This review emphasized recent information on the synthesis, properties, and potential applications of multifunctional nanocellulose-based hybrid nanomaterials with metal or metal oxides such as Ag NP, ZnO NP, CuO NP, and Fe3O4 NP. The nanocellulose-based hybrid nanomaterials have huge potential applications in the area of food packaging, biopharmaceuticals, biomedical, and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose fibers (CF) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) were isolated from the mulberry pulp and blended with alginate to prepare alginate-based composite films. Different concentrations (2, 4, and 6 wt% based on alginate) of CF and CNW were used to test the effect of filler concentrations on the mechanical, water vapor barrier, and thermal properties of the alginate-based composite films. The CNW was in needle shape with the length of 200–400 nm and the diameter of 15–30 nm. The mechanical properties of alginate films were improved by blending with the CNW. The elastic modulus and tensile strength of alginate films were increased by 35% and 25%, respectively, however, water vapor permeability remained at the same level as the neat alginate films by blending 4 wt% of CNW. The CNW obtained from the mulberry pulp can be used as a reinforcing filler for the preparation of bio-nanocomposites for the development of completely biodegradable food packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using amino acids (tyrosine and tryptophan) as reducing and capping agents, and they were incorporated into the agar to prepare antimicrobial composite films. The AgNPs solutions exhibited characteristic absorption peak at 420 nm that showed a red shift to ∼434 nm after forming composite with agar. XRD data demonstrated the crystalline structure of AgNPs with dominant (1 1 1) facet. Apparent surface color and transmittance of agar films were greatly influenced by the AgNPs. The incorporation of AgNPs into agar did not exhibit any change in chemical structure, thermal stability, moisture content, and water vapor permeability. The water contact angle, tensile strength, and modulus decreased slightly, but elongation at break increased after AgNPs incorporation. The agar/AgNPs nanocomposite films possessed strong antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli . The agar/AgNPs film could be applied to the active food packaging by controlling the food-borne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial films based on polylactic acid (PLA) were developed by incorporating Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TV-EOs) with different concentrations of ethanolic extract of Mediterranean propolis (EEP) (5 wt% and 10 wt% based on PLA). The antimicrobial activities of EEP were performed by the agar disc diffusion method. The EEP exhibited high antimicrobial properties with inhibition zone diameter of 12.1 and 11.58 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Penicillium sp., respectively. The addition of TV-EOs to films containing 5 and 10 wt% of EEP decrease the elastic modulus from 1292 MPa to 1084 MPa and 911.1 MPa to 794 MPa compared with films containing 5 and 10% of EEP alone, respectively. However, the elongation at break increased by 64% after the addition of TV-EOs to the film containing 10 wt% of EEP. Thermal stability of films improvement by the addition of TV-EOs and EEP. Antimicrobial activity of the films showed that films containing 10 wt% EEP inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and the combination of EEP and TV-EOs in the PLA matrix showed a synergistic effect against Escherichia coli. The developed PLA-based films with antimicrobial activity have a potential application in food packaging to increase the shelf life of packaged food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research compares two coating techniques (dip-coating versus bar-coating) of poly(3-hydroxy butyrate- co -3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) on a biodegradable plastic sheet. A blend of 30% PHBV/70% poly (butylene adipate- co -terephthalate) (PBAT) with and without chain extender was explored as biodegradable plastic sheets, while PHBV coating was used to improve oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of the sheet without affecting the mechanical performance. The PHBV coating thickness was nominally 10-15 μm (dip-coating) and 25–35 μm (bar-coating). Comprehensive characterizations showed that a PHBV/PBAT/Joncryl (30 wt%/70 wt%/0.3phr) bar-coated with PHBV [coating weight: 10–15%] exhibited ~ 48% and ~ 53% improvement in water vapor and oxygen barrier, respectively as compared to the uncoated sheet (PHBV/PBAT/Joncryl (30 wt%/70 wt%/0.3 phr)). The water contact angle of the PHBV-coated (bar-coating) polymer blend sheet (PHBV/PBAT/Joncryl (30 wt%/70 wt%/0.3 phr)) was increased to 106.6 ± 3.53°, showed hydrophobic nature. However, the %elongation at break was reduced from 651.8 ± 69.1% to 196.4 ± 48.4% due to the increased PHBV content. On the other hand, PHBV dip-coating [coating weight: 5–10%] had little effect on the water vapor and oxygen barrier properties as well as the water contact angle, as compared to the uncoated sheet. However, the %elongation at break was reduced from 651.8 ± 69.1% to 501.3 ± 168.7%. These results showed the superiority of bar-coating, mainly due to the higher coating thickness and more uniform coating, over the dip-coating technique in this research. Overall, the PHBV-coated polymer sheet developed in this research can significantly contribute to flexible packaging applications that require good barrier performance against water vapor and oxygen permeation. [Display omitted] • Biodegradable plastic sheet was developed by compression moulding of PHBV/PBAT/Joncryl blend. • PHBV was coated on the biodegradable plastic sheet by two methods: dip-coating and bar-coating. • Thickness, weight and morphology of coating affected the final barrier and mechanical properties. • PHBV coating improved water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of biodegradable plastic sheet. • PHBV coating enhanced the water contact angle of biodegradable plastic sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]