Smart labels based on polyvinyl alcohol incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles loaded with grape extract: Functionality, stability and food application.

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are natural compounds with potential applications due to their colorimetric response to pH. Due to their sensitivity to various environmental factors, nanoencapsulation with biopolymers is a successful strategy for stabilizing ACNs. In this work ACNs were extracted from grape skins and encapsulated into chitosan (CS) nanoparticles by ionic gelation using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linking agent. CS nanoparticles loaded with ACNs had particle sizes between 291 and 324 nm and polydispersity index around 0.3. The encapsulation efficiency of ACNs was approximately 60 %; and encapsulated anthocyanins (ACN-NPs) exhibited color change properties under different pH conditions. pH-sensitive labels based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by the casting method. The effect of incorporating ACN-NPs on the physical, structural, and pH-sensitive properties of PVA labels was evaluated, and its application as shrimp freshness indicator was studied. The nanoencapsulation protected ACNs against heat and light treatments, preserving the original purple color. When applying the label, visible changes from red to blue until reaching yellow were observed with the change in the quality of the shrimp at the refrigeration temperature. The results suggest that PVA labels containing ACNs encapsulated in C-NPs can be used as smart packaging labels in the food industry.

Essential oil-loaded biopolymeric particles on food industry and packaging: A review.

Essential oils (EOs) are liquid extracts derived from various parts of herbal or medicinal plants. They are widely accepted in food packaging due to their bioactive components, which exhibit remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against various pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms. However, the functional efficacy of EOs is hindered by the high volatility of their bioactive compounds, leading to rapid release. Combining biopolymers with EOs forms a complex network within the polymeric matrix, reducing the volatility of EOs, controlling their release, and enhancing thermal and mechanical stability, favoring their application in food packaging or processing industries. This study presents a comprehensive overview of techniques used to encapsulate EOs, the natural polymers employed to load EOs, and the functional properties of EOs-loaded biopolymeric particles, along with their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. Additionally, a thorough discussion is provided on the widespread application of EOs-loaded biopolymers in the food industries. However, research on their utilization in confectionery processing, such as biscuits, chocolates, and others, remains limited. Further studies can be conducted to explore and expand the applications of EOs-loaded biopolymeric particles in food processing industries.

Sodium alginate films incorporated with Lepidium sativum (Garden cress) extract as a novel method to enhancement the oxidative stability of edible oil.

This study addresses the growing interest in bio-based active food packaging by infusing Lepidium sativum (Garden cress) seeds extract (GRCE) into sodium alginate (SALG) films at varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 %). The GRCE extract revealed six phenolic compounds, with gallic and chlorogenic acids being prominent, showcasing substantial total phenolic content (TPC) of 139.36 µg GAE/mg and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 26.46 µg RE/mg. The integration into SALG films significantly increased TPC, reaching 30.73 mg GAE/g in the film with 5 % GRCE. This enhancement extended to DPPH and ABTS activities, with notable rises to 66.47 and 70.12 %, respectively. Physical properties, including tensile strength, thickness, solubility, and moisture content, were positively affected. A reduction in water vapor permeability (WVP) was reported in the film enriched with 5 % GRCE (1.389 × 10-10 g H2O/m s p.a.). FT-IR analysis revealed bands indicating GRCE's physical interaction with the SALG matrix, with thermal stability of the films decreasing upon GRCE integration. SALG/GRCE5 effectively lowered the peroxide value (PV) of sunflower oil after four weeks at 50 °C compared to the control, with direct film-oil contact enhancing this reduction. Similar trends were observed in the K232 and K270 values.

Effect of clove essential oil nanoemulsion on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of chitosan film.

This study evaluated the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of clove essential oil (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 % v/v) nanoemulsion (CEON) loaded chitosan-based films. With the increasing concentrations of the CEON, the thickness, b* and ΔE values of the films increased significantly (P < 0.05), while L* and light transmission dropped noticeably (P < 0.05). The hydrogen bonds formed between the CEON and chitosan could be demonstrated through Fourier-transform infrared spectra, indicating their good compatibility and intermolecular interactions. Furthermore, the added CEON considerably reduced the crystallinity and resulted in a porous structure of the films, as observed through X-ray diffraction plots and scanning electron microscopy images, respectively. This eventually led to a drop in both tensile strength and moisture content of the films. Moreover, the antioxidant properties were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) with the increase in the amount of clove essential oil (CEO) due to the encapsulation of CEO by the nanoemulsion. Films containing 0.6 % CEO had higher elongation at break, higher water contact angle, lower water solubility, lower water vapor permeability, and lower oxygen permeability than the other films; therefore, such films are promising for application in meat preservation.

Intelligent carboxymethyl cellulose composite films containing Garcinia mangostana shell anthocyanin with improved antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

In this study, anthocyanin from Garcinia mangostana shell extract (Mse) was used as pH indicator to prepare intelligent carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based composite films. The structure and properties of the CMC-based composite films were characterized and discussed in detail. Results showed that the CMC-based composite films with Mse had excellent mechanical, antibacterial and antioxidant abilities. Especially, the carboxymethyl cellulose/corn starch/Garcinia mangostana shell extract (CMC/Cst/Mse) composite film had best mechanical properties (20.62 MPa, 4.06 % EB), lowest water vapor permeability (1.80 × 10-12 g·cm/(cm2·s·Pa)), excellent ultraviolet (UV) blocking performance, and the best antibacterial and antioxidant abilities. The pH sensitivity of composite films which had Mse obviously changed with time when the fish freshness was monitored at 25 °C. Given the good pH sensitivity of the composite films, it had significant potential for application of intelligent packaging film as a food packaging material to indicate the freshness of fish.

Effect of apricot kernel seed extract on biophysical properties of chitosan film for packaging applications.

Chitosan is a natural biodegradable biopolymer that has drawbacks in mechanical and antibacterial properties, limiting its usage in biological and medicinal fields. Chitosan is combined with other naturally occurring substances possessing biological antibacterial qualities in order to broaden its application. Ethanolic apricot kernel seed extract was prepared, analyzed, and incorporated into chitosan film with different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 wt%). Furthermore, the effect of AKSE and γ-radiation (20 Gy and 20 kGy) on the physical properties of the film was studied. The prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which revealed that AKSE did not cause any change in the molecular structure, whereas the γ-irradiation dose caused a decrease in the peak intensity of all concentrations except 0.75 wt%, which was the most resistant. In addition, their dielectric, optical, and antimicrobial properties were studied. Also, AKSE-enhanced optical qualities, allowed them to fully block light transmission at wavelengths of 450-600 nm. The dielectric properties, i.e., permittivity (ε'), dielectric loss (ε''), and electrical conductivity (σ), increased with increasing AKSE concentration and film irradiation. The antimicrobial studies revealed that the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Canodida albicans increased with AKSE incorporation.

Pectin/sodium alginate films tailored with Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid for active packaging.

The present study aimed to develop food packaging films by using a combination of pectin (PE) and sodium alginate (SA) enriched with Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) as a functional or active ingredient. The fabricated films underwent comprehensive evaluation of their morphological, chemical, mechanical, barrier, optical, thermal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. SEM and FTIR analysis showed that AKBA had good compatibility with film-forming components. The AKBA-loaded film samples exhibited a decrease in their barrier properties and tensile strength, but enhancements in both elongation at break and thickness values was observed. With the addition of AKBA, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the ultraviolet barrier properties of the films and total colour variation (ΔE) was observed. TGA analysis of the films unveiled an improvement in thermal resistance with the incorporation of AKBA. Moreover, the films loaded with AKBA exhibited potent antioxidant activity in the ABTS and DPPH assay methods. Disk diffusion analysis showed the antimicrobial activity of AKBA-loaded films against P. aeruginosa, highlighting the potential of AKBA as a natural antimicrobial agent for the safety of food products. The results demonstrate the practical application of PE and SA active films loaded with AKBA, particularly within the food packaging industry.

Development of novel carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin-based edible films with pomegranate peel extract as antibacterial/antioxidant agents for beef preservation.

Novel antioxidant and antibacterial composite films were fabricated by incorporating pomegranate peel extract (PPE) into gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose matrices. Increasing PPE concentration significantly (p < 0.05) altered physical properties and improved UV (decrease in light transmission 87.30 % to 9.89 % at 400 nm) and water resistance, while FTIR and molecular docking results revealed hydrogen bonding between PPE and film matrix. PPE incorporation enhanced antioxidant activity up to 84.15 ± 0.12 % and also restricted gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial growth by 72.4 % and 65.9 % respectively after 24 h, measured by antimicrobial absorption assays. For beef packaging applications at refrigeration temperatures, PPE films were most effective at extending shelf-life up to 3 days, as evidenced by reduced total viable counts, total volatile basic nitrogen, weight loss, and pH changes compared to control films. Therefore, these antioxidant and antibacterial films have potential applications in food packaging to protect against mechanical stress, light exposure, microbial spoilage, and oxidative free radicals.

Sustainable papaya plant waste and green tea residue composite films integrated with starch and gelatin for active food packaging applications.

This study explores the sustainable utilization of wastes from a papaya plant (papaya peels (PP), papaya seeds (PS), leaf-stem (PL)) and dried green tea residues (GTR) for the synthesis of bioplastics. The dried GTR were individually blended with each papaya waste extract and then boiled in water to get three composite papaya plant waste-green tea supernatants. Potato starch and gelatin-based functional films were prepared by integrating each with the composite papaya waste-green tea supernatant liquid. This work introduces a dissolved organic matter (DOM) study to the field of bioplastics, with the goal of identifying the organic components and macromolecules inherent in the PW supernatants. When compared with the films prepared solely from papaya waste (PW) supernatants, PW-GTR composite supernatant films prevent UV light transmission with superior antioxidant and mechanical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were utilized to characterize the starch and gelatin PW-GTR films. Owing to the exceptional antioxidant, UV barrier, and remarkable biodegradable properties of the starch/PW/GTR and gelatin/PW/GTR composite films, make them ideal for use in food packaging applications.

Exploring the potential of pullulan-based films and coatings for effective food preservation: A comprehensive analysis of properties, activation strategies and applications.

Pullulan is naturally occurring polysaccharide exhibited potential applications for food preservation has gained increasing attention over the last half-century. Recent studies focused on efficient preservation and targeted inhibition using active composite ingredients and advanced technologies. This has led to the emergence of pullulan-based biofilm preservation. This review extensively studied the characteristics of pullulan-based films and coatings, including their mechanical strength, water vapor permeability, thermal stability, and potential as a microbial agent. Furthermore, the distinct characteristics of pullulan, production methods, and activation strategies, such as pullulan derivatization, various compounded ingredients (plant extracts, microorganisms, and animal additives), and other technologies (e.g., ultrasound), are thoroughly studied for the functional property enhancement of pullulan-based films and coatings, ensuring optimal preservation conditions for diverse food products. Additionally, we explore hypotheses that further illuminate pullulan's potential as an eco-friendly bioactive material for food packaging applications. In addition, this review evaluates various methods to improve the efficiency of the film-forming mechanism, such as improving the direct coating process, bioactive packaging films, and implementing layer-by-layer coatings. Finally, current analyses put forward suggestions for future advancement in pullulan-based bioactive films, with the aim of expanding their range of potential applications.

Synthesis and characterization of polysaccharide- and protein-based edible films and application as packaging materials for fresh fish fillets.

The rising packaging industry together with global demand for sustainable production has increased the interest in developing biodegradable packaging materials. The aim of the study was to develop edible films based on pectin, gelatin, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and evaluate their applicability as biodegradable packaging materials for gilthead seabream fillets. Mechanical properties, water barriers, wettability of the films through contact angle measurement, optical, and UV-Vis barrier properties were evaluated for food packaging applications. The effective blend of polysaccharide and protein film-forming solutions was confirmed by the produced films with excellent optical properties, acceptable mechanical properties and adequate barriers to water vapor. The contact angle for pectin based and gelatin based films were higher than 90° indicating the hydrophobic films, while HPMC based films had contact angle lower than 90°. The produced films were tested as alternative and environmentally friendly packaging materials for gilthead seabream fillets during refrigerated storage. All tested packaging conditions resulted in similar shelf-life in packed gilthead seabream fillets (i.e. 7-8 days at 2 °C). The results showed that the developed films may reduce the use of conventional petroleum-based food packaging materials without affecting the shelf-life of fish.

Preparation of bioactive film based on chitosan and essential oils mixture for enhanced preservation of food products.

Recently, the concept of biodegradable and bioactive packaging and surface coating has become a trend. In this work, the bioactive films of chitosan were elaborated following the casting method. Contrary to the films containing the Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Thymus satureioides Cosson, and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils (EOs) mixtures, the control film was thin, colorless, and showed high moisture content, swelling degree, and elongation at break. Concerning the physicochemical parameters, the incorporation of the EOs mixtures minimized the hydrophobicity of the material (θw < 65°) and modified randomly its surface free energy components (γ-; γ+; γLW). The theoretical prediction of Aspergillus sp. and Rhizopus sp. adherence to the chitosan-based films was relatively correlated to the experimental results (r = -0.601). The latter showed that 6.80 % and 19.02 % of the control film surface was covered by Aspergillus sp. and Rhizopus sp. spores, respectively. In contrast, no fungal adherence was noticed in the case of the film incorporating the triple EOs mixture. These promising results revealed that chitosan film containing C. zeylanicum, T. satureioides, and S. aromaticum EOs mixtures could be utilized as a surface coating or bioactive packaging in the food industry.

Characterization of active films based on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol integrated with ginger essential oil-loaded bacterial cellulose and application in sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicas) packaging.

The poor mechanical properties, low water-resistance, and limited antimicrobial activity of chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based film limited its application in aquatic product preservation. Herein, bacterial cellulose (BC) was used to load ginger essential oil (GEO). The effects of the addition of BC and different concentrations of GEO on the physicochemical and antimicrobial activities of films were systematically evaluated. Finally, the application of sea bass fillets was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) analysis indicated dense networks were formed, which was verified by enhanced physical properties. The mechanical properties, barrier properties, and antimicrobial activities enhanced as GEO concentration increased. CPB0.8 (0.8 % GEO) film had better tensile strength (TS) and barrier performance, improved the quality, and extended the shelf-life of sea bass for another 6 days at least. Overall, active films are potential packaging materials for aquatic products.

Utilization of marine and agro-waste materials as an economical and active food packaging: Antimicrobial, mechanical and biodegradation studies of O-Carboxymethyl chitosan/pectin/neem composite films.

The present work deals with the eco-friendly preparation of highly degradable food packaging films consisting of O-CMC (O-Carboxymethyl Chitosan) and pectin, incorporated with neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves powder and extract. This study aimed to investigate the tensile properties, antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and thermal behavior of the composite films. The results of tensile strength and elongation at break, showed that the incorporation of neem leaves powder improved the tensile properties (7.11 MPa) of the composite films compared to the neat O-CMC and pectin films (3.02 MPa). The antimicrobial activity of the films was evaluated against a panel of microorganisms including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. The composite films exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity with a zone of inhibition (12-17.6 mm) against the tested microorganisms. The opacity of the composite films ranges from 1.14 to 4.40 mm-1 and the addition of fiber causes a decrease in opacity value. Biodegradability studies were conducted by Soil burial method and the films demonstrated complete biodegradability within 75 days. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of composite films show that they are thermally stable and might be used in food packaging.

The use of active compounds to shape the quality of active double-layer films based on furcellaran intended for packaging salad-dressing - Assessment of utilitarian and storage properties.

In order to obtain innovative, high-quality biodegradable packaging, double-layer films based on furcellaran and gelatin, enriched with plant extracts were created. The films were assessed considering their potential utility, applications and environmental impact. The mechanical properties over a period of nine months were studied and it was noted that the passing of time had a beneficial effect on these parameters. The antioxidant properties was also examined, with the highest results obtained using the DPPH and metal chelating activity methods for GE (76.64 % and 9.85 % respectively), while this film showed the lowest FRAP value (5.99 %) compared to the highest obtained for DTE (52.62 %). For the first time, the possibility of using the double-layer active FUR/GEL film as packaging for salad-dressing was evaluated, but no improvement in parameters was observed regardless of the extract used. The environmental impact analysis showed the ability to completely decomposed in vermicompost within several days.

Preparation and evaluation of smart food packaging films with anthocyanin Sardasht black grape based on Astragalus gummifer and chitosan nanoparticles.

A new and green development in the field of food packaging is the use of colorimetric films containing anthocyanins, which not only can respond to food spoilage but also have no environmental risk and help the environment full of unacceptable and polluted substances created by humans. In this research, a completely natural film (GCNG) was made using natural materials including tragacanth gummifer (G), chitosan nanoparticles (C), and an extract containing anthocyanins of a type of wild grape called Sardasht black (G) with Alumina nanoparticles (N) for use in food packaging. This biodegradable film (GCNG) presented relatively wide color differences from red to blue in different buffer solutions (pH 2-12), which was clearly observed by the naked eye. Sardasht black grape extract contains large amounts of anthocyanins and antioxidants that can be extracted and used in the preparation of packaging films. The properties of prepared films, including mechanical properties, permeability to water vapor, solubility, swelling, as well as antimicrobial properties were checked by measuring the diameter of the diffusion area by agar disk test. GCNG films showed strong antioxidant activity and good antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The results suggested this film has promising potential as an active and smart packaging material for applications in the food industry.

Development of a chitosan/pectin-based multi-active food packaging with both UV and microbial defense functions for effectively preserving of strawberry.

Multi-active food packaging was prepared for strawberry fruit preservation where epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-containing pectin matrix and natamycin (NATA)-containing chitosan (CS) matrix were utilized to complete LBL electrostatic self-assembly. The results showed that the physicochemical properties of the multi-active packaging were closely related to the addition of NATA and EGCG. It was found that NATA and EGCG were embedded in the CS/pectin matrix through intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The CN/PE 15 % multi-active films prepared based on the spectral stacking theory formed a barrier to UV light in the outer layer, exhibited excellent NATA protection under UV light exposure conditions at different times, and provided long-lasting and sustained bacterial inhibition in the inner layer. In addition, the CN/PE 15 % multi-active packaging extended the shelf life of strawberry at room temperature compared with the control samples. In conclusion, the developed CN/PE 15 % packaging provided potential applications for multi-active food packaging materials.

Preparation and characterization of potato starch-based composite films reinforced by modified banana fibers and its application in packaging of grapes.

The current study focuses on the preparation and characterization of potato starch-based biocomposite films by reinforcing them with banana fiber. The banana fibers were modified using ultrasonication and cellulase enzyme, individually and in combination. Both native and modified banana fibers underwent physical, morphological, FTIR, and crystallinity analyses. The resulting biocomposite films, created by incorporating native and treated banana fibers, were then evaluated for their mechanical, thermal, barrier, and biodegradable properties. The findings indicated that combining ultrasound with enzyme treatment of banana fibers in the potato starch matrix led to a substantial reduction in water-sorption and water-vapor permeability (0.156 g mm m-2 h-1 kPa-1) of the packaging films. Additionally, the mechanical properties (5.02 MPa-Tensile strength, 4.27 MPa-Sealability) of the films significantly improved with the inclusion of modified banana fibers. FTIR analysis revealed similar spectra for all modified samples, along with enhanced crystallinity. Moreover, the thermal stability of the developed films was enhanced by the incorporation of modified banana fibers. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the modified fibers exhibited smooth surfaces and an even distribution of spaces compared with the native fibers. The biocomposite films demonstrated biodegradation within 42 days. Furthermore, the packaging application was tested with grapes, which showed that the films could maintain storability for up to 8 days. Overall, these results suggest a promising eco-friendly method for producing packaging films with biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic properties.

Zinc oxide nanoparticle-reinforced pectin/starch functionalized films: A sustainable solution for biodegradable packaging.

Environmental pollution caused by non-biodegradable plastic pollutants adversely affects various ecosystems. This study proposes the development of novel functional and biodegradable films based on corn starch (CST) and pectin (PEC) containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from the casting method. The films exhibited processability, transparency, low water vapor permeation, and desirable mechanical properties for food packaging and coating applications. The ZnONPs acted as a plasticizer, enhancing the film elongation at the break, increasing the pec25-1 (PEC 25 wt% and ZnONPs 1 wt%) elongation from 79.85 to 162.32 %. The improved film elasticity supported by ZnONPs reduced the material stiffness. However, the films still demonstrated an average tensile strength (0.69 MPa) 17-fold higher than the tensile strength (0.04 MPa) of the non-biodegradable commercial film based on poly(vinyl chloride). Furthermore, the ZnONPs enhanced the UV-blocking capabilities of the films, leading to wettable materials with water contact angles lower than 90°. The films showed high biodegradation rates under natural disposal conditions. The results indicated that the pec25-1/ZnONPs film is a promising eco-friendly coating in food preservation due to its biodegradability, suitable mechanical properties, low water vapor permeability, and UV-blocking properties.

Characterization of starch film incorporating Hom Nil rice extract for food packaging purposes.

Poor water resistance, mechanical properties and stability limit the food packaging applications of starch films. Since the properties of starch films are improved by incorporating phenolic compounds and anthocyanins from natural plant extracts, Hom Nil rice (HN) extract was incorporated into cassava starch solution to produce a starch-based packaging film. We evaluated the extraction condition to optimize the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents of the HN extract. The optimal ratio of ethanol solution:Hom Nil rice powder was 5:1 v/w% and the optimal extraction time was 60 min. The influence of HN extract on the viscosity of the film solution and the properties of the obtained films were investigated. The results showed that the HN extract increased the viscosity of the starch solution. A film containing 8 wt% of HN extract produced the highest water contact angle and tensile strength, and hindered the retrogradation process. Therefore, cassava starch film modified with the proposed HN extract has the potential to be used as a food packaging material.