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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomacromolecules, Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2022) | Viewed by 40141

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Swarup Roy

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Guest Editor

Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
Interests: biomaterials; edible film and coatings; nanoemulsion; natural compound; active food packaging; smart packaging materials; food shelf life
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Dr. Jong-Whan Rhim

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Guest Editor

BioNanocomposite Research Center, Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Interests: sustainable biopolymers; bionanocomposite materials; antibacterial food packaging; active food packaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently the massive consumer demands for short-term single-use plastic materials have produced huge plastic waste which in turn has created tremendous environmental pollution. The worldwide production of plastics is now at ~400 million tons every year, and it is expected to increase to ~1800 million tons by 2050. In this context, there is an urgent necessity for cost-effective and advanced recycling technology to solve this packaging waste problem. Another solution is the use of environmentally friendly green composites using biodegradable and renewable materials instead of non-biodegradable synthetic plastics to reduce the plastic waste problem. Accordingly, the biodegradable polymers or biopolymers can be used to develop alternatives to synthetic petroleum-based plastics. Different sources of biopolymers, like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, as well as biodegradable polymers such as polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, etc. have been utilized recently to make environmentally benign biodegradable plastic. Hence, to reduce the plastic waste problem, the biobased biodegradable polymers can be a replacement for synthetic petroleum-based plastic.

The primary purpose of this Special Issue is to assemble the results about the preparation and characterization of biodegradable polymer-based composite films for potential applications in packaging and other fields of interest.

Dr. Swarup Roy
Prof. Dr. Jong-Whan Rhim
Guest Editors

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Keywords

polymers
biodegradable polymers
biopolymers
bioplastics
nanomaterials
smart materials
natural functional materials
nanocomposite
functional composite
composite film
packaging film

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances and Challenges in Biopolymer-Based Films

by Swarup Roy and Jong-Whan Rhim

Polymers 2022, 14(18), 3920; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14183920 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1912

Abstract

Today, biobased polymers derived from sustainable and renewable natural sources are of great interest as an alternative to control the severe damage already caused by petro-chemical-based polymers [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

Research

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27 pages, 5336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Curcumin and Diclofenac Therapeutic Efficacy Enhancement Applying Transdermal Hydrogel Polymer Films, Based on Carrageenan, Alginate and Poloxamer

by Katarina S. Postolović, Milan D. Antonijević, Biljana Ljujić, Slavko Radenković, Marina Miletić Kovačević, Zoltan Hiezl, Svetlana Pavlović, Ivana Radojević and Zorka Stanić

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4091; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14194091 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

Films based on carrageenan, alginate and poloxamer 407 have been formulated with the main aim to apply prepared formulations in wound healing process. The formulated films were loaded with diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, as well as diclofenac and curcumin, as multipurpose drug, in order to enhance encapsulation and achieve controlled release of these low-bioavailability compounds. The obtained data demonstrated improved drug bioavailability (encapsulation efficiency higher than 90%), with high, cumulative in vitro release percentages (90.10% for diclofenac, 89.85% for curcumin and 95.61% for diclofenac in mixture-incorporated films). The results obtained using theoretical models suggested that curcumin establishes stronger, primarily dispersion interactions with carrier, in comparison with diclofenac. Curcumin and diclofenac-loaded films showed great antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria strains (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, inhibition zone 16.67 and 13.67 mm, respectively), and in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that curcumin- and diclofenac-incorporated polymer films have great potential, as a new transdermal dressing, to heal wounds, because diclofenac can target the inflammatory phase and reduce pain, whereas curcumin can enhance and promote the wound healing process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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18 pages, 20988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Application in Packaging Grease of Gelatin–Sodium Alginate Edible Films Cross-Linked by Pullulan

by Shuo Li, Min Fan, Shanggui Deng and Ningping Tao

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3199; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14153199 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2537

Abstract

Gelatin–sodium alginate-based edible films cross-linked with pullulan were prepared using the solution casting method. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated the existence of hydrogen bonding interactions between the components, and scanning electron microscopy observed the component of the films, revealing electrostatic interactions and thus explaining the differences in the properties of the blend films. The best mechanical properties and oxygen barrier occurred at a 1:1 percentage of pullulan to gelatin (GP11) with sodium alginate dosing for modification. Furthermore, GP11 demonstrated the best thermodynamic properties by DSC analysis, the highest UV barrier (94.13%) and the best oxidation resistance in DPPH tests. The results of storage experiments using modified edible films encapsulated in fresh fish liver oil showed that GP11 retarded grease oxidation by inhibiting the rise in peroxide and anisidine values, while inappropriate amounts of pullulan had a pro-oxidative effect on grease. The correlation between oil oxidation and material properties was investigated, and water solubility and apparent color characteristics were also assessed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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19 pages, 4486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Based Polymeric Substrates for Printed Hybrid Electronics

by Enni Luoma, Marja Välimäki, Jyrki Ollila, Kyösti Heikkinen and Kirsi Immonen

Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1863; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14091863 - 02 May 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3330

Abstract

Printed flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) is finding an increasing number of applications in the fields of displays, sensors, actuators and in energy harvesting and storage. The technology involves the printing of conductive and insulating patterns as well as mounting electronic devices and circuits on flexible substrate materials. Typical plastic substrates in use are, for example, non-renewable-based poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) or poly(imides) (PI) with high thermal and dimensional stability, solvent resistance and mechanical strength. The aim of this study was to assess whether renewable-based plastic materials can be applied on sheet-to-sheet (S2S) screen-printing of conductive silver patterns. The selected materials were biaxially oriented (BO) bio-based PET (Bio-PET BO), poly(lactic acid) (PLA BO), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP BO) and regenerated cellulose film, NatureFlex™ (Natureflex). The biaxial orientation and annealing improved the mechanical strength of Bio-PET and PLA to the same level as the reference PET (Ref-PET). All renewable-based substrates showed a transparency comparable to the Ref-PET. The printability of silver ink was good with all renewable-based substrates and printed pattern resistance on the same level as Ref-PET. The formation of the printed pattern to the cellulose-based substrates, CAP BO and Natureflex, was very good, showing 10% to 18% lower resistance compared to Ref-PET and obtained among the bio-based substrates the smallest machine and transverse direction deviation in the S2S printing process. The results will open new application possibilities for renewable-based substrates, and also potentially biodegradable solutions enabled by the regenerated cellulose film and PLA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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12 pages, 1869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Pectin Films with Salicornia ramosissima: Biodegradation in Soil and Seawater

by Daniela G. M. Pereira, Jorge M. Vieira, António A. Vicente and Rui M. S. Cruz

Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2632; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13162632 - 07 Aug 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3686

Abstract

Pectin films were developed by incorporating a halophyte plant Salicornia ramosissima (dry powder from stem parts) to modify the film’s properties. The films’ physicomechanical properties, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and microstructure, as well as their biodegradation capacity in soil and seawater, were evaluated. The inclusion of S. ramosissima significantly increased the thickness (0.25 ± 0.01 mm; control 0.18 ± 0.01 mm), color parameters a* (4.96 ± 0.30; control 3.29 ± 0.16) and b* (28.62 ± 0.51; control 12.74 ± 0.75), water vapor permeability (1.62 × 10⁻⁹ ± 1.09 × 10⁻¹⁰ (g/m·s·Pa); control 1.24 × 10⁻⁹ ± 6.58 × 10⁻¹¹ (g/m·s·Pa)), water solubility (50.50 ± 5.00%; control 11.56 ± 5.56%), and elongation at break (5.89 ± 0.29%; control 3.91 ± 0.62%). On the other hand, L* (48.84 ± 1.60), tensile strength (0.13 ± 0.02 MPa), and Young’s modulus (0.01 ± 0 MPa) presented lower values compared with the control (L* 81.20 ± 1.60; 4.19 ± 0.82 MPa; 0.93 ± 0.12 MPa), while the moisture content varied between 30% and 45%, for the film with S. ramosissima and the control film, respectively. The addition of S. ramosissima led to opaque films with relatively heterogeneous microstructures. The films showed also good biodegradation capacity—after 21 days in soil (around 90%), and after 30 days in seawater (fully fragmented). These results show that pectin films with S. ramosissima may have great potential to be used in the future as an eco-friendly food packaging material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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12 pages, 2754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solvent Effect to the Uniformity of Surfactant-Free Salmon-DNA Thin Films

by Jake Richter, Moses Nnaji and Heungman Park

Polymers 2021, 13(10), 1606; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13101606 - 16 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2153

Abstract

Fabrication of surfactant-modified DNA thin films with high uniformity, specifically DNA–CTMA, has been well considered via drop-casting and spin-coating techniques. However, the fabrication of thin films with pure DNA has not been sufficiently studied. We characterize the uniformity of thin films from aqueous salmon DNA solutions mixed with ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and acetone. Measurements of thickness and macroscopic uniformity are made via a focused-beam ellipsometer. We discuss important parameters for optimum uniformity and note what the effects of solvent modifications are. We find that methanol- and ethanol-added solutions provide optimal fabrication methods, which more consistently produce high degrees of uniformity with film thickness ranging from 20 to 200 nm adjusted by DNA concentration and the physical parameters of spin-coating methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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12 pages, 3966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strontium Aluminate-Based Long Afterglow PP Composites: Phosphorescence, Thermal, and Mechanical Characteristics

by Anesh Manjaly Poulose, Arfat Anis, Hamid Shaikh, Abdullah Alhamidi, Nadavala Siva Kumar, Ahmed Yagoub Elnour and Saeed M. Al-Zahrani

Polymers 2021, 13(9), 1373; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13091373 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3336

Abstract

A tremendous potential has been observed in the designing of long afterglow materials for sensing, bioimaging, and encryption applications. In this study, two different strontium aluminate-based luminescent materials; SrAl₂O₄: Eu, Dy (S₁), and Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅: Eu, Dy (S₂) were melt-mixed with polypropylene (PP) matrix, and the phosphorescence properties were evaluated. After excitation at 320 nm, the PP/S₁ composite exhibited a green emission and the PP/S₂ generated a blue emission at 520 nm and 495 nm, respectively. The emission spectra intensity increased by increasing the content of these luminescent fillers. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) experiments show that no chemical reaction occurred during the melt-mixing process. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results revealed that the total crystallinity of the composites reduced by increasing the amount of the fillers; however, no changes in the temperature of melting (Tm) and crystallization (Tc) of PP were observed. Both fillers improved the impact strength of the composites, but the tensile strength (TS) and modulus (TM) decreased. Poly (ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (P) plasticizer was used to improve the filler-matrix interaction and its dispersion; nevertheless, it adversely affected the intensity of the luminescence emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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17 pages, 2535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Bioactive Composite Films Modified with Fungal Melanin and Carvacrol

by Łukasz Łopusiewicz, Paweł Kwiatkowski, Emilia Drozłowska, Paulina Trocer, Mateusz Kostek, Mariusz Śliwiński, Magdalena Polak-Śliwińska, Edward Kowalczyk and Monika Sienkiewicz

Polymers 2021, 13(4), 499; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13040499 - 05 Feb 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4100

Abstract

Preparation of biodegradable packaging materials and valorisation of food industry residues to achieve “zero waste” goals is still a major challenge. Herein, biopolymer-based (carboxymethyl cellulose—CMC) bioactive films were prepared by the addition, alone or in combination, of carvacrol and fungal melanin isolated from champignon mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) agro-industrial residues. The mechanical, optical, thermal, water vapour, and UV-Vis barrier properties were studied. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy studies were carried out to analyse the chemical composition of the resulting films. Antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities were also determined. Both CMC/melanin and CMC/melanin/carvacrol films showed some antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The addition of melanin increased the UV-blocking, mechanical, water vapour barrier, and antioxidant properties without substantially reducing the transparency of the films. The addition of carvacrol caused loss of transparency, however, composite CMC/melanin/carvacrol films showed excellent antioxidant activity and enhanced mechanical strength. The developed bioactive biopolymer films have a good potential to be green bioactive alternatives to plastic films in food packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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18 pages, 5085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tannic-Acid-Cross-Linked and TiO₂-Nanoparticle-Reinforced Chitosan-Based Nanocomposite Film

by Swarup Roy, Lindong Zhai, Hyun Chan Kim, Duc Hoa Pham, Hussein Alrobei and Jaehwan Kim

Polymers 2021, 13(2), 228; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13020228 - 11 Jan 2021

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 5248

Abstract

A chitosan-based nanocomposite film with tannic acid (TA) as a cross-linker and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) as a reinforcing agent was developed with a solution casting technique. TA and TiO₂ are biocompatible with chitosan, and this paper studied the synergistic effect of the cross-linker and the reinforcing agent. The addition of TA enhanced the ultraviolet blocking and mechanical properties of the chitosan-based nanocomposite film. The reinforcement of TiO₂ in chitosan/TA further improved the nanocomposite film’s mechanical properties compared to the neat chitosan or chitosan/TA film. The thermal stability of the chitosan-based nanocomposite film was slightly enhanced, whereas the swelling ratio decreased. Interestingly, its water vapor barrier property was also significantly increased. The developed chitosan-based nanocomposite film showed potent antioxidant activity, and it is promising for active food packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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14 pages, 3170 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles and Limonene Incorporated Pullulan/Carrageenan-Based Film with Improved Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties

by Swarup Roy and Jong-Whan Rhim

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2665; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12112665 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 3135

Abstract

Edible biopolymer (pullulan/carrageenan) based functional composite films were fabricated by the addition of copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNP) and D-limonene (DL). The DL and CuSNP were compatible with the pullulan/carrageenan biopolymer matrix. The addition of CuSNP significantly increased the UV-blocking properties without substantially reducing the transparency of the film. The addition of CuSNP improved the film’s tensile strength by 10%; however, the DL addition did not significantly influence the strength, while the combined addition of CuSNP and DL increased the strength by 15%. The addition of the fillers did not significantly affect the thermal stability of the film, but the water vapor barrier property was slightly improved. There was no significant change in the moisture content and hydrophobicity of the composite film. Besides, the composite film showed some antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The fabricated pullulan/carrageenan-based film with antimicrobial and UV-barrier properties is likely to be used in active food packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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Review

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23 pages, 2176 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Functional Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites for Active Food Packaging Applications

by Nagaraj Basavegowda and Kwang-Hyun Baek

Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4198; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13234198 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6035

Abstract

Polymeric nanocomposites have received significant attention in both scientific and industrial research in recent years. The demand for new methods of food preservation to ensure high-quality, healthy foods with an extended shelf life has increased. Packaging, a crucial feature of the food industry, plays a vital role in satisfying this demand. Polymeric nanocomposites exhibit remarkably improved packaging properties, including barrier properties, oxygen impermeability, solvent resistance, moisture permeability, thermal stability, and antimicrobial characteristics. Bio-based polymers have drawn considerable interest to mitigate the influence and application of petroleum-derived polymeric materials and related environmental concerns. The integration of nanotechnology in food packaging systems has shown promise for enhancing the quality and shelf life of food. This article provides a general overview of bio-based polymeric nanocomposites comprising polymer matrices and inorganic nanoparticles, and describes their classification, fabrication, properties, and applications for active food packaging systems with future perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Films)

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