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Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2024 | Viewed by 22601

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. María Alejandra Garcia

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Guest Editor

1. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos, CIDCA-CONICET-CICPBA, 47 y 116, La Plata B1900, Argentina
2. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, 47 y 115, La Plata B1900, Argentina
Interests: food packaging; biobased and/ or biodegradable polymers; starch-based films and coatings; active materials; natural additives; waste valorization; food and agronomic applications; controlled release

Prof. Dr. Maria Jose Galotto

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Guest Editor

Department of Food Science and Technology, Packaging and Innovation Center – LABEN-Chile University of Santiago de Chile, Estación Central Santiago, Chile
Interests: food packaging; active packaging; release kinetics; supercritical impregnation process; nanotechnology; recycling; compostability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Mercedes Ana Peltzer

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Science and Technology, National University of Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, Buenos Aires B1876BXD, Argentina
2. National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Bernal, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Interests: Food packaging; biodegradable polymers; microbial biobased polymers; active materials; natural additives; waste valorization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Marina Patricia Arrieta Dillon

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Guest Editor

Department of Industrial and Environmental Chemical Engineering, E.T.S.I. Industriales, Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Interests: food packaging; biobased and/or biodegradable polymers; nanocomposites; active materials; waste valorization; mechanical recycling; compostability.
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, polymeric materials are the most used polymers in the food packaging sector due to their many advantages (e.g., low-cost, lightweight, ease of processing, etc.). However, due to the increasing environmental concern related to the fossil-based origin of most traditional plastics, as well as the high amount of plastic wastes produced, the food packaging industry is continuously looking for new multifunctional sustainable polymeric formulations. Nevertheless, sustainable polymeric formulations such as those based on bio-based and/or biodegradable polymers, recycled and/or recyclable polymers do not satisfy the high-performance requirements of traditional food packaging materials. For these reasons, important research efforts have been conducted in the field of more sustainable polymeric formulations in the last decade, including the development of composites and nanocomposites, multilayer structures, as well as polymers with active (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc.) or intelligent (e.g., pH-responsive, thermally activated shape memory properties, etc.) functionalities.

This Special Issue is intended to compile the most recent research works in sustainable polymeric formulations intended for food packaging applications, with improved environmental efficiency.

Original research contributions focused on the possibility of the industrial scalability of such sustainable polymeric formulations, their multifunctional performance improvements with interest for their use as food packaging materials (e.g., cost-effective solutions, novel processing technologies, active/intelligent functionalities, and improved optical, mechanical, and/or barrier properties), as well on their sustainable end-of-life option (e.g., compostability, improved recyclability, etc.) are welcome.

We hope that research articles and/or review papers included in this Special Issue will help the food packaging sector in the challenge of transferring to novel sustainable formulations in the industrial sector.

Dr. María Alejandra Garcia
Prof. Dr. Maria Jose Galotto
Dr. Mercedes Ana Peltzer
Dr. Marina Patricia Arrieta Dillon
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

food packaging
active packaging
intelligent packaging
edible polymers
biopolymers
biobased polymers
biodegradable polymers
recyclable polymers
recycled polymers
natural additives
functional properties

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 2156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Barrier, Biodegradable Films with Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polylactic Acid + Wax Double Coatings: Influence of Relative Humidity on Transport Properties and Suitability for Modified Atmosphere Packaging Applications

by Antonio Barbato, Annalisa Apicella, Francesca Malvano, Paola Scarfato and Loredana Incarnato

Polymers 2023, 15(19), 4002; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15194002 - 05 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1483

Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) exhibits outstanding gas-barrier properties, which favor its use as a biodegradable, high-barrier coating on food-packaging films, possibly in combination with modified atmospheres. Nonetheless, its high sensitivity to water can result in a severe loss of barrier properties, significantly limiting its applications with fresh foods and in high-humidity conditions. In this work, the water vapor (P_WV) and oxygen permeability (PO₂) of high-barrier biodegradable films with PVOH/PLA + wax double coatings were extensively characterized in a wide range of relative humidity (from 30 to 90%), aimed at understanding the extent of the interaction of water with the wax and the polymer matrices and the impact of this on the permeation process. What is more, a mathematical model was applied to the P_WV data set in order to assess its potential to predict the permeability of the multilayer films by varying storage/working relative humidity (RH) conditions. The carbon dioxide permeability (PCO₂) of the films was further evaluated, and the corresponding permselectivity values were calculated. The study was finally augmented through modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) tests, which were carried out on double-coated films loaded with 0 and 5% wax, and UV-Vis analyses. The results pointed out the efficacy of the PLA + wax coating layer in hampering the permeation of water molecules, thus reducing PVOH swelling, as well as the UV-shielding ability of the multilayer structures. Moreover, the MAP tests underlined the suitability of the double-coated films for being used as a sustainable alternative for the preservation of foods under modified atmospheres. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications)

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21 pages, 1750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Absorbent Chitosan Aerogels Reinforced with Bay Tree Pruning Waste Nanocellulose with Antioxidant Properties for Burger Meat Preservation

by Esther Rincón, Eduardo Espinosa, María Pinillos and Luis Serrano

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 866; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15040866 - 09 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2609

Abstract

As a transition strategy towards sustainability, food packaging plays a crucial role in the current era. This, carried out in a biorefinery context of agricultural residues, involves not only obtaining desirable products but a comprehensive utilization of biomass that contributes to the circular bioeconomy. The present work proposes the preparation of bioactive absorbent food pads through a multi-product biorefinery approach from bay tree pruning waste (BTPW). In a first step, chitosan aerogels reinforced with lignocellulose and cellulose micro/nanofibers from BTPW were prepared, studying the effect of residual lignin on the material’s properties. The presence of micro/nanofibers improved the mechanical performance (up to 60%) in addition to increasing the water uptake (42%) when lignin was present. The second step was to make them bioactive by incorporating bay leaf extract. The residual lignin in the micro/nanofibers was decisive, since when present, the release profiles of the extract were faster, reaching an antioxidant power of more than 85% after only 30 min. Finally, these bioactive aerogels were used as absorbent pads for fresh meat. With the use of the bioactive aerogels (with ≥2% extract), the meat remained fresh for 10 days as a result of delayed oxidation of the food during storage (20% metmyoglobin proportion). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications)

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16 pages, 1448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active Films Based on Starch and Wheat Gluten (Triticum vulgare) for Shelf-Life Extension of Carrots

by Andrés Felipe Rivera Leiva, Joaquín Hernández-Fernández and Rodrigo Ortega Toro

Polymers 2022, 14(23), 5077; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14235077 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1925

Abstract

The use of biodegradable biopolymers with the incorporation of active ingredients has been considered as an alternative to extend the useful life of food. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop active films based on starch and wheat gluten, containing cinnamon and turmeric essential oils by using the solvent casting method. Different film formulations were made from wheat starch, gluten, glycerol, and essential oils of cinnamon and turmeric. The films were characterized according to their morphology, optical, thermal, antioxidant, and barrier properties. Subsequently, the active properties on baby carrots regarding weight loss, appearance, and fungal growth were evaluated. The results indicated that the starch-based films showed a slight decrease in moisture content with the addition of essential oils (up to 13.29%), but at the same time showed a significant reduction in water solubility (up to 28.4%). Gluten-based films did not present significant differences in these parameters, although the solubility in water tended to increase (up to 13.15%) with the addition of essential oils. In general, the films presented good thermal stability and antioxidant capacity, and in the carrot coating test, a decrease in weight loss of up to 44.44% and 43.33% was observed for the coatings based on starch and gluten with the addition of turmeric essential oil, respectively. Finally, films developed with cinnamon and turmeric essential oils are potential candidates for the design of biodegradable active packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications)

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25 pages, 6894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Processing Compostable PLA/Organoclay Bionanocomposite Foams by Supercritical CO₂ Foaming for Sustainable Food Packaging

by Simón Faba, Marina P. Arrieta, Ángel Agüero, Alejandra Torres, Julio Romero, Adrián Rojas and María José Galotto

Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4394; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14204394 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2704

Abstract

This article proposes a foaming method using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) to obtain compostable bionanocomposite foams based on PLA and organoclay (C30B) where this bionanocomposite was fabricated by a previous hot melt extrusion step. Neat PLA films and PLA/C30B films (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were obtained by using a melt extrusion process followed by a film forming process obtaining films with thicknesses between 500 and 600 μm. Films were further processed into foams in a high-pressure cell with scCO₂ under constant conditions of pressure (25 MPa) and temperature (130 °C) for 30 min. Bionanocomposite PLA foams evidenced a closed cell and uniform cell structure; however, neat PLA presented a poor cell structure and thick cell walls. The thermal stability was significantly enhanced in the bionanocomposite foam samples by the good dispersion of nanoclays due to scCO₂, as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction analysis. The bionanocomposite foams showed improved overall mechanical performance due to well-dispersed nanoclays promoting increased interfacial adhesion with the polymeric matrix. The water uptake behavior of bionanocomposite foams showed that they practically did not absorb water during the first week of immersion in water. Finally, PLA foams were disintegrated under standard composting conditions at higher rates than PLA films, showing their sustainable character. Thus, PLA bionanocomposite foams obtained by batch supercritical foaming seem to be a sustainable option to replace non-biodegradable expanded polystyrene, and they represent a promising alternative to be considered in applications such as food packaging and other products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications)

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16 pages, 1937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Indicator Film Based on Cassava Starch–Chitosan Incorporated with Red Dragon Fruit Peel Anthocyanin Extract

by Rianita Pramitasari, Levina Natasha Gunawicahya and Daru Seto Bagus Anugrah

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4142; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14194142 - 03 Oct 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3545

Abstract

The increase in new technology and consumer demand for healthy and safe food has led to the development of smart packaging to help consumers understand food conditions in real time. The incorporation of red dragon fruit peel anthocyanin into cassava starch and chitosan films was used in this study as a color indicator to monitor food conditions. This indicator film was generated using the solvent-casting method. The mechanical, morphological, and physicochemical characterizations of the film were studied, and food freshness monitoring was carried out. The results showed that adding red dragon fruit peel anthocyanin increased up to 94.44% of the antioxidant activity. It also improved its flexibility, indicated by the lowest tensile strength (3.89 ± 0.15 MPa) and Young’s modulus (0.14 ± 0.01 MPa) and the highest elongation at break (27.62 ± 0.57%). The indicator film was sensitive to pH, which was indicated by its color change from red to yellow as pH increased. The color of the film also changed when it was used to test the freshness of packaged shrimp at both room and chiller temperatures. According to the results, the indicator film based on cassava starch–chitosan incorporated with red dragon fruit peel anthocyanin showed its potential as a smart packaging material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications)

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12 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Methylcellulose Film-Based CO₂ Indicator for Monitoring the Ripeness Quality of Mango Fruit cv. Nam Dok Mai Si Thong

by Duangjai Noiwan, Panuwat Suppakul and Pornchai Rachtanapun

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3616; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14173616 - 01 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2087

Abstract

Day-to-day advancements in food science and technology have increased. Indicators, especially biopolymer-incorporated organic dye indicators, are useful for monitoring the ripeness quality of agricultural fruit products. In this investigation, methylcellulose films—containing pH dye-based indicators that change color depending on the carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels—were prepared. The level of CO₂ on the inside of the packaging container indicated the ripeness of the fruit. Changes in the CO₂ level, caused by the ripeness metabolite during storage, altered the pH. The methylcellulose-based film contained pH-sensitive dyes (bromothymol blue and methyl red), which responded (through visible color change) to CO₂ levels produced by ripeness metabolites formed during respiration. The indicator solution and indicator label were monitored for their response to CO₂. In addition, a kinetic approach was used to correlate the response of the indicator label to the changes in mango ripeness. Color changes (the total color difference of a mixed pH dye-based indicator), correlated well with the CO₂ levels in mango fruit. In the ‘Nam Dok Mai Si Thong’ mango fruit model, the indicator response correlated with respiration patterns in real-time monitoring of ripeness at various constant temperatures. Based on the storage test, the indicator labels exhibited color changes from blue, through light bright green, to yellow, when exposed to CO₂ during storage time, confirming the minimal, half-ripe, and fully-ripe levels of mango fruit, respectively. The firmness and titratable acidity (TA) of the fruit decreased from 44.54 to 2.01 N, and 2.84 to 0.21%, respectively, whereas the soluble solid contents (SSC) increased from 10.70 to 18.26% when the fruit ripened. Overall, we believe that the application of prepared methylcellulose-based CO₂ indicator film can be helpful in monitoring the ripeness stage, or quality of, mango and other fruits, with the naked eye, in the food packaging system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications)

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17 pages, 3504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Starch Nanocomposite Films: Migration Studies of Nanoparticles to Food Simulants and Bio-Disintegration in Soil

by Florencia Ortega, Pablo Sobral, Jorge L. Jios, Valeria B. Arce and María Alejandra García

Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1636; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14091636 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2082

Abstract

In this work, films containing AgNPs were obtained by different green synthesis techniques (AgNP in situ and AgNP L). The inclusion of nanoparticles in the starch matrix improved both mechanical and barrier properties. The migration of AgNPs from the nanocomposite material to three food simulants (water, 3% v/v acetic acid and 15% v/v ethanol) was studied. The experimental data were fitted by using different widely accepted mathematical models (Fickian, Ritger and Peppas, and Weibull), indicating that the AgNP migration followed a complex mechanism. The silver concentration (mg Ag per kg of simulant) that was released from the nanocomposite films was higher for the samples with AgNPs in situ than for those containing AgNP L. Likewise, the maximum release value (0.141 mg/dm² for AgNPs in situ in acetic acid simulant) was lower than the limits proposed by the legislation (European Commission and MERCOSUR; 10 and 8 mg/dm², respectively). The replacement of conventional plastic materials by biodegradable ones requires the evaluation of bio-disintegration tests in soil. In this sense, a period of 90 days was necessary to obtain ≥50% weight loss in both nanocomposite films. Additionally, the bio-disintegration of the samples did not contribute with phytotoxic compounds to the soil, allowing the germination of fast-growing seeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Research

45 pages, 6919 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Reinforcements and Additives in Starch-Based Composites for Food Packaging

by Pedro Francisco Muñoz-Gimena, Víctor Oliver-Cuenca, Laura Peponi and Daniel López

Polymers 2023, 15(13), 2972; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15132972 - 07 Jul 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4881

Abstract

The research of starch as a matrix material for manufacturing biodegradable films has been gaining popularity in recent years, indicating its potential and possible limitations. To compete with conventional petroleum-based plastics, an enhancement of their low resistance to water and limited mechanical properties is essential. This review aims to discuss the various types of nanofillers and additives that have been used in plasticized starch films including nanoclays (montmorillonite, halloysite, kaolinite, etc.), poly-saccharide nanofillers (cellulose, starch, chitin, and chitosan nanomaterials), metal oxides (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, etc.), and essential oils (carvacrol, eugenol, cinnamic acid). These reinforcements are frequently used to enhance several physical characteristics including mechanical properties, thermal stability, moisture resistance, oxygen barrier capabilities, and biodegradation rate, providing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This paper will provide an overview of the development of starch-based nanocomposite films and coatings applied in food packaging systems through the application of reinforcements and additives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Polymeric Formulations for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications)

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