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Development of functional hydroxyethyl cellulose-based composite films for food packaging applications
Xueqin Zhang1,2,3,4, Haoqi Guo1, Wenhan Luo1,2,3
1College of Light Industry and Food Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|October 17, 2022
Summary
New functional films made from hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and ε-polylysine (ε-PL) offer enhanced food packaging. These biodegradable films provide UV shielding, antibacterial properties, and extend grape shelf life, presenting a sustainable alternative to plastics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Food Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Conventional plastic packaging poses environmental and food safety concerns.
- Development of sustainable and functional packaging materials is crucial for food preservation.
- Cellulose-based composites offer potential as eco-friendly alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop advanced cellulose-based composite films with enhanced functional properties for food packaging.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and ε-polylysine (ε-PL).
- To evaluate the mechanical, UV-shielding, antibacterial, and food preservation capabilities of the developed films.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of composite films using hydroxyethyl cellulose, PVA, and ε-PL with epichlorohydrin cross-linking.
- Characterization of film properties including tensile strength, elongation at break, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TG-FTIR, and XRD analysis.
- Assessment of water vapor permeability, swelling behavior, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility.
- Evaluation of the composite films' efficacy in extending the shelf life of grapes.
Main Results:
- The composite films exhibited excellent mechanical strength (95.9 MPa tensile strength, 148.8% elongation at break).
- Optimal films achieved high UV-A (98.35%) and UV-B (99.99%) blocking with a UV protection factor of 60.25.
- Films demonstrated good water vapor permeability, controlled swelling, significant antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility.
- Packaging grapes with the composite film extended their shelf life by 6 days.
Conclusions:
- The developed cellulose-based composite films possess a unique combination of mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties.
- These functional films represent a promising sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging for improving food safety and extending shelf life.
- The tunable nature of the composite structure allows for tailored properties for specific food packaging applications.
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