Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
11:26
Towards Biomimicking Wood: Fabricated Free-standing Films of Nanocellulose, Lignin, and a Synthetic Polycation
Published on: June 17, 2014
16.6K
Multifunctional chitosan-lignin-containing nanocellulose composite films for food packing
Xiao-Ping Zheng1, Pei-Ru Zhou1, Jia-Tong Chen1
1College of Ocean Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|August 17, 2025
Summary
This study developed novel bioactive packaging films using nanocelluloses from passion fruit husks and chitosan. These sustainable films enhance food preservation by improving water resistance, antimicrobial activity, and UV shielding.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Valorization of renewable resources is key for sustainability and food security.
- Agricultural by-products like passion fruit husk offer potential for bio-composite development.
- Chitosan is a widely studied biopolymer for packaging applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create innovative bioactive packaging films by incorporating lignin-containing nanocelluloses (LCNs) into a chitosan matrix.
- To evaluate the impact of LCNs on the physical, chemical, and barrier properties of chitosan films.
- To assess the efficacy of the developed composite films in extending the shelf life of food products.
Main Methods:
- Lignin-containing nanocelluloses (LCNs) were extracted from passion fruit husk using deep eutectic solvent (DES) and ultra-high-pressure homogenization (UHPH).
- LCNs were incorporated into a chitosan matrix to form composite packaging films.
- The properties of the composite films, including water resistance, mechanical strength, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and UV shielding, were analyzed.
- A banana preservation test was conducted to evaluate the films' performance in extending shelf life.
Main Results:
- The incorporation of LCNs enhanced the water resistance, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the chitosan films.
- Tensile strength of the composite films increased significantly, while elongation at break decreased.
- UV shielding properties were notably improved, especially in the UVC and UVB regions.
- The chitosan-LCN composite films effectively inhibited bacterial growth and extended the shelf life of bananas.
Conclusions:
- The developed chitosan-LCN composite films represent a sustainable solution for food packaging.
- This approach effectively valorizes agricultural by-products (passion fruit husk) and chitosan.
- The films offer improved functionality, including enhanced barrier properties and antimicrobial activity, for practical food packaging applications.
