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Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 12, 2012
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Bio-Based Alginate Films Incorporating Bacterial Nanocellulose and Grape Seed Extract for Enhanced Food Packaging
Urška Vrabič-Brodnjak1, Tina Ružič1
1Department of Textiles, Graphic Arts and Design, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Polymers
|October 16, 2025
Summary
This study developed active food packaging using sodium alginate, nanocellulose, and grape seed extract. These sustainable films effectively preserved blueberries, reducing spoilage and weight loss for extended shelf life.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Food Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Growing plastic waste necessitates sustainable alternatives in food packaging.
- Active packaging can enhance food preservation and reduce spoilage.
- Bio-based materials offer eco-friendly solutions for food preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize novel active food packaging films.
- To evaluate the efficacy of grape seed extract (GSE) as a natural antioxidant in these films.
- To assess the potential of these films in extending the shelf life of perishable fruits.
Main Methods:
- Films were prepared using sodium alginate (Na-alginate), bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), glycerol, and varying concentrations of GSE.
- Physicochemical properties (thickness, mechanical strength, water vapor permeability) were analyzed.
- Antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and antimicrobial properties were evaluated.
- Blueberries were packaged and stored to monitor spoilage, weight loss, and visual quality.
Main Results:
- Grape seed extract significantly enhanced the films' antioxidant capacity.
- Films with 1% GSE demonstrated an optimal balance of mechanical properties and bioactivity.
- GSE-enriched films reduced blueberry spoilage, weight loss, and maintained visual quality during storage.
- The Na-alginate/BNC/GSE films showed promising results in extending shelf life.
Conclusions:
- Na-alginate/BNC/GSE films are effective biodegradable active packaging materials.
- These films demonstrate potential for reducing food waste and improving food preservation.
- The study highlights the use of natural antioxidants in developing sustainable packaging solutions.
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