Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 August 2018) | Viewed by 39442

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Special Issue Editors

Food Safety and Preservation Department, CSIC—Instituto de Agroquimica y Tecnologia de los Alimentos (IATA), 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
Interests: micro- and nanoencapsulation; functional foods; controlled delivery; biopolymers for food packaging; nanomaterials for food applications; structural characterization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Food Safety and Preservation Department, CSIC - Instituto de Agroquimica y Tecnologia de los Alimentos (IATA), Valencia, Spain
Interests: biobased polymers and composites, active and bioactive packaging, barrier biocomposites, edible coatings, food contact surfaces, enzymatically active materials, nanomaterials, encapsulation
CSIC - Instituto de Agroquimica y Tecnologia de los Alimentos (IATA), Food Safety and Preservation Department, Valencia, Spain
Interests: lignocellulosic biomass, cellulose, plant cell walls, biobased materials, structural characterisation, scattering techniques

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of nanotechnologies in the food packaging area opens up a number of possibilities derived from the inherent characteristics of nanoadditives, which can either improve relevant properties of neat polymers (such as barrier or mechanical properties) or introduce new functionalities (for active and bioactive packaging applications or even for sensing). This is an exciting and rapidly-growing field of study and very interesting developments are being conducted. Although the aim of these novel materials is to improve packaged food quality and safety, the toxicological effects derived from their potential migration from the polymer structures is also under consideration.

This Special Issue is intended to compile a number of original papers and reviews covering (but not restricted to) the following topics: (i) novel nanocomposites for improved packaging properties; (ii) use of nanoparticles for active/bioactive/sensing applications; (iii) migration/toxicological studies involving polymer/biopolymer nanocomposites. We look forward to receive your valuable contributions to our Special Issue for advancing the knowledge in this exciting field.

Prof. Dr. Amparo López-Rubio
Prof. Dr. Maria Jose Fabra
Prof. Dr. Marta Martínez-Sanz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • nanocomposites
  • antimicrobial packaging
  • nanocellulose
  • migration
  • active surfaces
  • barrier biocomposites
  • nanofillers
  • bioactive packaging

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 206 KiB  
Editorial
Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials
by Amparo López-Rubio, Maria José Fabra and Marta Martínez-Sanz
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(9), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9091224 - 29 Aug 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2631
Abstract
The use of nanomaterials for food applications is a rapidly evolving field and, given the specific properties of nanomaterials and their tremendous potential, an increased number of material innovations that contribute to improved food quality and safety are foreseen [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials)

Research

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19 pages, 2752 KiB  
Article
Active Food Packaging Coatings Based on Hybrid Electrospun Gliadin Nanofibers Containing Ferulic Acid/Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes
by Niloufar Sharif, Mohammad-Taghi Golmakani, Mehrdad Niakousari, Seyed Mohammad Hashem Hosseini, Behrouz Ghorani and Amparo Lopez-Rubio
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(11), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8110919 - 07 Nov 2018
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 5115
Abstract
In this work, hybrid gliadin electrospun fibers containing inclusion complexes of ferulic acid (FA) with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins (FA/HP-β-CD-IC) were prepared as a strategy to increase the stability and solubility of the antioxidant FA. Inclusion complex formation between FA and HP-β-CD was confirmed by Fourier [...] Read more.
In this work, hybrid gliadin electrospun fibers containing inclusion complexes of ferulic acid (FA) with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins (FA/HP-β-CD-IC) were prepared as a strategy to increase the stability and solubility of the antioxidant FA. Inclusion complex formation between FA and HP-β-CD was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). After adjusting the electrospinning conditions, beaded-free fibers of gliadin incorporating FA/HP-β-CD-IC with average fiber diameters ranging from 269.91 ± 73.53 to 271.68 ± 72.76 nm were obtained. Control gliadin fibers containing free FA were also produced for comparison purposes. The incorporation of FA within the cyclodextrin molecules resulted in increased thermal stability of the antioxidant compound. Moreover, formation of the inclusion complexes also enhanced the FA photostability, as after exposing the electrospun fibers to UV light during 60 min, photodegradation of the compound was reduced in more than 30%. Moreover, a slower degradation rate was also observed when compared to the fibers containing the free FA. Results from the release into two food simulants (ethanol 10% and acetic acid 3%) and PBS also demonstrated that the formation of the inclusion complexes successfully resulted in improved solubility, as reflected from the faster and greater release of the compounds in the three assayed media. Moreover, in both types of hybrid fibers, the antioxidant capacity of FA was kept, thus confirming the suitability of electrospinning for the encapsulation of sensitive compounds, giving raise to nanostructures with potential as active packaging structures or delivery systems of use in pharmaceutical or biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials)
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15 pages, 3779 KiB  
Article
Anchoring Gated Mesoporous Silica Particles to Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Films for Smart Packaging Applications
by Virginia Muriel-Galet, Édgar Pérez-Esteve, María Ruiz-Rico, Ramón Martínez-Máñez, José Manuel Barat, Pilar Hernández-Muñoz and Rafael Gavara
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(10), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8100865 - 22 Oct 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4078
Abstract
This work is a proof of concept for the design of active packaging materials based on the anchorage of gated mesoporous silica particles with a pH triggering mechanism to a packaging film surface. Mesoporous silica micro- and nanoparticles were loaded with rhodamine B [...] Read more.
This work is a proof of concept for the design of active packaging materials based on the anchorage of gated mesoporous silica particles with a pH triggering mechanism to a packaging film surface. Mesoporous silica micro- and nanoparticles were loaded with rhodamine B and functionalized with N-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine. This simple system allows regulation of cargo delivery as a function of the pH of the environment. In parallel, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) films, EVOH 32 and EVOH 44, were ultraviolet (UV) irradiated to convert hydroxyl moieties of the polymer chains into –COOH functional groups. The highest COOH surface concentration was obtained for EVOH 32 after 15 min of UV irradiation. Anchoring of the gated mesoporous particles to the films was carried out successfully at pH 3 and pH 5. Mesoporous particles were distributed homogeneously throughout the film surface and in greater concentration for the EVOH 32 films. Films with the anchored particles were exposed to two liquid media simulating acidic food and neutral food. The films released the cargo at neutral pH but kept the dye locked at acidic pH. The best results were obtained for EVOH 32 irradiated for 15 min, treated for particle attachment at pH 3, and with mesoporous silica nanoparticles. This opens the possibility of designing active materials loaded with antimicrobials, antioxidants, or aromatic compounds, which are released when the pH of the product approaches neutrality, as occurs, for instance, with the release of biogenic amines from fresh food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials)
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13 pages, 3694 KiB  
Article
Investigation into the Potential Migration of Nanoparticles from Laponite-Polymer Nanocomposites
by Johannes Bott and Roland Franz
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(9), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8090723 - 13 Sep 2018
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4184
Abstract
In this study, the migration potential of laponite, a small synthetic nanoclay, from nanocomposites into foods was investigated. First, a laponite/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) masterbatch was compounded several times and then extruded into thin low-density polyethylene (LDPE) based films. This way, intercalation and [...] Read more.
In this study, the migration potential of laponite, a small synthetic nanoclay, from nanocomposites into foods was investigated. First, a laponite/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) masterbatch was compounded several times and then extruded into thin low-density polyethylene (LDPE) based films. This way, intercalation and partial exfoliation of the smallest type of clay was achieved. Migration of laponite was investigated using Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) with Multi-Angle Laser Light Scattering (MALLS) detection. A surfactant solution in which laponite dispersion remained stable during migration test conditions was used as alternative food simulant. Sample films with different loadings of laponite were stored for 10 days at 60 °C. No migration of laponite was found at a limit of detection of 22 µg laponite per Kg food. It can be concluded that laponite (representing the worst case for any larger structured type of clay) does not migrate into food once it is incorporated into a polymer matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials)
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14 pages, 1389 KiB  
Article
Nanocomposite Zinc Oxide-Chitosan Coatings on Polyethylene Films for Extending Storage Life of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
by Laila Al-Naamani, Joydeep Dutta and Sergey Dobretsov
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(7), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8070479 - 29 Jun 2018
Cited by 72 | Viewed by 7068
Abstract
Efficiency of nanocomposite zinc oxide-chitosan antimicrobial polyethylene packaging films for the preservation of quality of vegetables was studied using okra Abelmoschus esculentus. Low density polyethylene films (LDPE) coated with chitosan-ZnO nanocomposites were used for packaging of okra samples stored at room temperature [...] Read more.
Efficiency of nanocomposite zinc oxide-chitosan antimicrobial polyethylene packaging films for the preservation of quality of vegetables was studied using okra Abelmoschus esculentus. Low density polyethylene films (LDPE) coated with chitosan-ZnO nanocomposites were used for packaging of okra samples stored at room temperature (25 °C). Compared to the control sample (no coating), the total bacterial concentrations in the case of chitosan and nanocomposite coatings were reduced by 53% and 63%, respectively. The nanocomposite coating showed a 2-fold reduction in total fungal concentrations in comparison to the chitosan treated samples. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the nanocomposite coatings for the reduction of fungal and bacterial growth in the okra samples after 12 storage days. The nanocomposite coatings did not affect the quality attributes of the okra, such as pH, total soluble solids, moisture content, and weight loss. This work demonstrates that the chitosan-ZnO nanocomposite coatings not only maintains the quality of the packed okra but also retards microbial and fungal growth. Thus, chitosan-ZnO nanocomposite coating can be used as a potential coating material for active food packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials)
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11 pages, 1749 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Membranes of Bio-Based PA 11 and HNTs Filled with Lysozyme Obtained by an Electrospinning Process
by Valeria Bugatti, Luigi Vertuccio, Gianluca Viscusi and Giuliana Gorrasi
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(3), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8030139 - 01 Mar 2018
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4073
Abstract
Bio-based membranes were obtained using Polyamide 11 (PA11) from renewable sources and a nano-hybrid composed of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) filled with lysozyme (50 wt % of lysozyme), as a natural antimicrobial molecule. Composites were prepared using an electrospinning process, varying the nano-hybrid loading [...] Read more.
Bio-based membranes were obtained using Polyamide 11 (PA11) from renewable sources and a nano-hybrid composed of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) filled with lysozyme (50 wt % of lysozyme), as a natural antimicrobial molecule. Composites were prepared using an electrospinning process, varying the nano-hybrid loading (i.e., 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 wt %). The morphology of the membranes was investigated through SEM analysis and there was found to be a narrow average fiber diameter (0.3–0.5 μm). The mechanical properties were analyzed and correlated to the nano-hybrid content. Controlled release of lysozyme was followed using UV spectrophotometry and the release kinetics were found to be dependent on HNTs–lysozyme loading. The experimental results were analyzed by a modified Gallagher–Corrigan model. The application of the produced membranes, as bio-based pads, for extending the shelf life of chicken slices has been tested and evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials)
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Review

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29 pages, 1092 KiB  
Review
Recent Developments in Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials
by Yukun Huang, Lei Mei, Xianggui Chen and Qin Wang
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(10), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8100830 - 13 Oct 2018
Cited by 171 | Viewed by 11243
Abstract
The increasing demand for high food quality and safety, and concerns of environment sustainable development have been encouraging researchers in the food industry to exploit the robust and green biodegradable nanocomposites, which provide new opportunities and challenges for the development of nanomaterials in [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for high food quality and safety, and concerns of environment sustainable development have been encouraging researchers in the food industry to exploit the robust and green biodegradable nanocomposites, which provide new opportunities and challenges for the development of nanomaterials in the food industry. This review paper aims at summarizing the recent three years of research findings on the new development of nanomaterials for food packaging. Two categories of nanomaterials (i.e., inorganic and organic) are included. The synthetic methods, physical and chemical properties, biological activity, and applications in food systems and safety assessments of each nanomaterial are presented. This review also highlights the possible mechanisms of antimicrobial activity against bacteria of certain active nanomaterials and their health concerns. It concludes with an outlook of the nanomaterials functionalized in food packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Packaging Based on Nanomaterials)
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