Application of Eco-Friendly Materials in Food Packaging

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Packaging and Preservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 July 2024) | Viewed by 5792

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galaţi, Str. Domnească 111, 800201 Galaţi, Romania
Interests: food packaging; dairy technology; high-pressure processing; safety
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Owing to recent advances in biobased biodegradable packaging materials, new sustainable solutions were proposed to replace conventional plastics with eco-friendly materials, preventing depletion of fossil resources and environmental pollution. Packaging plays an important role in protection from external factors, containment and preservation of food while providing consumers with ingredient and nutritional information.

On the other hand, the dynamic food-packaging interchanges characterized by migration, permeation and scalping processes taking place during storage directly influence food quality, safety and shelf-life.

Active biopackaging with micro- and/or nano-delivery systems designed for controlled/target release of the  bioactive compounds is currently a dynamic area of food packaging where important advancements were made. Moreover, new intelligent biopackaging materials are developed to monitor the properties of foods, advise consumers, and provide real-time information on their freshness, quality, and safety. 

The Special Issue on Application of Eco-Friendly Materials in Food Packaging is expected to introduce new sustainable biobased biodegradable polymeric materials for various food matrices, with micro- and/or nano-delivery active systems and smart bio-packaging.

Thus, we invite researchers to contribute with their original research results or review articles on the following topics:

  • bio-degradable bio-based composites for different food applications, characterization of mechanical and barrier properties;
  • biocomposites containing antimicrobials, antioxidants or other health-promoting functionality;
  • new smart bio-composites for food applications;
  • characterization of interactions between biobased polymers with micro and nanofibers and foods underlying mechanisms associated;
  • by-products valorization in films and coatings formulae and aspects related to biocompatibility with food matrix and circular economy.

Prof. Dr. Daniela Borda
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biocomposites
  • intelligent bio-based packaging
  • active bio-based packaging
  • compatible food matrix
  • sustainable packaging solutions

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 15775 KiB  
Article
Novel Electrospun Gelatin Nanofibers Loaded with Purple Potato Anthocyanin and Syringic Acid for Multifunctional Food Packaging
by Chen Huang, Junjie Tang, Xingyan Chen, Xinxin Zeng, Weiquan Zhong, Jie Pang and Chunhua Wu
Foods 2024, 13(16), 2538; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162538 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1053
Abstract
In this study, a series of novel nanofibers based on gelatin (GA) loading with purple potato anthocyanin (PPA) and syringic acid (SA) were obtained by electrospinning technology. The effects of SA on mechanical properties, thermal stability, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity of the [...] Read more.
In this study, a series of novel nanofibers based on gelatin (GA) loading with purple potato anthocyanin (PPA) and syringic acid (SA) were obtained by electrospinning technology. The effects of SA on mechanical properties, thermal stability, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity of the GA/PPA nanofibers were systematically characterized. The scanning electron microscopy observation results revealed a smooth surface on the nanofibers. The incorporation of SA enhanced the viscosity of the electrospun solutions, and it increased the average diameter of nanofibers from 0.17 μm to 0.28 μm. The tensile strength and thermal stability of the obtained nanofibers were enhanced with the addition of a suitable level of SA (1.5%, w/v), which strengthened the intermolecular interaction. The GA/PPA/SA nanofibers presented over 80% antioxidant capacity and strong antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Meanwhile, the sensitivity responses of nanofibers to NH3 revealed that GA/PPA/SA II nanofibers (1.5% w/v SA) presented good sensitivity of colorimetric behavior to ammonia. A pork spoilage test was performed to evaluate practical application of the nanofibers, and an obvious color change (dark purple to green) was observed. These results indicated GA/PPA/SA II nanofibers can be utilized as an active and intelligent multipurpose packaging material to preserve and track the freshness of pork. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Eco-Friendly Materials in Food Packaging)
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Review

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25 pages, 11603 KiB  
Review
Review of Bio-Based Biodegradable Polymers: Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Packaging
by Maricica Stoica, Cezar Ionuț Bichescu, Carmen-Mihaela Crețu, Maricela Dragomir, Angela Stela Ivan, Geanina Marcela Podaru, Dimitrie Stoica and Mariana Stuparu-Crețu
Foods 2024, 13(19), 3027; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193027 - 24 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4182
Abstract
Conventional passive packaging plays a crucial role in food manufacturing by protecting foods from various external influences. Most packaging materials are polymer-based plastics derived from fossil carbon sources, which are favored for their versatility, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness. However, the extensive use of [...] Read more.
Conventional passive packaging plays a crucial role in food manufacturing by protecting foods from various external influences. Most packaging materials are polymer-based plastics derived from fossil carbon sources, which are favored for their versatility, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness. However, the extensive use of these materials poses significant environmental challenges due to their fossil-based origins and persistence in the environment. Global plastic consumption for packaging is expected to nearly triple by 2060, exacerbating the ecological crisis. Moreover, globalization has increased access to a diverse range of foods from around the world, heightening the importance of packaging in providing healthier and safer foods with extended shelf life. In response to these challenges, there is a growing shift to eco-friendly active packaging that not only protects but also preserves the authentic qualities of food, surpassing the roles of conventional passive packaging. This article provides a comprehensive review on the viability, benefits, and challenges of implementing bio-based biodegradable polymers in active food packaging, with the dual goals of environmental sustainability and extending food shelf life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Eco-Friendly Materials in Food Packaging)
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