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Polymers
Special Issues
Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers
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Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 46708

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Victor G. L. Souza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
Interests: active packaging; intelligent packaging; smart packaging; bio-based polymers; nanotechnology; natural additives; biosensors; shelf life extension; food preservation; food safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lorenzo M. Pastrana

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Food Processing Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
Interests: functional foods; bioactives; active and smart food packaging; oleogels; by-products valorization; food nanostructures; food texture; probiotics; gut-on-chip microfluidics; cell-based meat
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ana Luisa Fernando

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA), 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Interests: biomass production; energy crops; biomass feedstocks; bio-plastics; waste management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The ultimate function of food packaging materials is the protection of industrialized food against contamination from the outer environment. Traditionally, packaging should not interact with the food contained within it. However, with the advances in food technology, novel types of food packaging have emerged: active, intelligent and smart food packaging.

This class of packaging, contrary to the traditional classes, intentionally interacts with the packaged food, displaying extra features. These innovative packaging materials are capable of monitoring and extending the shelf life of foodstuffs.

This Special Issue aims to collect key contributions to the field and provide an overview on the development and use of active and intelligent films for food packaging applications.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles, as well as review articles. Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Development and characterization of active/intelligent food packaging materials;
  • Shelf life extension through active/intelligent food packaging;
  • Application of nanotechnology in active and intelligent packaging;
  • Natural additives and extracts—encapsulation and controlled release;
  • Antimicrobial and/or antioxidant food packaging;
  • Active/intelligent packaging based on bio-based polymers;
  • Migration studies of bio- and nano-compounds in food matrices—toxicological studies.

Dr. Victor G. L. Souza
Prof. Dr. Ana Luisa Fernando
Prof. Dr. Lorenzo M. Pastrana
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • active packaging
  • intelligent packaging
  • smart packaging
  • bio-based polymers
  • nanotechnology
  • natural additives
  • biosensors
  • shelf life extension
  • food preservation
  • food safety

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 4857 KiB  
Article
Designing an Oxygen Scavenger Multilayer System Including Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Adsorbents for Potential Use in Food Packaging
by Carol López-de-Dicastillo, Gracia López-Carballo, Pedro Vázquez, Florian Schwager, Alejandro Aragón-Gutiérrez, José M. Alonso, Pilar Hernández-Muñoz and Rafael Gavara
Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3899; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193899 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1522
Abstract
Oxygen scavengers are valuable active packaging systems because several types of food deterioration processes are initiated by oxygen. Although the incorporation of oxygen scavenger agents into the polymeric matrices has been the trend in recent years, the release of volatile organic compounds (VOC) [...] Read more.
Oxygen scavengers are valuable active packaging systems because several types of food deterioration processes are initiated by oxygen. Although the incorporation of oxygen scavenger agents into the polymeric matrices has been the trend in recent years, the release of volatile organic compounds (VOC) as a result of the reaction between oxygen and oxygen scavenger substances is an issue to take into account. This is the case of an oxygen scavenger based on a trans-polyoctenamer rubber (TOR). In this work, the design of an oxygen scavenger multilayer system was carried out considering the selection of appropriate adsorbents of VOCs to the proposed layer structure. Firstly, the retention of some representative organic compounds by several adsorbent substances, such as zeolites, silicas, cyclodextrins and polymers, was studied in order to select those with the best performances. A hydrophilic silica and an odor-adsorbing agent based on zinc ricinoleate were the selected adsorbing agents. The principal VOCs released from TOR-containing films were carefully identified, and their retention first by the pure adsorbents, and then by polyethylene incorporated with the selected compounds was quantified. Detected concentrations decreased by 10- to 100-fold, depending on the VOC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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15 pages, 2959 KiB  
Article
Study of Ethylene-Removing Materials Based on Eco-Friendly Composites with Nano-TiO2
by Alba Maldonado, Paulina Cheuquepan, Sofía Gutiérrez, Nayareth Gallegos, Makarena Donoso, Carolin Hauser, Marina P. Arrieta, Alejandra Torres, Julio Bruna, Ximena Valenzuela, Abel Guarda, María Galotto and Francisco Rodríguez-Mercado
Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3369; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163369 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1224
Abstract
Ethylene is a phytohormone that is responsible of fruit and vegetable ripening. TiO2 has been studied as a possible solution to slowing down unwanted ripening processes, due to its photocatalytic capacity which enables it to remove ethylene. Thus, the objective of this [...] Read more.
Ethylene is a phytohormone that is responsible of fruit and vegetable ripening. TiO2 has been studied as a possible solution to slowing down unwanted ripening processes, due to its photocatalytic capacity which enables it to remove ethylene. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop nanocomposites based on two types of eco-friendly materials: Mater-Bi® (MB) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) combined with nano-TiO2 for ethylene removal and to determine their ethylene-removal capacity. First, a physical–chemical characterization of nano-TiO2 of different particle sizes (15, 21, 40 and 100 nm) was done through structural and morphological analysis (DRX, FTIR and TEM). Then, its photocatalytic activity and the ethylene-removal capacity were determined, evaluating the effects of time and the type of light irradiation. With respect to the analysis of TiO2 nanoparticles, the whole samples had an anatase structure. According to the photocatalytic activity, nanoparticles of 21 nm showed the highest activity against ethylene (~73%). The results also showed significant differences in ethylene-removal activity when comparing particle size and type and radiation time. Thus, 21 nm nano-TiO2 was used to produce nanocomposites through the melt-extrusion process to simulate industrial processing conditions. With respect to the nanocomposites’ ethylene-removing properties, there were significant differences between TiO2 concentrations, with samples with 5% of active showed the highest activity (~57%). The results obtained are promising and new studies are needed to focus on changes in material format and the evaluation in ethylene-sensitive fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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16 pages, 4680 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Thermochromic Packaging Prints’ Resistance to UV Radiation and Various Chemical Agents
by Sonja Jamnicki Hanzer, Rahela Kulčar, Marina Vukoje and Ana Marošević Dolovski
Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051208 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2072
Abstract
Thermochromic inks, also known as color changing inks, are becoming increasingly important for various applications that range from smart packaging, product labels, security printing, and anti-counterfeit inks to applications such as temperature-sensitive plastics and inks printed onto ceramic mugs, promotional items, and toys. [...] Read more.
Thermochromic inks, also known as color changing inks, are becoming increasingly important for various applications that range from smart packaging, product labels, security printing, and anti-counterfeit inks to applications such as temperature-sensitive plastics and inks printed onto ceramic mugs, promotional items, and toys. These inks are also gaining more attention as part of textile decorations and can also be found in some artistic works obtained with thermochromic paints, due to their ability to change color when exposed to heat. Thermochromic inks, however, are known to be sensitive materials to the influence of UV radiation, heat fluctuations, and various chemical agents. Given the fact that prints can be found in different environmental conditions during their lifetime, in this work, thermochromic prints were exposed to the action of UV radiation and the influence of different chemical agents in order to simulate different environmental parameters. Hence, two thermochromic inks with different activation temperatures (one being cold and the other being body-heat activated), printed on two food packaging label papers that differ in their surface properties were chosen to be tested. Assessment of their resistance to specific chemical agents was performed according to the procedure described in the ISO 2836:2021 standard. Moreover, the prints were exposed to artificial aging to determine their durability when exposed to UV radiation. All tested thermochromic prints showed low resistance to liquid chemical agents as the color difference values were unacceptable in all cases. It was observed that the stability of thermochromic prints to different chemicals decreases with decreasing solvent polarity. Based on the results obtained after UV radiation, its influence in terms of color degradation is visible on both tested paper substrates, but more significant degradation was observed on the ultra-smooth label paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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24 pages, 5054 KiB  
Article
Lignin Nanoparticles for Enhancing Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Polybutylene Succinate/Thymol Composite Film for Active Packaging
by Angel Jr Basbasan, Bongkot Hararak, Charinee Winotapun, Wanwitoo Wanmolee, Wannee Chinsirikul, Pattarin Leelaphiwat, Vanee Chonhenchob and Kanchana Boonruang
Polymers 2023, 15(4), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15040989 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2778
Abstract
The natural abundance, polymer stability, biodegradability, and natural antimicrobial properties of lignin open a wide range of potential applications aiming for sustainability. In this work, the effects of 1% (w/w) softwood kraft lignin nanoparticles (SLNPs) on the physicochemical properties [...] Read more.
The natural abundance, polymer stability, biodegradability, and natural antimicrobial properties of lignin open a wide range of potential applications aiming for sustainability. In this work, the effects of 1% (w/w) softwood kraft lignin nanoparticles (SLNPs) on the physicochemical properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS) composite films were investigated. Incorporation of SLNPs into neat PBS enhanced Td from 354.1 °C to 364.7 °C, determined through TGA, whereas Tg increased from −39.1 °C to −35.7 °C while no significant change was observed in Tm and crystallinity, analyzed through DSC. The tensile strength of neat PBS increased, to 35.6 MPa, when SLNPs were added to it. Oxygen and water vapor permeabilities of PBS with SLNPs decreased equating to enhanced barrier properties. The good interactions among SLNPs, thymol, and PBS matrix, and the high homogeneity of the resultant PBS composite films, were determined through FTIR and FE-SEM analyses. This work revealed that, among the PBS composite films tested, PBS + 1% SLNPs + 10% thymol showed the strongest microbial growth inhibition against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae, both in vitro, through a diffusion method assay, and in actual testing on active packaging of mango fruit (cultivar “Nam Dok Mai Si Thong”). SLNPs could be an attractive replacement for synthetic substances for enhancing polymer properties without compromising the biodegradability of the resultant material, and for providing antimicrobial functions for active packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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14 pages, 909 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Active LDPE Films for Packaging of Fresh Orange Juice
by Pedro V. Rodrigues, Dalila M. Vieira, Paola Chaves Martins, Vilásia Guimarães Martins, M. Cidália R. Castro and Ana V. Machado
Polymers 2023, 15(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010050 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2341
Abstract
Microbial development, enzymatic action, and chemical reactions influence the quality of untreated natural orange juice, compromising its organoleptic characteristics and causing nutritional value loss. Active low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films containing green tea extract (GTE) were previously prepared by a blown film extrusion process. [...] Read more.
Microbial development, enzymatic action, and chemical reactions influence the quality of untreated natural orange juice, compromising its organoleptic characteristics and causing nutritional value loss. Active low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films containing green tea extract (GTE) were previously prepared by a blown film extrusion process. Small bags were prepared from the produced films, which were then filled with fresh orange juice and stored at 4 °C. Ascorbic acid (AA) content, sugar content, browning index, color parameters, pH, total acidity (TA) and microbial stability were evaluated after 3, 7, and 14 days of storage. The packaging containing GTE maintained the microbial load of fresh juice beneath the limit of microbial shelf-life (6 log CFU/mL) for the bacterial growth, with a more prominent effect for LDPE with 3%GTE. Regarding yeasts and molds, only the CO_LDPE_3GTE package maintained the microbial load of fresh juice below the limit for up to 14 days. At 14 days, the lowest levels of AA degradation (32.60 mg/100 mL of juice) and development of brown pigments (browning index = 0.139) were observed for the packages containing 3% of GTE, which had a pH of 3.87 and sugar content of 11.4 g/100 mL of juice at this time. Therefore, active LDPE films containing 3% of GTE increase the shelf-life of fresh juice and can be a promising option for storage of this food product while increasing sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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18 pages, 3009 KiB  
Article
Active and pH-Sensitive Nanopackaging Based on Polymeric Anthocyanin/Natural or Organo-Modified Montmorillonite Blends: Characterization and Assessment of Cytotoxicity
by Tomy J. Gutiérrez, Ignacio E. León, Alejandra G. Ponce and Vera A. Alvarez
Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4881; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14224881 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1822
Abstract
Polymeric anthocyanins are biologically active, pH-sensitive natural compounds and pigments with beneficial functional, pharmacological and therapeutic properties for consumer health. More recently, they have been used for the manufacture of active and pH-sensitive (“intelligent”) food nanopackaging, due to their bathochromic effect. Nevertheless, in [...] Read more.
Polymeric anthocyanins are biologically active, pH-sensitive natural compounds and pigments with beneficial functional, pharmacological and therapeutic properties for consumer health. More recently, they have been used for the manufacture of active and pH-sensitive (“intelligent”) food nanopackaging, due to their bathochromic effect. Nevertheless, in order for polymeric anthocyanins to be included either as a functional food or as a pharmacological additive (medicinal food), they inevitably need to be stabilized, as they are highly susceptible to environmental conditions. In this regard, nanopackaging has become a tool to overcome the limitations of polymeric anthocyanins. The objective of this study was to evaluate their structural, thermal, morphological, physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as their responses to pH changes, and the cytotoxicity of blends made from polymeric anthocyanins extracted from Jamaica flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and natural or organo-modified montmorillonite (Mt), as active and pH-sensitive nanopackaging. This study allowed us to conclude that organo-modified Mts are efficient pH-sensitive and antioxidant nanopackaging systems that contain and stabilize polymeric anthocyanins compared to natural Mt nanopackaging and stabilizing polymeric anthocyanins. However, the use of these polymeric anthocyanin-stabilizing organo-modified Mt-based nanopackaging systems are limited for food applications by their toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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11 pages, 3662 KiB  
Article
Colorimetric Freshness Indicator Based on Cellulose Nanocrystal–Silver Nanoparticle Composite for Intelligent Food Packaging
by Seongyoung Kwon and Seonghyuk Ko
Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3695; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173695 - 5 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2106
Abstract
In this study, a colorimetric freshness indicator based on cellulose nanocrystal-silver nanoparticles (CNC-AgNPs) was successfully fabricated to offer a convenient approach for monitoring the quality of packaged food. AgNPs were directly synthesized and embedded in CNC via a one-pot hydrothermal green synthesis, and [...] Read more.
In this study, a colorimetric freshness indicator based on cellulose nanocrystal-silver nanoparticles (CNC-AgNPs) was successfully fabricated to offer a convenient approach for monitoring the quality of packaged food. AgNPs were directly synthesized and embedded in CNC via a one-pot hydrothermal green synthesis, and CNC-AgNP composited indicator films were prepared using a simple casting method. The AgNPs obtained were confirmed by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The ability of the as-prepared CNC-AgNP film to indicate food quality was assessed in terms of the intensity of its color change when in contact with spoilage gases from chicken breast. The CNC-AgNP films initially exhibited a yellowish to dark wine-red color depending on the amount of AgNPs involved. They gradually turned colorless and subsequently to metallic grey. This transition is attributed to the reaction of AgNPs and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which alters the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. Consequently, the color change was suitably discernible to the human eye, implying that the CNC-AgNP composite is a highly effective colorimetric freshness indicator. It can potentially serve as an accurate and irreversible food quality indicator in intelligent packaging during distribution or storage of products that emit hydrogen sulfide when deteriorating, such as poultry products or broccoli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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20 pages, 3481 KiB  
Article
Pilot-Scale Processing and Functional Properties of Antifungal EVOH-Based Films Containing Methyl Anthranilate Intended for Food Packaging Applications
by Alejandro Aragón-Gutiérrez, Raquel Heras-Mozos, Antonio Montesinos, Miriam Gallur, Daniel López, Rafael Gavara and Pilar Hernández-Muñoz
Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3405; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163405 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1849
Abstract
Antimicrobial packaging has emerged as an efficient technology to improve the stability of food products. In this study, new formulations based on ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer were developed by incorporating the volatile methyl anthranilate (MA) at different concentrations as antifungal compound to [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial packaging has emerged as an efficient technology to improve the stability of food products. In this study, new formulations based on ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer were developed by incorporating the volatile methyl anthranilate (MA) at different concentrations as antifungal compound to obtain active films for food packaging. To this end, a twin-screw extruder with a specifically designed screw configuration was employed to produce films at pilot scale. The quantification analyses of MA in the films showed a high retention capacity. Then, the morphological, optical, thermal, mechanical and water vapour barrier performance, as well as the antifungal activity in vitro of the active films, were evaluated. The presence of MA did not affect the transparency or the thermal stability of EVOH-based films, but decreased the glass transition temperature of the copolymer, indicating a plasticizing effect, which was confirmed by an increase in the elongation at break values of the films. Because of the additive-induced plasticization over EVOH, the water vapour permeability slightly increased at 33% and 75% relative humidity values. Finally, the evaluation of the antifungal activity in vitro of the active films containing methyl anthranilate showed a great effectiveness against P. expansum and B. cinerea, demonstrating the potential applicability of the developed films for active food packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 2499 KiB  
Review
A Systematic Review of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.): Extraction and Application as a Food Freshness pH-Indicator for Polymer-Based Intelligent Packaging
by Nur Nabilah Hasanah, Ezzat Mohamad Azman, Ashari Rozzamri, Nur Hanani Zainal Abedin and Mohammad Rashedi Ismail-Fitry
Polymers 2023, 15(11), 2541; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112541 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 9847
Abstract
The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) (BPF) has a high anthocyanin content, which can be incorporated into polymer-based films to produce intelligent packaging for real-time food freshness indicators. The objective of this work was to systematically review the polymer characteristics used [...] Read more.
The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) (BPF) has a high anthocyanin content, which can be incorporated into polymer-based films to produce intelligent packaging for real-time food freshness indicators. The objective of this work was to systematically review the polymer characteristics used as BPF extract carriers and their application on various food products as intelligent packaging systems. This systematic review was developed based on scientific reports accessible on the databases provided by PSAS, UPM, and Google Scholar between 2010 and 2023. It covers the morphology, anthocyanin extraction, and applications of anthocyanin-rich colourants from butterfly pea flower (BPF) and as pH indicators in intelligent packaging systems. Probe ultrasonication extraction was successfully employed to extract a higher yield, which showed a 246.48% better extraction of anthocyanins from BPFs for food applications. In comparison to anthocyanins from other natural sources, BPFs have a major benefit in food packaging due to their unique colour spectrum throughout a wide range of pH values. Several studies reported that the immobilisation of BPF in different polymeric film matrixes could affect their physicochemical properties, but they could still effectively monitor the quality of perishable food in real-time. In conclusion, the development of intelligent films employing BPF’s anthocyanins is a potential strategy for the future of food packaging systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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32 pages, 1867 KiB  
Review
Active Flexible Films for Food Packaging: A Review
by Ana G. Azevedo, Carolina Barros, Sónia Miranda, Ana Vera Machado, Olga Castro, Bruno Silva, Margarida Saraiva, Ana Sanches Silva, Lorenzo Pastrana, Olga Sousa Carneiro and Miguel A. Cerqueira
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122442 - 16 Jun 2022
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6527
Abstract
Active food packaging is a dynamic area where the scientific community and industry have been trying to find new strategies to produce innovative packaging that is economically viable and compatible with conventional production processes. The materials used to develop active packaging can be [...] Read more.
Active food packaging is a dynamic area where the scientific community and industry have been trying to find new strategies to produce innovative packaging that is economically viable and compatible with conventional production processes. The materials used to develop active packaging can be organized into scavenging and emitting materials, and based on organic and inorganic materials. However, the incorporation of these materials in polymer-based flexible packaging is not always straightforward. The challenges to be faced are mainly related to active agents’ sensitivity to high temperatures or difficulties in dispersing them in the high viscosity polymer matrix. This review provides an overview of methodologies and processes used in the production of active packaging, particularly for the production of active flexible films at the industrial level. The direct incorporation of active agents in polymer films is presented, focusing on the processing conditions and their effect on the active agent, and final application of the packaging material. Moreover, the incorporation of active agents by coating technologies and supercritical impregnation are presented. Finally, the use of carriers to help the incorporation of active agents and several methodologies is discussed. This review aims to guide academic and industrial researchers in the development of active flexible packaging, namely in the selection of the materials, methodologies, and process conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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24 pages, 1402 KiB  
Review
Methodologies to Assess the Biodegradability of Bio-Based Polymers—Current Knowledge and Existing Gaps
by João Ricardo Afonso Pires, Victor Gomes Lauriano Souza, Pablo Fuciños, Lorenzo Pastrana and Ana Luísa Fernando
Polymers 2022, 14(7), 1359; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14071359 - 27 Mar 2022
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 11984
Abstract
Our society lives in a time of transition where traditional petroleum-based polymers/plastics are being replaced by more sustainable alternative materials. To consider these bioproducts as more viable options than the actual ones, it is demanded to ensure that they are fully biodegradable or [...] Read more.
Our society lives in a time of transition where traditional petroleum-based polymers/plastics are being replaced by more sustainable alternative materials. To consider these bioproducts as more viable options than the actual ones, it is demanded to ensure that they are fully biodegradable or compostable and that there is no release of hazardous compounds to the environment with their degradation. It is then essential to adapt the legislation to support novel specific guidelines to test the biodegradability of each biopolymer in varied environments, and consequently, establish consistent data to design a coherent labeling system. This review work aims to point out the current standards that can serve as a basis for the characterization of biopolymers’ biodegradation profile in different environments (soil, compost, and aquatic systems) and identify other laboratory methodologies that have been adopted for the same purpose. With the information gathered in this work, it was possible to identify remaining gaps in existing national and international standards to help establish new validation criteria to be introduced in future research and policies related to bioplastics to boost the sustainable progress of this rising industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Polymers)
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