Electrospun Active Biopapers of Food Waste Derived Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) with Short-Term and Long-Term Antimicrobial Performance.

This research reports about the development by electrospinning of fiber-based films made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) derived from fermented fruit waste, so-called bio-papers, with enhanced antimicrobial performance. To this end, different combinations of oregano essential oil (OEO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were added to PHBV solutions and electrospun into mats that were, thereafter, converted into homogeneous and continuous films of ~130 µm. The morphology, optical, thermal, mechanical properties, crystallinity, and migration into food simulants of the resultant PHBV-based bio-papers were evaluated and their antimicrobial properties were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in both open and closed systems. It was observed that the antimicrobial activity decreased after 15 days due to the release of the volatile compounds, whereas the bio-papers filled with ZnONPs showed high antimicrobial activity for up to 48 days. The electrospun PHBV biopapers containing 2.5 wt% OEO + 2.25 wt% ZnONPs successfully provided the most optimal activity for short and long periods against both bacteria.

Recent advances and challenges on applications of nanotechnology in food packaging. A literature review.

Nanotechnology applied to food and beverage packaging has created enormous interest in recent years, but in the same time there are many controversial issues surrounding nanotechnology and food. The benefits of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in food-contact applications are accompanied by safety concerns due to gaps in understanding of their possible toxicology. In case of incorporation in food contact polymers, the first step to consumer exposure is the transfer of ENPs from the polymer to the food. Hence, to improve understanding of risk and benefit, the key questions are whether nanoparticles can be released from food contact polymers and under which conditions. This review has two main goals. Firstly, it will presents the current advancements in the application of ENPs in food and beverage packaging sector to grant active and intelligent properties. A particular focus will be placed on current demands in terms of risk assessment strategies associated with the use ENPs in food contact materials (FCMs), i.e. up-to-date migration/cytotoxicity studies of ENPs which are partly contradictory. Food matrix effects are often ignored, and may have a pronounced impact on the behaviour of ENPs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). A standardized food model (SFM) for evaluating the toxicity and fate of ingested ENPs was recently proposed and herein discussed with the aims to offer an overview to the reader. It is therefore clear that further systematic research is needed, which must account for interactions and transformations of ENMs in foods (food matrix effect) and in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that are likely to determine nano-biointeractions. Secondly, the review provides an extensive analysis of present market dynamics on ENPs in food/beverage packaging moving beyond concept to current industrial applications.