A Naturally Derived Nanocomposite Film with Photodynamic Antibacterial Activity: New Prospect for Sustainable Food Packaging

Abstract

Food packaging with efficient antibacterial ability is highly desirable and challenging in facing the crisis of microbial contamination. However, most present packaging is based on metal-based antibacterial agents and requires a time-consuming antibacterial process. Here, the unique packaging (CC/BB films) featuring aggregation-induced emission behavior and photodynamic inactivation activity is prepared by dispersing self-assembled berberine–baicalin nanoparticles (BB NPs) into a mixed matrix of sodium carboxymethylcellulose-carrageenan (CC). The superiority of this design is that this packaging film can utilize sunlight to generate reactive oxygen species, thus eradicating more than 99% of E. coli and S. aureus within 60 min. Also, this film can release BB NPs to inactivate bacteria under all weather conditions. Surprisingly, the CC/BB nanocomposite film presented excellent mechanical performances (29.80 MPa and 38.65%), hydrophobicity (117.8°), and thermostability. The nanocomposite film is validated to be biocompatible and effective in protecting chicken samples, so this work will provide novel insights to explore safe and efficient antibacterial food packaging.

Recent Developments and Formulations for Hydrophobic Modification of Carrageenan Bionanocomposites

“…It also stands to reason that the CC/BB film’s low WVP and hydrophobicity are synergistic, thereby reinforcing one another. The compact framework of the CC film and CC/BB films could further contribute to their improved water vapour barrier performance [ 80 ].…”

“… Water contact angle (WCA) values and the water vapour permeability (WVP) of sodium carboxymethylcellulose-carrageenan (CC) films alone and with self-assembled berberine-baicalin nanoparticles (CC/BB NPs) (taken from [ 80 ] with permission from the American Chemical Society). …”

Cuprous oxide–demethyleneberberine nanospheres for single near-infrared light-triggered photoresponsive-enhanced enzymatic synergistic antibacterial therapy

“…[11][12][13][14][15] It is reported that berberine exhibits aggregation-induced emission characteristics, 16 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated under white light irradiation, thus enhancing the antibacterial activity. [17][18][19] However, its low bioavailability and rapid metabolic elimination limit its application in anti-infective therapy. 20,21 One of the most effective approaches to improve its bioavailability is to prepare a berberine nanocomplex, which is also an efficient way to increase its bioactivity and stability.…”

Design and Development of Robust, Daylight-Activated, and Rechargeable Biocidal Polymeric Films as Promising Active Food Packaging Materials

“…Increased foodborne microbial illness has raised global concerns because it causes millions of deaths every year and continues to severely jeopardize public health worldwide. − Consequently, this has motivated massive scientific research and investment in the design and development of novel and versatile antimicrobial materials to overcome microbial invasions and for preventing pathogenic infections. − Controlling bacterial infections is critical not only for preventing global outbreaks but also for applications ranging from health care to improving daily life quality. , Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in consumer interest in high-quality and safe food products. , Different strategies have been applied to develop new polymeric materials by incorporating antimicrobial agents to minimize the proliferation of microbes observed on various food packages. , Blending of polymers with conventional antibacterial agents has gained wide attention and has been applied to inhibit microbial growth in food products. , Data from previous studies clearly show that polymers can be functionalized with N-halamine precursors and related compounds, which could be a useful tool for the decontamination of food pathogens such as Listeria, yeasts, molds, and mesophiles found on solid surfaces. − However, the leaching of conventional agents and the release of free chlorine from the materials pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. , Lately, photodynamic inactivation, a relatively novel technology, has emerged as a potential option for preventing microbial inhibition and preserving food quality and shelf-life . Nowadays, photoactive compounds have garnered considerable interest in the development of food packaging films because of their capability to produce oxidative biocide-reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many polymeric materials, durability for repeated uses, and lower-toxicity suitable for food contacts .…”

“…20,21 Lately, photodynamic inactivation, a relatively novel technology, has emerged as a potential option for preventing microbial inhibition and preserving food quality and shelf-life. 22 Nowadays, photoactive compounds have garnered considerable interest in the development of food packaging films because of their capability to produce oxidative biocide-reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many polymeric materials, durability for repeated uses, and lower-toxicity suitable for food contacts. 23 Under ultraviolet (UVA) exposure, photoactive nanoparticles have shown the ability to produce ROS such as singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), hydroxyl radical ( • OH), and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ).…”