Biobased Cellulose Nanofibril–Oil Composite Films for Active Edible Barriers

Abstract

Low-concentration oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) extracted from primary plant cell wall materials are used to prepare thin biobased CNF–oil composite films by solvent casting. Flexible, transparent, and biodegradable composite films are obtained, with increased thermal stability (up to 300 °C) as the oil concentration increases. Examination of the microstructure demonstrates a clear dependency on the oil content, as a multilayered structure where the oil phase trapped between two layers of CNFs is appreciated at high oil concentrations. The embedded oil significantly influences the mechanical and wetting properties of the films, confirming their potential for use in packaging systems. Encapsulation of curcumin in the composite films leads to an increased antioxidant (up to 30% radical scavenging activity) and antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of foodborne bacteria such as Escherichia coli. The resulting composite films show promising results in the field of active packaging for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Recent Advancements in Smart Biogenic Packaging: Reshaping the Future of the Food Packaging Industry

“…Numerous research studies have reported that using nanostructured cellulose fibers as a strengthening material in composite packaging can result in significant improvements in gas permeation properties, thermal stability, and biodegradability [23]. Bio-based films derived from cellulose nanofibrils and oil showcased excellent ductability and stability at temperatures up to 300 • C [24]. Ghaderi et al [25] illustrated that nanocomposites formed from cellulose nanofibers extracted from sugarcane bagasse with polylactic acid ameliorated the water vapor permeability.…”

(Bio)Nanotechnology in Food Science—Food Packaging

“…Cellulose nanofibrils-soybean oil composite with excellent flexibility, optical transparency, thermal stability, and biodegradable properties films were developed. Nanocomposite film with encapsulated curcumin were prepared to obtain nanocomposite with antioxidant (radical scavenging) properties and antibacterial activity against E. coli [ 92 ]. Nanocomposite film of chitosan with incorporated TiO 2 nano-powder showed improved mechanical properties and a very high antimicrobial activity (100% reduction in growth after 12 h) against pathogenic fungi C. albicans and A. niger and bacteria E. coli and S. aureus [ 93 ].…”

Advantages and challenges of Pickering emulsions applied to bio‐based films: a mini‐review

“…Valencia et al 46 . produced active films containing curcumin dispersed in soybean oil stabilized by cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) that presented antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and also antioxidant activity.…”