Cellulose Nanocrystals and Corn Zein Oxygen and Water Vapor Barrier Biocomposite Films

Shalom, Tal Ben; Belsey, Shylee; Chasnitsky, Michael; Shoseyov, Oded

doi:10.3390/nano11010247

Cited by 21 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…In particular, Smallegange et al have proposed using a base mixture of ammonia and lactic acid as an attractant in multiple publications ( 20 , 19 ). Gas barrier of CNC composite films has previously been shared ( 22 , 21 , 23 ). Thus a simple headspace experiment was designed to assess the ammonia barrier properties of a CNC coating.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mosquito bite prevention through self-assembled cellulose nanocrystals

et al. 2023

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Mosquitoes are the deadliest of all combined insects and animals affecting millions and killing hundreds or thousands of people each year. Existing protection methods however are limited and include volatile compounds that actively repel mosquitoes such as N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) or different essential oils such as geraniol and citronella. Most are odorous compounds and require organic solvents for dispersion. This work investigates the barrier properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). CNCs are known to self-assemble in strong, transparent, chemical barrier films. They are fully bio-based, and their surface chemistry is ideal for aqueous dispersion of many compounds. This work saw a significant 80% decrease in feeding on human skin when a thin CNC coat was applied. The effect was further confirmed by artificial feeding on Aedes aegypti wherein CNC appears to act as a chemical camouflage to the many cues sought by the insects. The combined effect of CNC with indole reduced egg laying post exposure to mammalian blood close to null with 99.4% less eggs as compared to control. The chemical barrier effect was assessed through a simple headspace experiment showing that the same CNC coat blocked the passage of ammonium hydroxide vapor, a commonly used mosquito attractant, when applied on a filter paper membrane.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mosquito bite prevention through self-assembled cellulose nanocrystals

et al. 2023

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“…Poly-carboxylic acids (PCAs) such as citric acid are suitable cross-linking agents for proteins, whereas phosphorous catalysts as sodium hypophosphite are the most effective candidates for catalyzing a reaction with poly-carboxylic acids [57]. A schematic sketch without the catalyst shows Figure 4.…”

Section: Chemical Cross-linking With Poly-carboxylic Acidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Options to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Protein-Based Materials

2022

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While bio-based but chemically synthesized polymers such as polylactic acid require industrial conditions for biodegradation, protein-based materials are home compostable and show high potential for disposable products that are not collected. However, so far, such materials lack in their mechanical properties to reach the requirements for, e.g., packaging applications. Relevant measures for such a modification of protein-based materials are plasticization and cross-linking; the former increasing the elasticity and the latter the tensile strength of the polymer matrix. The assessment shows that compared to other polymers, the major bottleneck of proteins is their complex structure, which can, if developed accordingly, be used to design materials with desired functional properties. Chemicals can act as cross-linkers but require controlled reaction conditions. Physical methods such as heat curing and radiation show higher effectiveness but are not easy to control and can even damage the polymer backbone. Concerning plasticization, effectiveness and compatibility follow opposite trends due to weak interactions between the plasticizer and the protein. Internal plasticization by covalent bonding surpasses these limitations but requires further research specific for each protein. In addition, synergistic approaches, where different plasticization/cross-linking methods are combined, have shown high potential and emphasize the complexity in the design of the polymer matrix.

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“…Due to its poor solubility in water, zein is applied for coatings production and the obtained films are characterized by the water vapor barrier property. However, without plasticizer, zein-based materials are characterized by very brittle structure, moderate moisture barrier, oxygen barrier, and mechanical properties, which results in extremely limited application in the food industry [ 161 , 162 ]. Zein-based materials for the food industry are obtained through extruders provided with slit dies, where additives such as oleic acid can be used.…”

Section: Conventional Materials Used In the Production Of Dishes And Cutlerymentioning

confidence: 99%

Disposable Food Packaging and Serving Materials—Trends and Biodegradability

et al. 2021

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Food is an integral part of everyone’s life. Disposable food serving utensils and tableware are a very convenient solution, especially when the possibility of the use of traditional dishes and cutlery is limited (e.g., takeaway meals). As a result, a whole range of products is available on the market: plates, trays, spoons, forks, knives, cups, straws, and more. Both the form of the product (adapted to the distribution and sales system) as well as its ecological aspect (biodegradability and life cycle) should be of interest to producers and consumers, especially considering the clearly growing trend of “eco-awareness”. This is particularly important in the case of single-use products. The aim of the study was to present the current trends regarding disposable utensils intended for contact with food in the context of their biodegradability. This paper has summarized not only conventional polymers but also their modern alternatives gaining the attention of manufacturers and consumers of single-use products (SUPs).

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Cellulose Nanocrystals and Corn Zein Oxygen and Water Vapor Barrier Biocomposite Films

Cited by 21 publications

References 41 publications

Mosquito bite prevention through self-assembled cellulose nanocrystals

Mosquito bite prevention through self-assembled cellulose nanocrystals

Options to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Protein-Based Materials

Disposable Food Packaging and Serving Materials—Trends and Biodegradability

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