Cellulose Nanofiber-Based Nanocomposite Films Reinforced with Zinc Oxide Nanorods and Grapefruit Seed Extract

Abstract

Here, we report the fabrication and characterization of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based nanocomposite films reinforced with zinc oxide nanorods (ZnOs) and grapefruit seed extract (GSE). The CNF is isolated via a combination of chemical and physical methods, and the ZnO is prepared using a simple precipitation method. The ZnO and GSE are used as functional nanofillers to produce a CNF/ZnO/GSE film. Physical (morphology, chemical interactions, optical, mechanical, thermal stability, etc.) and functional (antimicrobial and antioxidant activities) film properties are tested. The incorporation of ZnO and GSE does not impact the crystalline structure, mechanical properties, or thermal stability of the CNF film. Nanocomposite films are highly transparent with improved ultraviolet blocking and vapor barrier properties. Moreover, the films exhibit effective antimicrobial and antioxidant actions. CNF/ZnO/GSE nanocomposite films with better quality and superior functional properties have many possibilities for active food packaging use.

Development and Characterization of Bioactive Poly(butylene-succinate) Films Modified with Quercetin for Food Packaging Applications

“…Moreover, a dose-dependent increment was observed. It is readily established that biopolymer-based films’ antioxidant activity is proportional to the antioxidant additives content [ 9 , 25 , 26 ]. The highest antioxidant activity (80.90 ± 0.07%, 99.07 ± 0.28%, 38.06 ± 0.11%, for DPPH, ABTS and O 2 − radicals, respectively) and reducing power (2.08 ± 0.01) was noticed for sample PBS-Q0.50.…”

“…Among the flavonoids, quercetin is one of the most effective antioxidants due to the o -hydroxy structure in the B ring, the 2,3 double bond in conjugation with 4-oxo function in the C-ring and to 3- and 5-OH groups with the 4-oxo function in the A and C rings [ 34 ]. The high antioxidant activity of PBS films with quercetin indicated their potential as an additive for active, functional packaging systems for prevention of oxidation-sensitive food matrices, as well as prolongation their shelf-life [ 9 , 25 , 43 ]. This is of particular importance, as quercetin has the ability to intercept free radical chains, inducing the formation of stable end products that do not initiate or propagate oxidatively sensitive compounds, such as lipids [ 27 ].…”

“…Based on available data, the annual plastics production exceeds 400 million tons, and around 40% is used for packaging purposes [ 7 ]. The increasing consumption of non-biodegradable plastics and large amount of waste material have led to severe deterioration and pollution of the environment as well as social problems [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Hence, both the recycling and biodegradability of plastics need serious attention [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…There is much interest among food manufacturers in using natural antioxidants as replacements for the synthetic antioxidants that are currently being used. Moreover, the addition of active agents in the polymeric matrix can affect the mechanical, thermal, optical and gas barrier properties of the packaging materials [ 9 , 20 , 23 , 25 , 26 ]. A wide spectrum of additives (nano or microsized) has been used for the preparation of active films [ 1 , 2 , 12 ].…”

“…Polyphenols belong to a wide category of plant-derived natural compounds exhibiting many biological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity [ 27 ]. The application of phenolic compounds and phenolic extracts in active packaging has attracted a particular interest since these compounds show potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in food systems and their intake can make a contribution to human health [ 9 , 27 ]. The successful incorporation of numerous phenolic compounds as well as phenolic-rich extracts into biodegradable films (including edible films) has been reported [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ].…”