Chitin- and cellulose-based sustainable barrier materials: a review

Abstract

The accumulation of synthetic plastics used in packaging applications in landfills and the environment is a serious problem. This challenge is driving research efforts to develop biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable barrier materials derived from renewable sources. Cellulose, chitin/chitosan, and their combinations are versatile biobased packaging materials because of their diverse biological properties (biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant activity, non-toxicity, and less immunogenic compared to protein), superior physical properties (high surface area, good barrier properties, and mechanical properties), and they can be assembled into different forms and shapes (powders, fibers, films, beads, sponges, gels, and solutions). They can be either assembled into packaging films or used as fillers to improve the properties of other biobased polymers. Methods such as preparation of composites, multilayer coating, and alignment control are used to further improve their barrier, mechanical properties, and ameliorate their moisture sensitivity. With the growing application of cellulose and chitin-based packaging materials, their biodegradability and recyclability are also discussed in this review paper. The future trends of these biobased materials in packaging applications and the possibility of gradually replacing petroleum-based plastics are analyzed in the “Conclusions” section.

Electrosprayed Shrimp and Mushroom Nanochitins on Cellulose Tissue for Skin Contact Application

“…It is well known that a solvent, upon interaction with an electric field, plays a decisive role in the size and the homogeneity of the particles being collected downstream of the electrospray process [ 20 ]. Other techniques for surface functionalization in cosmetic and packaging applications, such as spray [ 21 ], casting [ 22 ], dry powder impregnation [ 6 ], multilayer coatings assembled via dipping and spraying [ 23 ], or spinning methods [ 24 ], have been proposed for modification of different surfaces, including fibrous nonwovens and delicate films using CNs or CN complexes [ 6 , 23 , 24 ].…”

Closing the Carbon Loop in the Circular Plastics Economy

“…In the packaging and paper industries, biodegradable coatings are in development for the sake of rendering paper hydrophobic without adversely affecting its reuse in pulping. Examples of biodegradable paper coatings include aliphatic as well as polyesters and their blends, such as Ecovio from BASF, [ 196 ] chitin/chitosan barrier films, [ 197–199 ] and coatings with canola protein, [ 200 ] essential oils, [ 201 ] Carnauba wax, [ 202 ] and zein [ 203 ] protein, which is found in maize and forms tough, hydrophobic, and even antimicrobial films. To completely avoid packaging, edible food coatings derived from natural biopolymers are claimed to keep seafood fresh by improving its moisture retention, reducing microbial growth, preventing oxidation, and even delivering food ingredients and stabilizers.…”

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

“…Non-toxic nature and exceptional strength to weight ratio marks it a preferred choice for food packaging materials [61]. The elementary organization of cellulose is f ricated from micro sized string-like structur microfibers, which are further made up of n nosized microfibrils [60]. Non-toxic nature and exceptional strength weight ratio marks it a preferred choice for fo packaging materials [61].…”