Cyclodextrins in Polymer-Based Active Food Packaging: A Fresh Look at Nontoxic, Biodegradable, and Sustainable Technology Trends

Abstract

Using cyclodextrins (CDs) in packaging technologies helps volatile or bioactive molecules improve their solubility, to guarantee the homogeneous distribution of the complexed molecules, protecting them from volatilization, oxidation, and temperature fluctuations when they are associated with polymeric matrices. This technology is also suitable for the controlled release of active substances and allows the exploration of their association with biodegradable polymer targeting to reduce the negative environmental impacts of food packaging. Here, we present a fresh look at the current status of and future prospects regarding the different strategies used to associate cyclodextrins and their derivatives with polymeric matrices to fabricate sustainable and biodegradable active food packaging (AFP). Particular attention is paid to the materials and the fabrication technologies available to date. In addition, the use of cutting-edge strategies, including the trend of nanotechnologies in active food packaging, is emphasized. Furthermore, a critical view on the risks to human health and the associated updated legislation is provided. Some of the more representative patents and commercial products that currently use AFP are also listed. Finally, the current and future research challenges which must be addressed are discussed.

Cyclodextrins as Bricks for Tuning Polymer Properties

“…Over the past four years, data from the literature indicate some comprehensive reviews of CD-based polymer applications [63,[90][91][92][93]. The most common applications of these materials are in the field of drug delivery [60, 94,95], biomedical engineering [90,96,97], food industry [93,98,99], responsive adhesives [100,101], coatings [102,103], sensors [104,105], and environmental remediation [106,107].…”

Design and Practical Considerations for Active Polymeric Films in Food Packaging

“…However, the chemicals used inside the sachet are often non-consumable. Accidental release of these agents from the sachet to the food causes safety concern [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. An alternative to this approach is the incorporation of active agents into polymer-generated packages.…”

Improving glass‐fiber epoxy composites via interlayer toughening with polyacrylonitrile/multiwalled carbon nanotubes electrospun fibers

“…The resulting material's performance, properties and structures will be modulated by changing the physicochemical features of the viscoelastic precursor solution, the experimental variables (such as the intensity of the electric field, flow speed, etc.) and the environmental conditions including temperature and humidity 20–23 . In this context, Bilge et al fabricated carbon‐epoxy composite laminates incorporated poly(styrene‐co‐glycidal methacrylate) P(St‐co‐GMA) nanofibers by crosslinking with phthalic anhydride (PA) as a crosslinker and tributylamine (TBA) as an initiator, and demonstrated up to 39% improvement in tensile strength and elastic modulus compared with the control carbon‐epoxy‐composites 19 .…”