Fabrication and Characterization of Hydrogen Peroxide and Thymol-Loaded PVA/PVP Hydrogel Coatings as a Novel Anti-Mold Surface for Hay Protection

Abstract

Animal food source production is increasing due to the growing world population. Many sources (e.g., hay) are prone to mold development, resulting in food degradation. This study proposes an environmentally friendly anti-mold fungicide comprising hydrogen peroxide (HP) and thymol entrapped in a polyvinyl alcohol/pyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) hydrogel (PVA is biodegradable and PVP is water soluble and non-toxic) coated on a polyethylene (PE) films for preservative hay packaging. The hydrogels improved the thermal stability of the entrapped HP and thymol, resulting in a prolonged release into the hay and thereby increasing anti-mold activity. The hydrogel composition and morphology, thymol and HP thermal stability, and release rates through indirect (gas phase) contact were investigated. Fungicidal capabilities were tested, indicating wide-range efficiency against mold growth on hay with a clear advantage for the thymol-loaded hydrogels. No visual side effects were observed on hay exposed to the released fumes of HP and/or thymol. These results demonstrate the potential of thymol-loaded hydrogels as effective and safe post-harvest preservatives.

Engineering of PVA/PVP Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications

“…The encapsulated urea granules displayed a controlled and extended release of urea relative to the fast loss exhibited by uncoated counterparts [117]. These findings are consistent with our investigations pertaining to the controlled release of pesticides [10,65]. Furthermore, the amalgamation of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) with either PVA or PVP, when integrated with soil and subsequently irrigated with a precisely measured water volume, resulted in a substantial improvement in water retention.…”

“…Hydrogels were modified to transport both water-loving ( hydrophilic ) and waterrepelling (hydrophobic) pesticides and fertilizers [10,65]. This versatility is primarily attributed to the binding capabilities of PVP with a wide range of substances [97].…”

“…Hydrogels containing a blend of HP and thymol enabled a swifter release of HP. This could be attributed to the repulsive interactions occurring between these distinct types of molecules [65]. A novel aspect of our ongoing research reveals the reinforcement of a HPentrapped hydrogel through chemical cross-linking utilizing glutaraldehyde under mild acidic conditions.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Durable Antibiofilm and Antiviral Silane-Phosphonium Thin Coatings for Medical and Agricultural Applications

“…Corona-treatment is a method used to increase the surface energy, adhesion properties, surface wetting, polarity, and roughness of surfaces through an oxidation mechanism, which generates surface polar groups. − These polar groups, such as hydroxyl groups, can be used for chemical reactions, including the binding of silanol compounds. The coating was applied using the Mayer–Rod method, which is a well-known technique for creating thin, uniform films on different substrate surfaces through the even spreading of a liquid. − This coating method requires no special physical conditions. The materials and the fast-coating technique are simple, cost-effective, and can be used to coat different types of polymeric films. , …”

“…The coating was applied using the Mayer–Rod method, which is a well-known technique for creating thin, uniform films on different substrate surfaces through the even spreading of a liquid. 34 − 36 This coating method requires no special physical conditions. The materials and the fast-coating technique are simple, cost-effective, and can be used to coat different types of polymeric films.…”