Nanofibre‐based bilayer biopolymer films: enhancement of antioxidant activity and potential for food packaging application

Abstract

Summary This study aimed to enhance the antioxidant property of biopolymer film without the incorporation of external agents. The active bilayer film with improved antioxidant activity has been developed by electrospinning zein, a prolamine of corn as nanofibre (average diameter of 286 nm) on solvent cast chitosan film. Zein nanofibres exhibited a slight increase in antioxidant activity as compared to solvent cast zein film. But, zein nanofibre coating on chitosan films significantly improved its antioxidant activity from 12.41% to 44.17%. The developed bilayer films were evaluated for its ability to prevent browning in minimally processed apple slices and compared with those of chitosan and zein films plasticised with polyethylene glycol. Higher surface to volume ratio and better affinity of zein nanofibres in the bilayer film helped enhance its anti‐browning ability. Thus, zein nanofibre‐coated chitosan bilayer films can be used as an effective anti‐browning packaging material for the packing of minimally processed fruits.

Development of chitosan/cycloolefin copolymer and chitosan/polycaprolactone active bilayer films incorporated with grape seed extract and carvacrol

“…Besides, CH layers not including GSE might behave as a physical barrier, leading to reduced CV release from the layers. These results were similar to those reported by Bharathi et al [37] for CH-based bilayer films coated with zein nanofibers. On the other hand, Luis et al [36] did not find any significant increase in the DPPH scavenging activity (%) of zein/pullulan bilayer films when incorporated with isopropyl palmitate.…”

Multilayer packaging: Advances in preparation techniques and emerging food applications

“…Results explained maximal oxygen absorption capacity, and thus, the potential gallic acid mixtures as effective oxygen scavengers for multilayer food packaging applications. In another study, Bharathi, Leena, Moses, and Anandharamakrishnan (2019) developed a bilayer nanofiber‐based packaging film from chitosan and zein for the storage of fresh‐cut apples. Results showed that the developed bilayer biopolymer film improved the antioxidant properties from 13% to 44%.…”

Development of sunlight‐driven photodynamic inactivation film to extend the shelf life of chilled mutton

“…The function is to coordinate food and environment, and similarly create an internal condition suitable for food preservation, which can maintain food's original quality and extend the shelf life. At present, active packaging has a host of functions, such as antibacterial (Cui et al, 2016), antioxidant (Bharathi et al, 2020) absorption of bad odor (Shin et al, 2018) and so on. Its main application and mechanism in meat products are as follows:…”