Investigation of the Orientational Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Extrusion Films Based on Polyolefins and Beet Pulp

The article discusses the possibility of obtaining biodegradable films based on polyolefins and beet pulp by the extrusion method. Biodegradable composites of two mixes with 15% and 25% beet pulp content have been obtained. Compounding was carried out on a twin-screw extruder, and then samples of biodegradable films were obtained by cast film extrusion. The influence of the vegetable filler particles’ orientation on the composites mechanical properties has been studied. It has been shown that composites mechanical properties significantly increase in the direction of polymer melt stretching.

A Review on Antimicrobial Packaging from Biodegradable Polymer Composites

The development of antimicrobial packaging has been growing rapidly due to an increase in awareness and demands for sustainable active packaging that could preserve the quality and prolong the shelf life of foods and products. The addition of highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles, antifungals, and antioxidants to biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers has become a significant advancement trend for the packaging evolution. Impregnation of antimicrobial agents into the packaging film is essential for impeding or destroying the pathogenic microorganisms causing food illness and deterioration. Higher safety and quality as well as an extended shelf life of sustainable active packaging desired by the industry are further enhanced by applying the different types of antimicrobial packaging systems. Antimicrobial packaging not only can offer a wide range of advantages, but also preserves the environment through usage of renewable and biodegradable polymers instead of common synthetic polymers, thus reducing plastic pollution generated by humankind. This review intended to provide a summary of current trends and applications of antimicrobial, biodegradable films in the packaging industry as well as the innovation of nanotechnology to increase efficiency of novel, bio-based packaging systems.

Antimicrobial Activity and Physicochemical Analysis of Bio-degradable Films from Cucurbita pepo and Musa paradisiaca

Cucurbita pepo and Musa paradisiaca can be considered as a large source of starch which makes it appropriate to be used for the preparation of bio-plastic material. In this study, biodegradable films from Cucurbita pepo and Musa paradisiaca were developed and investigated for their properties like pH, ash, moisture content, amylose content, biodegradability, and antimicrobial activity. 1,2,3-Propanetriol, gingelly oil, and agarose gel was used to reduce the brittleness of the developed starch- based bioplastic films. The investigation of films was done by Spectroscopic and Surface Analysis techniques. The developed bio- films showed substantial properties like less engorgement and insolubility in water which makes it worth a commercial viable product for food packaging.

Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Activity of Functional Poly(Butylene Succinate) Films Modified with Curcumin and Carvacrol

The use of food industry waste as bioactive compounds in the modification of biodegradable films as food packaging remains a major challenge. This study describes the preparation and bioactivity characterization of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)-based films with the addition of the bioactive compounds curcumin (CUR) and carvacrol (CAR). Films based on PBS modified with curcumin and carvacrol at different concentration variations (0%/0.1%/1%) were prepared by solvent casting method. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties were investigated against bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Candida albicans). As a result of the modification, the films exhibited free radicals scavenging (DPPH up to 91.47% and ABTS up to 99.21%), as well as antimicrobial (6 log, 4 log, and 2 log reductions for E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans, respectively, for samples modified with 1% CUR and 1% CAR) activity. Moreover, antibiofilm activity of modified materials was observed (8.22–87.91% reduction of biofilm, depending on bioactive compounds concentration). PBS films modified with curcumin and carvacrol with observed bifunctional properties have many potential applications as active packaging.