Immobilization of TiO 2 NP@ oxidized cellulose nanocrystals for paper-based active packaging materials

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules Vol. 231; p. 123270
• Main Authors: Adel, Abeer M, Al-Shemy, Mona T, Diab, Mohamed A, El-Sakhawy, Mohamed, Toro, Roberta G, Cerri, Luciana, Caschera, Daniela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 15-03-2023
• Subjects: Alginates - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Cellulose, Oxidized; Food Packaging; Nanocomposites - chemistry; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Strawberry packaging; Biopolymer nanocomposite; Eco-friendly extraction of OCN
• ISSN: 1879-0003

In the current work, we present a renewable alternative coating formulation made of durable titania nanoparticles and oxidized nanocellulose (TiO
NPs@OCNs) nanocomposites and sodium alginate (SA), to create an environmentally friendly and secure food packaging paper. OCNs sugarcane fibers are firstly hydrolyzed using ammonium persulphate (APS). Then, TiO
NPs@OCNs nanocomposites are made in situ with OCNs using a green water-based sol-gel synthesis. Gram (+) microorganisms as well as Gram (-) bacteria are used to test the antibacterial properties of the TiO
NPs@OCN dispersions. The results show that the TiO
NP@OCNs significantly decreases the growth for all bacterial species. The TiO
NP@OCNs nanocomposites are mixed with SA, and the resulting formulations are used to coat paper sheets. The corresponding physicochemical properties are evaluated using FTIR, TGA, AFM, SEM, and EDX. Furthermore, the mechanical strength, air permeability, and water vapor characteristics of the paper sheets treated with SA/TiO
NPs@OCN are carried out, resulting in a great improvement of these properties. Finally, the SA/TiO
NPs@OCNs coated papers have been used as packaging for strawberries. The findings demonstrate that coated papers could preserve strawberry quality better than unpacked fruit and extend strawberry shelf life from 6 to 18 days.