Technological watch

Development of bacterial cellulose/chitin multi-nano?bers based smart films containing natural active microspheres and nanoparticles formed in situ

Nanofiber-based materials have recently gained increasing attention in food packaging, drug delivery, and biomedical applications. In this study, a multi-nano?bers composite film was developed based on bacterial cellulose nanofiber (BCNF)/chitin nanofiber (CNF) hybridization. The nanofibers were responsible for the formation of well-dispersed curcumin (Cur) micro/nanoparticles in the nanocomposite films. The release of Cur from the films were affected by CNF and the sizes of Cur particles formed in situ. The Cur particles reduced tensile strength and increased water vapor permeability of BCNF film. However, CNF improved the mechanical strength and barrier property of the Cur/BCNF/CNF composite film. Moreover, the multi-nano?bers composite film showed excellent dynamic antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity, as well as was capable to monitor pH change and trace amount of boric acid. Results of this study suggested that the Cur/BCNF/CNF composite film can be used as a smart and active food packaging material.

Publication date: 15/01/2020

Author: Yu-Ning Yang, Kun-Ying Lu, Pan Wang, Yi-Cheng Ho, Min-Lang Tsai, Fwu-Long Mi

Reference: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115370

Carbohydrate Polymers



      

This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 837761.