Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jhon Jairo Palechor-Trochez, Gustavo Ramirez-Gonzales, Hector Samuel Villada-Castillo, Jose Fernando Solanilla-Duque
Summary: The development of biopolymers as an option to mitigate pollution caused by the accumulation of petrochemical-based plastics has led to a focus on bionanocomposite materials. These materials show enhancements in mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties by incorporating nanoparticles, particularly from natural sources like cellulose. The analysis also highlights the significant increase in tensile strength, exceeding 30%, with inclusions of nanoparticles not exceeding 10 wt%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Saba Ebrahimzadeh, Deblina Biswas, Swarup Roy, David Julian McClements
Summary: This study reviewed the sources, derivatives, and production methods of seaweed-based biopolymers, as well as the characterization of edible seaweed-based films incorporated with different essential oils (EOs). Seaweed-based films have advantages such as edibility, low cost, rapid growth, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, making them suitable for functional packaging materials. The addition of EOs improves the antimicrobial, antioxidant, mechanical, hydrophobic, UV-light barrier, and thermal properties of seaweed-based films.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Mujtaba, Juha Lipponen, Mari Ojanen, Sami Puttonen, Henri Vaittinen
Summary: Currently, the widespread use of petroleum-based synthetic plastics in packaging has harmful effects on human health, marine life, and the ecosystem. Biobased alternatives are being explored as sustainable options for packaging due to their biodegradability, non-toxicity, and flexibility. These alternatives, either alone or in composites, exhibit strong barrier properties against various elements. However, the commercialization of biobased polymers for barrier coatings is facing challenges despite the rapid technological advancements in bioplastics. Improving existing techniques and developing new nanocomposites hold promise for achieving better barrier qualities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Banu Bayram, Gulay Ozkan, Tina Kostka, Esra Capanoglu, Tuba Esatbeyoglu
Summary: Food packaging plays a crucial role in protecting food, reducing waste, and being environmentally friendly. Edible and functional food packaging could potentially serve as a sustainable alternative to non-degradable plastics, with innovative solutions such as biopolymers, biocomposites, and edible films.
Article
Polymer Science
Janani Muthukumar, Ramalingam Chidambaram
Summary: This study focuses on developing biodegradable nanocomposite films using seaweed as the base material and cellulose nanocrystals as reinforced filler. The results show that the nanocomposite films have improved properties such as decreased water absorption and water vapor permeability, better wettability, mechanical strength, antioxidant properties, and thermal analysis compared to traditional cling films. It suggests that cellulose nanocrystals can be effectively used as a functional filler to enhance the qualities of seaweed-based cling films.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Umair Qasim, Ahmed I. Osman, Ala'a H. Al-Muhtaseb, Charlie Farrell, Mohammed Al-Abri, Muzaffar Ali, Dai-Viet N. Vo, Farrukh Jamil, David W. Rooney
Summary: This article reviews the extraction of cellulose nanoparticles from lignocellulosic biomass and the preparation of cellulosic nanocomposites for food packaging. Cellulosic nanocomposites exhibit exceptional properties attributed to the nanoscale structure of cellulose, such as mechanical, biodegradation, optical, and barrier properties. The addition of cellulose nanoparticles improves the mechanical and barrier properties of the composites, with even a small percentage significantly impacting the performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Thi Phuong Thao Nguyen, Duc Vien Nguyen, Chi Nhan Ha Thuc, Quoc Bao Bui, Patrick Perre, Dang Mao Nguyen
Summary: Starch nanoparticles synthesized from native starch through the hydrolysis approach are considered potential reinforcers for sustainable biodegradable nanocomposites with poly(lactic)acid. These nanoparticles, which are mainly spherical in shape and distributed in sizes under 80 nm, are able to improve the interfaces between matrix polymer and starch nanoparticles, as well as enhance the thermal stability and mechanical properties of nanocomposites when homogeneously dispersed in the matrix polymer at high content.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Roberto Cardenas-Zapata, Diana Palma-Ramirez, Abelardo Flores-Vela, Miguel A. Dominguez-Crespo, Aide M. Torres-Huerta, Hector Dorantes-Rosales, Silvia B. Brachetti-Sibaja
Summary: This study focuses on the valorization of sawdust biomass to extract cellulose and recover hemicellulose and lignin. The proposed green method shows potential in producing a biomass rich in alpha-cellulose, which can have significant impact on the development of biodegradable thermoplastics. The type of biomass and pretreatment play a crucial role in determining the composition and properties of the extracted materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janira Romero, Rui M. S. Cruz, Alexandra Diez-Mendez, Irene Albertos
Summary: This study developed biodegradable pectin films with extracts from different berries wastes to monitor salmon shelf-life. The results showed that the blueberry extract film had better thickness, color, and opacity, while the raspberry films had the highest density. Blueberries were found to be the best for further application due to their composition in bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and color change at different pH levels. Salmon samples wrapped in blueberry films showed better preservation during storage. This study contributes to the valorization of berries agro-industrial waste by developing eco-friendly films as sustainable packaging alternatives to extend food shelf-life.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Eva Pasquier, Bruno D. Mattos, Hanna Koivula, Alexey Khakalo, Mohamed Naceur Belgacem, Orlando J. Rojas, Julien Bras
Summary: The study enhanced the barrier properties of biobased packaging using multilayer designs containing cellulose nanofibers, biobased wax, lignin particles, and chitin nanofibers. High oxygen and water vapor barriers, as well as UV barrier, were achieved, along with effective oil penetration resistance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Ravi S. Baghel, C. R. K. Reddy, Ravindra Pal Singh
Summary: This review summarizes and discusses cellulose extracted from various types of seaweeds, including content, extraction strategies, and cellulose-based products. Some seaweed species were found to have significant cellulose content (9-34% dry weight), and the properties of seaweed cellulose-based products were comparable to products prepared from plant-based cellulose.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Eden Shlush, Maya Davidovich-Pinhas
Summary: The food packaging industry is in urgent need of environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging materials. Current research focuses on improving the performance of natural biodegradable polymers, synthesizing new biodegradable polymers, improving the production of bio-based conventional polymers, and searching for new renewable sources.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dhwani Kansal, Muhammad Rabnawaz
Summary: The study developed a plastic-free paper coating derived from chitosan and sunflower oil, which can help alleviate the proliferation of microplastics in the ocean and other water bodies. The findings demonstrate that the paper coating performs well in reducing water and oil permeation and has microscopic changes on the paper surface.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Adriano Reis Prazeres Mascarenhas, Mario Vanoli Scatolino, Allan de Amorim dos Santos, Lais Bruno Norcino, Paulo Junio Duarte, Rafael Rodolfo de Melo, Matheus Cordazzo Dias, Caik Elisio Tonelli de Faria, Maressa Carvalho Mendonca, Gustavo Henrique Denzin Tonoli
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of cellulose micro/nanofibrils (MFC/NFC) on the properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films. The results showed that adding more than 50% MFC/NFC significantly improved the physical, barrier, and mechanical properties of the films, as well as reduced degradation in water.
NORDIC PULP & PAPER RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zaida Perez-Bassart, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Alcira Reyes, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Maria Jose Fabra
Summary: This study reports on the valorization of discarded mushroom biomass and waste produced during the extraction of β-glucan for the production of biodegradable films. The films obtained showed improved barrier properties compared to benchmark biopolymers and can be directly produced from fungal biomass.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hylenne Bojorges, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Marta Martinez-Sanz, Maria Dolores Rodrigo, Francisco Vilaplana, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Maria Jose Fabra
Summary: The effects of high hydrostatic pressure pre-treatment on the extraction of alginate from different algae species vary, but it can significantly increase the yield of alginate. In addition, the pre-treatment can also affect the M/G values and gelling properties of the extracted alginate.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zaida Perez-Bassart, Maria Jose Fabra, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Amparo Lopez-Rubio
Summary: This study applied a sequential fractionation protocol and detailed compositional analysis to investigate the extraction and content of beta-glucan in three different mushroom species. The results showed variations in beta-glucan content and distribution among the mushrooms, which provides valuable information for the rational design of extraction processes.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
D. A. Mendez, A. Martinez-Abad, M. Martinez-Sanz, A. Lopez-Rubio, M. J. Fabra
Summary: In this study, pectin extracts from watermelon rind were enzymatically treated and their potential for preparing hydrogels was evaluated. The results showed that the structural properties of pectin play a significant role in the formation of hydrogels.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zaida Perez-Bassart, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Alcira Reyes, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Maria Jose Fabra
Summary: This study reports on the valorization of discarded mushroom biomass and waste produced during the extraction of β-glucan for the production of biodegradable films. The films obtained showed improved barrier properties compared to benchmark biopolymers and can be directly produced from fungal biomass.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vera Cebrian-Lloret, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Marta Martinez-Sanz
Summary: This study explores the use of whole seaweed biomass for bio-based films in food packaging. The composition and cell wall structure of different agarophyte species were investigated to determine their impact on film performance. The results indicate the potential of red seaweed biomass for cost-effective and environmentally friendly food packaging materials.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
D. A. Mendez, B. Schroeter, A. Martinez-Abad, M. J. Fabra, P. Gurikov, A. Lopez-Rubio
Summary: Nanostructured pectin aerogels were prepared via sol-gel process and supercritical drying, and their properties were influenced by the structure and composition of pectin samples. The developed aerogels showed high specific surface areas and low bulk density. The affinity between pectin and vanillin played a role in the loading and release profile of vanillin in the aerogels. The results highlight the potential application of watermelon rind pectin as a carrier of active compounds in various fields.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Si-Qian Chen, Patricia Lopez-Sanchez, Deirdre Mikkelsen, Marta Martinez-Sanz, Zhaofeng Li, Shuyan Zhang, Elliot P. Gilbert, Lin Li, Michael J. Gidley
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hemicellulose-cellulose interactions on the anisotropic structure of the bacterial cellulose (BC) ribbon network. BC-arabinoxylan (BC-AX) and BC-mixed linkage glucan (BC-MLG) composites were prepared and their mechanical/rheological behavior was evaluated. The results showed that hemicelluloses had limited influence on the crystallinity of BC, but significantly affected the anisotropic behavior of BC hydrogels in compression and stress-relaxation tests.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Daniel A. Mendez, Irene Falco, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Gloria Sanchez, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Maria Jose Fabra
Summary: This study explores the development of food-grade antiviral coatings using persimmon by-products. The antiviral activity of different pectin extracts was compared, with polyphenol-rich extracts showing higher viral reductions. Active edible films were developed by mixing the polyphenol-rich extract with commercial citrus pectin. The films exhibited improved physicochemical properties and effectively reduced the infectivity of noroviruses and hepatitis A virus on blueberries.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Gustavo Velderrain-Rodriguez, Cynthia Fontes-Candia, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Marta Martinez-Sanz, Olga Martin-Belloso, Laura Salvia-Trujillo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the structural changes, lipolysis kinetics, and curcumin bioaccessibility of κ-carrageenan (KC) or agar (AG) emulsion gels (EG) and KC oil-filled aerogels (OAG) during in vitro digestion. The results showed that EG and aerogels released bulk oil and gelled material in the stomach phase, but the release was lower in EG-AG and OAG-KC compared to EG-KC. After small intestinal conditions, EG and oil-filled aerogels exhibited a wide range of particle sizes due to undigested lipid material and gelled structures. Adding curcumin to the lipid phase did not cause significant structural modifications during digestion. The lipolysis kinetics were slower and lower in κ-carrageenan emulsion gels compared to agar-based gels. Curcumin decreased the lipolysis in all structures and showed high bioaccessibility in intestinal fluids.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zaida Perez-Bassart, Alcira Reyes, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Maria Jose Fabra
Summary: This study aimed to produce bio-based and biodegradable films using Agaricus bisporus biomass residues. Two varieties of Agaricus bisporus, Abb and Abh, were characterized and Abh films showed better mechanical and barrier performance due to higher carbohydrate and lipid content. Processing conditions were optimized, and 110°C was selected as the optimum processing temperature. The resulting film was coated with beeswax to improve water vapor barrier performance.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Cynthia Fontes-Candia, Laura Diaz-Pinero, Juan Carlos Martinez, Laura G. Gomez-Mascaraque, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Marta Martinez-Sanz
Summary: This work investigated the nanostructural changes that occur during the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of polysaccharide-casein gel-like structures. The study found that the hydrolysis of casein during the gastric phase leads to the swelling of micellar structures and the formation of peptide clusters. The presence of sulphated polysaccharides limits the hydrolysis of casein and decreases the size of the formed clusters. After the intestinal phase, the peptidic fragments interact with bile salts, resulting in the formation of bile salt lamellae/micelles and vesicular structures. However, the presence of polysaccharides restricts the formation of vesicular structures and hinders the formation of bile salt lamellae/micelles.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hylenne Bojorges, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Maria Jose Fabra
Summary: This review discusses different strategies used to extract alginate from brown algae, including pre-treatment methods before extraction. The parameters of the extraction process significantly impact the quality and yield of alginate, while innovative technologies have the potential to enhance extraction capacity and improve process efficiency, promoting environmental friendliness. Current research efforts are focused on achieving sustainable alginate production and co-production of other high-value products.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vera Cebrian-Lloret, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Marta Martinez-Sanz
Summary: In this study, three different red seaweed species were used to produce agar-based fractions, and their composition and gel-forming properties were evaluated. The results showed that alkaline pretreatment effectively removed impurities, and the presence of semi-crystalline agaropectin contributed to the formation of denser and stronger hydrogel networks with better mechanical properties.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sung-Yeoul Kim, Vikash Chandra Roy, Jin-Seok Park, Byung-Soo Chun
Summary: This study aims to extract functional substances from Undaria pinnatiida sporophyll using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and subcritical water extraction (SWE). The results showed that the consecutive green extraction method can yield extracts rich in fucoxanthin and beta-carotene, and the sporophyll of Undaria pinnatiida contains health-beneficial fatty acids. Additionally, SWE can extract substances with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihypertensive activities.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2024)