Work

Biodegradable polymers and green-based antimicrobial packaging materials: A mini-review

Year: 2019

Type: review

Abstract: Recently, the demands for biodegradable and renewable materials for packaging applications have increased tremendously. This rise in demand is connected to the growing environmental concerns over the extensive use of synthetic and non-biodegradable polymeric packaging, polyethylene in particular. The performance of biodegradable polymers is discussed in this review, with a particular focus on the blends of starch and other polymers. Furthermore, in food packaging industry, microbial activities are of great concern. Therefore, incorporation of antimicrobial agents or polymers to produce barrier-enhanced or active packaging materials provides an attractive option for protecting food from microorganism development and spread. Additionally, the barrier, mechanical and other properties of biodegradable polymers are discussed. Lastly, the existing and potential applications for bioactive coatings on antimicrobial packaging materials are also addressed.

Source: Advanced Industrial and Engineering Polymer Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.aiepr.2019.11.002

Authors: Yajie Zhong, Patrick Godwin, Yongcan Jin, Huining Xiao

Institutions: Nanjing Forestry University, University of New Brunswick

Language: English

Topic: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada