Development and characterization of novel nanobiocomposites containing various nanofillers to improve barrier and other physical properties of interest in food packaging and coating applications

Abstract

The development of novel biobased materials with tailored properties for food biopackaging applications is a topic of significant interest within academic and industrial laboratories. The current PhD thesis deals with the development and characterization of novel biocomposites and nanobiocomposites of biopolyesters, polysaccharides and proteins containing different micro and nanoadditives. The main aim of the work was to provide novel solutions, making use to the extent possible of natural additives, to enhance the gas and vapour barrier properties of the various biopolymers while retaining the good properties of the matrix and even adding novel functionalities such as antimicrobial character. The transport of low molecular weitght compounds through polymeric materials, i.e. the so-called barrier properties, is known to be a significant limiting factor for the widespread application of biopolymers in packaging, coating and membrane applications. To that end, different micro and nanobiocomposites were formulated which contained as reinforcing elements food contact complying nanoclays, amylopectin, natural extracts, carbon nanofibers and nanotubes, cellulose microfibers and cellulose nanowhiskers. From the work novel biocomposites were developed which exhibited enhanced gas, vapour and UV light barrier and which simultaneously were able to provide controlled release of natural antimicrobials. These new property balanced composites can have significant potential in the design of novel biopackaging and biocoating materials.