PBAT films with cellulose nanostructures treated with essential oils encapsulated for active packaging

Abstract

Given the growing need of the food packaging industry regarding antimicrobial properties to increase food safety and quality, this project aims at the production of flexible polymeric biodegradable films through the encapsulation and controlled release of active ingredients present in oils essential. For this encapsulation, a system consisting of cellulose nanostructures/surfactants will be used, so that they allow obtaining micelles that facilitate its dispersion and incorporation into biodegradable films. The cellulose nanostructures (CNs) will be obtained using alkaline treatment of eucalyptus residues, in a reactor under controlled pressure and temperature, and followed by ball milling insulation. The CNs will be activated with three active principles, limonene, cinnamic aldehyde and linalool, present in different essential oils, for the formation of micelles using polysorbate 80 (TWEEN 80) surfactant in an aqueous medium. The polymer films, reinforced with the encapsulated systems, will be prepared by casting, with ultrasonic tip dispersion to guarantee a homogeneous material, in concentrations up to 10% by mass, to obtain the nanocomposites. The NCs and the active principles will be individually characterized, and the films will be evaluated for the controlled release of micelles and their antimicrobial effectiveness. The CNs and the active principles will be individually characterized, and the films prepared will be evaluated in relation to the controlled release of the micelles and their antimicrobial effectiveness. Together, the mechanical, thermal and structural properties of the films, as well as their biodegradation process in the soil in the post-use process will be studied, to enable its application as a commercial product. (AU)