Development of nanocomposites with active principles added as nanoemulsion

Abstract

In overall, the gelatin-based films present good mechanical resistance, however it's constituted poor water vapor barrier. An alternative to improve the properties of these films could be the use of nanoparticles as charge of reinforcement, producing a material so called as nanocomposites (Lagarón et al., 2005). Moreover, it can be suggested that the films based on biopolymers reinforced with nanoparticles can be interesting for the development of active packaging, either due to the antimicrobial character, such as for the films developed for Rhim et al. (2006), either due to the control of the inside atmosphere of the packaging, as a function of the nanocomposites permeability to the gas, the water vapor and the ethylene. By definition, a packaging can be considered as active when it have the property to select, to gradually liberate, to absorb or to transform a component or a gas (Gontard, 2000). But, the perfect retention of the active component in the biopolymeric matrix during the processing of films, and its controlled release during their application as food packaging, can be improved if the active principle, normally non polar and hydrophobic component can be dispersed in water as a nanoemulsion. Thus, the specific objective of this project of post-doctor is to continue the development of nanocomposites films based on gelatin and activated with active principles applied as nanoemulsions. The post-doc candidate will collaborate in the supervision of theses in this context, and will act as a manager of the project, beyond carrying its research activities.